Abstract
Thermoelectric effect is the most efficient way to convert electric energy directly from the temperature gradient. Thermoelectric effect-based power generation, cooling and heating devices are solid-stated, environmentally friendly, reliable, long-lived, easily maintainable, and easy to achieve miniaturization and integration. So they have unparalleled advantages in the aerospace, vehicle industry, waste heat recovery, electronic cooling, etc. This paper reviews the progress in thermodynamic analyses and optimizations for single- and multiple-element, single- and multiple-stage, and combined thermoelectric generators, thermoelectric refrigerators and thermoelectric heat pumps, especially in the aspects of non-equilibrium thermodynamics and finite time thermodynamics. It also discusses the developing trends of thermoelectric devices, such as the heat sources of thermoelectric generators, multi-stage thermoelectric devices, combined thermoelectric devices, and heat transfer enhancement of thermoelectric devices.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Di Salvo F J. Thermoelectric cooling and power generation. Science, 1999, 285: 703–706
Riffat S B, Ma X. Thermoelectrics: A review of present and potential applications. Appl Therm Eng, 2003, 23: 913–935
Thomas J P, Qidwai M A, Kellogg J C. Energy scavenging for small-scale unmanned systems. J Power Sources, 2006, 159: 1494–1509
Riffat S B, Qiu G. Comparative investigation of thermoelectric airconditioners versus vapour compression and absorption air-conditioners. Appl Therm Eng, 2004, 24: 1979–1993
Atik K. Thermoeconomic Optimization in the Design of Thermoelectric Cooler. Turkiye: Karabuk, 2009
Brown D R, Fernandez N, Dirks J A, et al. The prospects of alternatives to vapor compression technology for space cooling and food refrigeration applications. U.S. Department of Energy, 2010
Heremans J P, Jovovic V, Toberer E S, et al. Enhancement of thermoelectric efficiency in PbTe by distortion of the electronic density of states. Science, 2008, 321: 554–557
Nolas G S, Sharp J, Goldsmid H J. Thermoelectrics: Basic Principles and New Material Developments. Berlin: Springer, 2001
Bell L E. Cooling, heating, generating power, and recovering waste heat with thermoelectric systems. Science, 2008, 321: 1457–1461
Riffat S B, Ma X. Improving the coefficient of performance of thermoelectric cooling systems: a review. Int J Energ Res, 2004, 28: 753–768
Wisniewski S, Staniszewski B, Szymanik R. Thermodynamics of Nonequilibrium Processes. California: D. Reidel Pub. Co, 1976
Bejan A. Advanced Engineering Thermodynamics. New York: Wiley, 1988
Andresen B. Recent Advances in Thermodynamics Research Including Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics. Nagpur: Nagpur University, 2008
Curzon F L, Ahlborn B. Efficiency of a Carnot engine at maximum power output. American J Phys, 1975, 43: 22–24
Andresen B. Finite-Time Thermodynamics. Copenhagen: Physics Laboratory II, University of Copenhagen, 1983
Bejan A. Entropy Generation Minimization. Boca Raton FL: CRC Press, 1996
Berry R S, Kazakov V A, Sieniutycz S, et al. Thermodynamic Optimization of Finite Time Processes. Chichester: Wiley, 1999
Chen L G, Sun F R. Advances in Finite Time Thermodynamics: Analysis and Optimization. New York: Nova Science Publishers, 2004
De Vos A. Thermodynamics of Solar Energy Conversion. Berlin: Wiley, 2008
Sieniutycz S, Jezowski J. Energy Optimization in Process Systems. Oxford: Elsevier, 2009
Andresen B. Current trends in finite-time thermodynamics. Angew Chem Int Edition, 2011, 50: 2690–2704
Feidt M. Thermodynamics of energy systems and processes: A review and perspectives. J Appl Fluid Mech, 2012, 5: 85–98
Wang J, He J Z, Mao Z. Performance of a quantum heat engine cycle working with harmonic oscillator systems. Sci China Ser G-Phys Mech Astron, 2007, 50: 163–176
Song H J, Chen L G, Sun F R. Optimal configuration of a class of endoreversible heat engines for maximum efficiency with radiative heat transfer law. Sci China Ser G-Phys Mech Astron, 2008, 51: 1272–1286
Xia D, Chen L G, Sun F R. Optimal performance of a generalized irreversible four-reservoir isothermal chemical potential transformer. Sci China Ser B-Chem, 2008, 51: 958–970
Li J, Chen L G, Sun F R. Optimal configuration for a finite hightemperature source heat engine cycle with complex heat transfer law. Sci China Ser G-Phys Mech Astron, 2009, 52: 587–592
