Numerical Analysis of Efficiency Parameters of Thermoelectric Generator for Low-potential Heat Recovery

Abstract

In this paper, we analyzed the utilization of low-potential heat with the help of automotive thermoelectric generators (ATEGs). With the introduction of ATEG in cars, this device will reduce the amount of exhaust gases and increase the environmental class of this car. However, to date, the effectiveness of this technology is small in comparison with competitive "green technologies". To improve the characteristics of ATEG, a computer model of the thermoelectric generator TEG was created. A system of differential equations is used to describe thermal, electrical and mechanical processes. The distribution of mechanical stresses and their dependence on temperature were studied using a standard module. Further, we analyzed the adequacy of this mathematical model, by comparing the powers of the calculated and real working devices. The relative error did not exceed 7.8%, the calculated efficiency factor was 8%. In this study, it is proposed to increase the efficiency of the thermoelectric module by several times. This study is devoted to the increased efficiency that can be achieved by replacing the material of the module legs with a nanostructured material with improved thermoelectric properties and by geometric changes in the leg of the generator module. The development and analysis of the model is of great interest for the improvement of new TEG and ATEG.