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A Linear Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics Approach to Optimization of Thermoelectric Devices

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Thermoelectric Nanomaterials

Part of the book series: Springer Series in Materials Science ((SSMATERIALS,volume 182))

Abstract

Improvement of thermoelectric systems in terms of performance and range of applications relies on progress in materials science and optimization of device operation. In this chapter, we focus on optimization by taking into account the interaction of the system with its environment. For this purpose, we consider the illustrative case of a thermoelectric generator coupled to two temperature baths via heat exchangers characterized by a thermal resistance, and we analyze its working conditions. Our main message is that both electrical and thermal impedance matching conditions must be met for optimal device performance. Our analysis is fundamentally based on linear nonequilibrium thermodynamics using the force-flux formalism. An outlook on mesoscopic systems is also given.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    For convenience, Callen formulates the postulates of thermodynamics only for simple systems, defined as systems that are large enough, macroscopically homogeneous, isotropic and uncharged; the surface effects can be neglected, and no external electric, magnetic, or gravitational fields acts on these systems.

  2. 2.

    One may imagine for instance two separate homogeneous systems initially prepared at two different temperatures and then put in thermal contact through a thin diathermal wall. The thermalization process will trigger a flow of energy from on system to the other.

  3. 3.

    One may see an analogy with a classical gas expansion.

  4. 4.

    This time reversal symmetry is broken under the application of Coriolis or magnetic forces.

  5. 5.

    An analogue situation would be considering a steam engine without any boiling walls.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire CRISMAT, UMR 6508 CNRS, ENSICAEN et Université de Caen Basse Normandie, 6 Boulevard Maréchal Juin, F-14050 , Caen, France

    Henni Ouerdane, Christophe Goupil & Adel Abbout

  2. Sorbonne Paris Cité, Institut des Energies de Demain (IED), Université Paris Diderot, 75205, Paris, France

    Henni Ouerdane & Christophe Goupil

  3. Institut d’Electronique Fondamentale, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, UMR 8622, F-91405 , Orsay, France

    Yann Apertet

  4. CNRT Matériaux UMS CNRS 3318, 6 Boulevard Maréchal Juin, F-14050, Caen Cedex, France

    Aurélie Michot

Authors
  1. Henni Ouerdane
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  2. Christophe Goupil
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  3. Yann Apertet
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  4. Aurélie Michot
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  5. Adel Abbout
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Christophe Goupil .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan

    Kunihito Koumoto

  2. National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba, Japan

    Takao Mori

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Ouerdane, H., Goupil, C., Apertet, Y., Michot, A., Abbout, A. (2013). A Linear Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics Approach to Optimization of Thermoelectric Devices. In: Koumoto, K., Mori, T. (eds) Thermoelectric Nanomaterials. Springer Series in Materials Science, vol 182. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-37537-8_14

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