Xia S J, Chen L G, Sun F R. Optimal path of piston motion for Otto cycle with linear phenomenological heat transfer law. Sci China Ser G-Phys Mech Astron, 2009, 52: 708–719
Xia S J, Chen L G, Sun F R. Maximum power output of a class of irreversible non-regeneration heat engines with a non-uniform working fluid and linear phenomenological heat transfer law. Sci China Ser G-Phys Mech Astron, 2009, 52: 1961–1970
He J Z, He X, Tang W. The performance characteristics of an irreversible quantum Otto harmonic cycles. Sci China Ser G-Phys Mech Astron, 2009, 52: 1317–1323
Liu X W, Chen L G, Wu F, et al. Ecological optimization of an irreversible harmonic oscillators Carnot heat engine. Sci China Ser G-Phys Mech Astron, 2009, 52: 1976–1988
Ding Z M, Chen L G, Sun F R. Thermodynamic characteristic of a Brownian heat pump in a spatially periodic temperature field. Sci China-Phys Mech Astron, 2010, 53: 876–885
Ge Y L, Chen L G, Sun F R. Optimal paths of piston motion of irreversible Otto cycle heat engines for minimum entropy generation (in Chinese). Sci Sin-Phys Mech Astron, 2010, 40: 1115–1129
Ding Z M, Chen L G, Sun F R. Modeling and performance analysis of energy selective electron (ESE) engine with heat leakage and transmission probability. Sci China-Phys Mech Astron, 2011, 54: 1925–1936
Shu L W, Chen L G, Sun F R. The minimal average heat consumption for heat-driven binary separation process with linear phenomenological heat transfer law. Sci China Ser-B Chem, 2009, 52: 1154–1163
Ma K, Chen L G, Sun F R. Optimal paths for a light-driven engine with linear phenomenological heat transfer law. Sci China Chem, 2010, 53: 917–926
Xia S J, Chen L G, Sun F R. Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equations and dynamic programming for power-optimization of multistage heat engine system with generalized convective heat transfer law. Chin Sci Bull, 2011, 56: 1147–1157
Yamashita O, Odahara H, Satou K. Energy conversion efficiency of a thermoelectric generator under the periodically alternating temperature gradients. J Appl Phys, 2007, 101: 23704–23708
Yamashita O. Effect of linear temperature dependence of thermoelectric properties on energy conversion efficiency. Energ Convers Manage, 2008, 49: 3163–3169
Yamashita O. Resultant Seebeck coefficient formulated by combining the Thomson effect with the intrinsic Seebeck coefficient of a thermoelectric element. Energ Convers Manage, 2009, 50: 2394–2399
Yamashita O. Effect of linear and non-linear components in the temperature dependences of thermoelectric properties on the energy conversion efficiency. Energ Convers Manage, 2009, 50: 1968–1975
D’Angelo J J. Low Resistance Contacts to Thermoelectric Materials. Michigan: Michigan State University, 2006
McCarty R G. Thermal switching to improve time-averaged efficiency of thermoelectric energy harvesting. Dissertation of Doctor Degree. Ohio: University of Dayton, 2007
Meng F K. Finite time thermodynamic analyses and optimizations for a variety of thermoelectric devices. Dissertation of Doctor Degree. Wuhan: Naval University of Engineering, 2011
Gordon J M. Generalized power versus efficiency characteristics of heat engines: The thermoelectric generator as an instructive illustration. Am J Phys, 1991, 59: 551–555
Gordon J M. A response to Yan and Chen’s “Comment on ‘Generalized power versus efficiency characteristics of heat engines: The thermoelectric generator as an instructive illustration”’. Am J Phys, 1993, 61: 381
Yan Z, Chen J. Comment on “Generalized power versus efficiency characteristics of heat engines: The thermoelectric generator as an instructive illustration,” by J. M. Gordon. American J Phys, 1993, 61: 380
Esarte J, Min G, Rowe D M. Modelling heat exchangers for thermoelectric generators. J Power Sources, 2001, 93: 72–76
Nuwayhid R Y, Moukalled F, Noueihed N. On entropy generation in thermoelectric devices. Energ Convers Manage, 2000, 41: 891–914
Chen L G, Gong J Z, Sun F R, et al. Effect of heat transfer on the performance of thermoelectric generators. Int J Therm Sci, 2002, 41: 95–99
Chen L G, Sun F R, Wu C. Heat transfer surface area optimization for a thermoelectric generator. Int J Ambient Energ, 2007, 28: 135–142
Chen L G, Sun F R, Wu C. Thermoelectric-generator with linear phenomenological heat-transfer law. Appl Energ, 2005, 81: 358–364
Yilbas B S, Sahin A Z. Thermoelectric device and optimum external load parameter and slenderness ratio. Energy, 2010, 35: 5380–5384.
