Maximization of generated electric power in the TEG module at various heat exchange conditions

Abstract

Thermoelectric generators using the Seebeck effect to generate electricity are increasingly used in various areas of human activity, especially in cases where a cheap high-temperature heat source is available. Despite many advantages, TEG generators have one major disadvantage: very low efficiency of heat conversion into electrical power which strongly depends on the applied load resistance. There is a maximum of generated power between the short and the open circuit in which it is zero. That is why optimization of TEG modules is particularly important. In this paper a method of maximization of generated power in a single TEG module is presented for two cases. The first case concerns a problem with fixed heat flux flow into the hot side of the module whereas the second one concerns a problem with fixed heat transfer parameters in hot heat exchanger i.e. supply gas temperature and heat transfer coefficient. A number of optimization results performed for various values of these parameters are presented and discussed.