Proposing a procedure for multi-objective optimization of cascade thermoelectric coolers to achieve maximum cooling capacity and COP

Abstract

A novel approach is proposed for optimal designing two-stage thermoelectric coolers using the biogeography-based optimization algorithm. For the comprehensiveness of the research, both types of two-stage coolers, including electrically serial and separated stages, have been investigated. Using the proposed procedure, first by selecting the most important performance parameters of the cooler, i.e. COP and the cooling capacity as objective functions, the efficiency and the validity of the approach are proved by comparing the results with results of the previous researchers. In all the examined cases, the proposed approach has led to the enhancing of the cooler performance. The results of single-objective optimization showed that using the proposed method, the cooling capacity and COP can be improved up to 17 % and 8.5 % compared to the previous designs, respectively. In the following, multi-objective optimization of thermoelectric coolers is conducted, taking into account both the objectives of the COP and the cooling capacity. Finally, Pareto optimal solutions and the exergetic efficiency of the optimized cooler were calculated for different values of the weight factor of the multi-objective function. The results of multi-objective optimization showed that by increasing the COP weight factor in the objective function, the exergetic efficiency of the refrigeration system enhances.