Meng F K, Chen L G, Sun F R. Performance characteristics of the multielement thermoelectric generator with radiative heat transfer law. Int J Sustain Energ, 2011, 31: 119–131
Rodriguez A, Vin J G, Astrain D, et al. Study of thermoelectric systems applied to electric power generation. Energ Convers Manage, 2009, 50: 1236–1243
Xuan X C. Investigation of thermal contact effect on thermoelectric coolers. Energ Convers Manage, 2003, 44: 399–410
Yamashita O. Effect of temperature dependence of electrical resistivity on the cooling performance of a single thermoelectric element. Appl Energ, 2008, 85: 1002–1014
Yamashita O. Effect of linear and non-linear components in the temperature dependences of thermoelectric properties on the cooling performance. Appl Energ, 2009, 86: 1746–1756
Huang B J, Chin C J, Duang C L. A design method of thermoelectric cooler. Int J Refrig, 2000, 23: 208–218
Huang B J, Duang C L. System dynamic model and temperature control of a thermoelectric cooler. Int J Refrig, 2000, 23: 197–207
Xuan X C, Ng K C, Yap C, et al. Optimization and thermodynamic understanding of conduction-cooled Peltier current leads. Cryogenics, 2002, 42: 141–145
Yang R, Chen G, Kumar A R, et al. Transient cooling of thermoelectric coolers and its applications for microdevices. Energ Convers Manage, 2005, 46: 1407–1421
Cheng Y, Lin W. Geometric optimization of thermoelectric coolers in a confined volume using genetic algorithms. Appl Therm Eng, 2005, 25: 2983–2997
Tan F L, Fok S C. Methodology on sizing and selecting thermoelectric cooler from different TEC manufacturers in cooling system design. Energ Convers Manage, 2008, 49: 1715–1723
Tan F L, Fok S C. Development of a multi-vendor software to size and select TEC. Appl Therm Eng, 2008, 28: 835–846
Huang M, Yen R, Wang A. The influence of the Thomson effect on the performance of a thermoelectric cooler. Int J Heat Mass Transfer, 2005, 48: 413–418
Vikhor L N, Anatychuk L I. Theoretical evaluation of maximum temperature difference in segmented thermoelectric coolers. Appl Therm Eng, 2006, 26: 1692–1696
Gutierrez F, Mendez F. Entropy generation minimization of a thermoelectric cooler. Open Thermodyn J, 2008, 2: 71–81
Chen L G, Gong J Z, Shen L G, et al. Theoretical analysis and experimental confirmation for the performance of thermoelectric refrigerator. J Non-Equil Thermody, 2001, 26: 85–92
Xuan X C. Optimum design of a thermoelectric device. Semic Sci Tech, 2002, 17: 114–119
Luo J, Chen L G, Sun F R, et al. Optimum allocation of heat transfer surface area for cooling load and COP optimization of a thermoelectric refrigerator. Energ Convers Manage, 2003, 44: 3197–3206
Riffat S B, Qiu G Q. Design and characterization of a cylindrical, water-cooled heat sink for thermoelectric air-conditioners. Int J Energ Res, 2006, 30: 67–80
Chen L G, Li J, Sun F R, et al. Optimum allocation of heat transfer surface area for heating load and COP optimisation of a thermoelectric heat pump. Int J Ambient Energ, 2007, 28: 189–196
Riffat S B, Ma X. Optimum selection (design) of thermoelectric modules for large capacity heat pump applications. Int J Energ Res, 2004, 28: 1231–1242
Riffat S B, Ma X, Qiu G. Experimentation of a novel thermoelectric heat pump system. Int J Ambient Energ, 2004, 25: 177–186
Riffat S B, Ma X, Wilson R. Performance simulation and experimental testing of a novel thermoelectric heat pump system. Appl Therm Eng, 2006, 26: 494–501
Junior C, Chen G, Koehler J. Modeling of a new recuperative thermoelectric cycle for a tumble dryer. Int J Heat Mass Trans, 2012, 55: 1536–1543
Yu J, Zhao H. A numerical model for thermoelectric generator with the parallel-plate heat exchanger. J Power Sources, 2007, 172: 428–434
Niu X, Yu J, Wang S. Experimental study on low-temperature waste heat thermoelectric generator. J Power Sources, 2009, 188: 621–626
Chen M, Rosendahl L A, Condra T. A three-dimensional numerical model of thermoelectric generators in fluid power systems. Int J Heat Mass Transfer, 2011, 54: 345–355
Meng F K, Chen L G, Sun F R. A numerical model and comparative investigation of a thermoelectric generator with multi-irreversibilities. Energy, 2011, 26: 3513–3522
Suter C, Tomeš P, Weidenkaff A, et al. A solar cavity-receiver packed with an array of thermoelectric converter modules. Sol Energy, 2011, 85: 1511–1518
Naito H, Kohsaka Y, Cooke D, et al. Development of a solar receiver for a high-efficiency thermionic-thermoelectric conversion system. Sol Energy, 1996, 58: 191–195
Singh R, Tundee S, Akbarzadeh A. Electric power generation from solar pond using combined thermosyphon and thermoelectric modules. Sol Energy, 2011, 85: 371–378
El-Genk M S, Saber H H. Performance analysis of cascaded thermoelectric converters for advanced radioisotope power systems. Energ Convers Manage, 2005, 46: 1083–1105
Brien R C O, Ambrosi R M, Bannister N P, et al. Safe radioisotope thermoelectric generators and heat sources for space applications. J Nucl Mater, 2008, 377: 506–521
Whalen S A, Apblett C A, Aselage T L. Improving power density and efficiency of miniature radioisotopic thermoelectric generators. J Power Sources, 2008, 180: 657–663
Qiu K, Hayden A C S. Development of a thermoelectric self-powered residential heating system. J Power Sources, 2008, 180: 884–889
Crane D T, Bell L E. Design to maximize performance of a thermoelectric power generator with a dynamic thermal power source. T ASME J Energ Res Tech, 2009, 131: 12401–12408
Behrens D A, Lee I C, Waits C M. Catalytic combustion of alcohols for microburner applications. J Power Sources, 2010, 326: 11–26
Champier D, Bdcarrats J P, Kousksou T, et al. Study of a TE (thermoelectric) generator incorporated in a multifunction wood stove. Energy, 2011, 36: 1518–1526
Jiang L Q, Zhao D Q, Guo C M, et al. Experimental study of a plat-flame micro combustor burning DME for thermoelectric power generation. Energ Convers Manage, 2011, 52: 596–602
Wang F, Zhou J, Wang G, et al. Simulation on thermoelectric device with hydrogen catalytic combustion. Int J Hydrogen Energ, 2012, 37: 884–888
Sivapurapu S V K. Preliminary Design of a Cryogenic Thermoelectric Generator. University of North Texas: North Texas, 2007
Sun W, Hu P, Chen Z, et al. Performance of cryogenic thermoelectric generators in cold energy utilization. Energ Convers Manage, 2005, 46: 789–796
Hartsig A T. Thermoelectric conversion of waste heat to electricity in an IC engine powered vehicle: An engine modeling approach. Michigan: Michigan State University, 2008
Yu C, Chau K T. Thermoelectric automotive waste heat energy recovery using maximum power point tracking. Energ Convers Manage, 2009, 50: 1506–1512
Hsiao Y Y, Chang W C, Chen S L. A mathematic model of thermoelectric module with applications on waste heat recovery from automobile engine. Energy, 2010, 35: 1447–1454
Hsu C, Huang G, Chu H, et al. Experiments and simulations on low-temperature waste heat harvesting system by thermoelectric power generators. Appl Energ, 2011, 88: 1291–1297
Astrain D, Vián J G, Martinez A, et al. Study of the influence of heat exchangers’ thermal resistances on a thermoelectric generation system. Energy, 2010, 35: 602–610
Chen M, Lund H, Rosendahl L A, et al. Energy efficiency analysis and impact evaluation of the application of thermoelectric power cycle to today’s CHP systems. Appl Energ, 2010, 87: 1231–1238
Gou X, Xiao H, Yang S. Modeling, experimental study and optimization on low-temperature waste heat thermoelectric generator system. Appl Energ, 2010, 87: 3131–3136
Meng F K, Chen L G, Sun F R. Thermoelectric power generation driven by blast furnace slag flushing water. Energy, 2014, 66: 965–972
Chen L G, Li J, Sun F R, et al. Performance optimization of a two-stage semiconductor thermoelectric-generator. Appl Energ, 2005, 82: 300–312
Meng F K, Chen L G, Sun F R. Performance characteristics analysis and optimization of multistage combined thermoelectric generators (in Chinese). J Therm Sci Tech, 2010, 9: 317–325.
Suzuki R O, Tanaka D. Mathematic simulation on thermoelectric power generation with cylindrical multi-tubes. J Power Sources, 2003, 122: 201–209
Suzuki R O, Tanaka D. Mathematical simulation of thermoelectric power generation with the multi-panels. J Power Sources, 2003, 124: 293–298
Suzuki R O. Mathematic simulation on power generation by roll cake type of thermoelectric double cylinders. J Power Sources, 2004, 124: 293–298
Suzuki R O, Tanaka D. Mathematic simulation on power generation by roll cake type of thermoelectric tubes. J Power Sources, 2004, 133: 277–285
Xiong B, Chen L G, Meng F K, et al. Modeling and performance analysis of a two-stage thermoelectric energy harvesting system from blast furnace slag water waste heat. Energy, 2014, 77: 562–569
Xuan X C, Ng K C, Yap C, et al. Optimization of two-stage thermoelectric coolers with two design configurations. Energ Convers Manage, 2002, 43: 2041–2052
Xuan X C, Ng K C, Yap C, et al. The maximum temperature difference and polar characteristic of two-stage thermoelectric coolers. Cryogenics, 2002, 42: 273–278
Cheng Y, Shih C. Maximizing the cooling capacity and cop of twostage thermoelectric coolers through genetic algorithm. Appl Therm Eng, 2006, 26: 937–947
Chen L G, Li J, Sun F R, et al. Effect of heat transfer on the performance of two-stage semiconductor thermoelectric refrigerators. J Appl Phys, 2005, 98: 34507
Chen L G, Li J, Sun F R. Heat transfer effect on optimal performance of two-stage thermoelectric heat pumps. P I Mech Eng C-J Mec, 2007, 221: 1635–1642
Chen L G, Li J, Sun F R, et al. Performance optimization for a twostage thermoelectric heat-pump with internal and external irreversibilities. Appl Energ, 2008, 85: 641–649
Yu J, Zhao H, Xie K. Analysis of optimum configuration of twostage thermoelectric modules. Cryogenics, 2007, 47: 89–93
Li K, Liang R, Wei Z. Analysis of performance and optimum configuration of two-stage semiconductor thermoelectric module. Chin Phys B, 2008; 17: 1349
Yu J, Wang B. Enhancing the maximum coefficient of performance of thermoelectric cooling modules using internally cascaded thermoelectric couples. Int J Refrig, 2009, 32: 32–39
Cheng T, Cheng C, Huang Z, et al. Development of an energysaving module via combination of solar cells and thermoelectric coolers for green building applications. Energy, 2011, 36: 133–140
Dai Y J, Wang R Z, Ni L. Experimental investigation on a thermoelectric refrigerator driven by solar cells. Renew Energ, 2003, 28: 949–959
Abdul-Wahab S A, Elkamel A, Al-Damkhi A M, et al. Design and experimental investigation of portable solar thermoelectric refrigerator. Renew Energ, 2009, 34: 30–34
Xuan X C, Li D. Optimization of a combined thermionic-thermoelectric generator. J Power Sources, 2003, 115: 167–170
Muhtaroglu A, Yokochi A, Von Jouanne A. Integration of thermoelectrics and photovoltaics as auxiliary power sources in mobile computing applications. J Power Sources, 2008, 177: 239–246
Zhang X, Chau K T. An automotive thermoelectric–photovoltaic hybrid energy system using maximum power point tracking. Energ Convers Manage 2011, 52: 641–647
van Sark W G J H M. Feasibility of photovoltaic-thermoelectric hybrid modules. Appl Energ, 2011, 88: 2785–2790
Vián J G, Astrain D. Development of a hybrid refrigerator combining thermoelectric and vapor compression technologies. Appl Therm Eng, 2009, 29: 3319–3327
Khattab N M, Shenawy E T E. Optimal operation of thermoelectric cooler driven by solar thermoelectric generator. Energ Convers Manage, 2006, 47: 407–426
Chen X, Lin B, Chen J. The parametric optimum design of a new combined system of semiconductor thermoelectric devices. Appl Energ, 2006, 83: 681–686
Meng F K, Chen L G, Sun F R. Performance optimization for twostage thermoelectric refrigerator system driven by two-stage thermoelectric generator. Cryogenics, 2009, 49: 57–65
Meng F K, Chen L G, Sun F R. Performance analysis for two-stage TEC system driven by two-stage TEG obeying Newton’s heat transfer law. Math Compu Modell, 2010, 52: 586–595
Meng F K, Chen L G, Sun F R. Multivariable optimization of twostage thermoelectric refrigerator driven by two-stage thermoelectric generator with external heat transfer. Indian J Pure Appl Physics, 2010, 48: 731–742
Chen L G, Meng F K, Sun F R. Effect of heat transfer on the performance of thermoelectric generator-driven thermoelectric refrigerator system. Cryogenics, 2012, 52: 58–65
Chen L G, Meng F K, Sun F R. A novel configuration and performance for a two-stage thermoelectric heat pump system driven by a two-stage thermoelectric generator. P I Mech Eng A-J Pow, 2009, 223: 329–339
Chen L G, Meng F K, Sun F R. Effect of heat transfer on the performance of a thermoelectric heat pump driven by a thermoelectric generator. Rev Mex Fis, 2009, 55: 282–291
Yadav A, Pipe K P, Shtein M. Fiber-based flexible thermoelectric power generator. J Power Sources, 2008, 175: 909–913
Huang H S, Weng Y C, Chang Y W, et al. Thermoelectric watercooling device applied to electronic equipment. Int Communic Heat Mass Trans, 2010, 37: 140–146
Meng F K, Chen L G, Sun F R. Performance prediction and irreversibility analysis of a thermoelectric refrigerator with finned heat exchanger. Acta Phys Pol A, 2011, 120: 397–406
Nuwayhid R Y, Shihadeh A, Ghaddar N. Development and testing of a domestic woodstove thermoelectric generator with natural convection cooling. Energ Convers Manage, 2005, 46: 1631–1643
Chang Y, Chang C, Ke M, et al. Thermoelectric air-cooling module for electronic devices. Appl Therm Eng, 2009, 29: 2731–2737
Cosnier M, Fraisse G, Luo L. An experimental and numerical study of a thermoelectric air-cooling and air-heating system. Int J Refrig, 2008, 31: 1051–1062
Zhang H Y, Mui Y C, Tarin M. Analysis of thermoelectric cooler performance for high power electronic packages. Appl Therm Eng, 2010, 30: 561–568
Jie L, Li T, Guo K, He Z. Experimental investigation on a novel method for set point temperature controlling of the active two-phase cooling loop. Int J Refrig, 2008, 31: 1391–1397
He W, Su Y, Riffat S B, et al. Parametrical analysis of the design and performance of a solar heat pipe thermoelectric generator unit. Appl Energ, 2011, 88: 5083–5089
He W, Su Y, Wang Y Q, et al. A study on incorporation of thermoelectric modules with evacuated-tube heat-pipe solar collectors. Renew Energ, 2012, 37: 142–149
Omer S A, Riffat S B, Ma X. Experimental investigation of a thermoelectric refrigeration system employing a phase change material integrated with thermal diode (thermosyphons). Appl Therm Eng, 2001, 21: 1265–1271
Vián J G, Astrain D. Development of a heat exchanger for the cold side of a thermoelectric module. Appl Therm Eng, 2008, 28: 1514–1521
Vián J G, Astrain D. Development of a thermoelectric refrigerator with two-phase thermosyphons and capillary lift. Appl Therm Eng, 2009, 29: 1935–1940
Miljkovic N, Wang E N. Modeling and optimization of hybrid solar thermoelectric systems with thermosyphons. Sol Energ, 2011, 85: 2843–2855
Riffat S B, Omer S A, Ma X. A novel thermoelectric refrigeration system employing heat pipes and a phase change material: an experimental investigation. Renew Energ, 2001, 23: 313–323
Esarte J, Blanco J M, MendCa F, et al. Retracted: improving cooling devices for the hot face of Peltier pellets based on phase change fluids. Appl Therm Eng, 2006, 26: 967–973
Yu Z, Wang X, Du Y, et al. Fabrication and characterization of textured Bi2Te3 thermoelectric thin films prepared on glass substrates at room temperature using pulsed laser deposition. J Crystal Growth, 2013, 362: 247–251
Xu Z J, Hu L P, Ying P J, et al. Enhanced thermoelectric and mechanical properties of zone melted p-type (Bi,Sb)2Te3 thermoelectric materials by hot deformation. Acta Mat, 2015, 84: 385–392
Liu W, Jie Q, Kim H S, et al. Current progress and future challenges in thermoelectric power generation: From materials to devices. Acta Mat, 2015, 87: 357–376
Daniel M V, Johnson D C, Katona G L, et al. Structural properties of thermoelectric skutterudite gradient films fabricated by modulated elemental reactant method. J Alloys Compounds, 2015, 636: 405–410
Daniel M V, Brombacher C, Beddies G, et al. Structural properties of thermoelectric CoSb3 skutterudite thin films prepared by molecular beam deposition. J Alloys Compounds, 2015, 624: 216–225
Zhu Y, Su W, Liu J, et al. Effects of Dy and Yb co-doping on thermoelectric properties of CaMnO3 ceramics. Ceramics Int, 2015, 41: 1535–1539
Gao F, Yang S, Li J, et al. Fabrication, dielectric, and thermoelectric properties of textured SrTiO3 ceramics prepared by RTGG method. Ceramics Int, 2015, 41: 127–135
Delorme F, Diaz-Chao P, Guilmeau E, et al. Thermoelectric properties of Ca3Co4O9–Co3O4 composites. Ceramics Int, 2015, 41: 10038–10043
Bochentyn B, Karczewski J, Miruszewski T, et al. Structure and thermoelectric properties of Bi-Te alloys obtained by novel method of oxide substrates reduction. J Alloys Compounds, 2015, 646: 1124–1132
Raghasudha M, Ravinder D, Veerasomaiah P. Thermoelectric power studies of Co–Cr nano ferrites. J Alloys Compounds, 2014, 604: 276–280
Rowe D M. Thermoelectrics Handbook: Macro to Nano. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2005
Hosono H. Nanomaterials: From Research to Applications. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2006
Poudel B, Hao Q, Ma Y, et al. High-thermoelectric performance of nanostructured bismuth antimony telluride bulk alloys. Science, 2008, 320: 634–638
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Chen, L., Meng, F. & Sun, F. Thermodynamic analyses and optimization for thermoelectric devices: The state of the arts. Sci. China Technol. Sci. 59, 442–455 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11431-015-5970-5
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11431-015-5970-5