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A Comprehensive Study on X-Type Thermoelectric Generator Modules

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Abstract

This paper focuses on studying the feasibility of an X-type thermoelectric module with different draft angles. A three-dimensional finite element model is established to analyze the thermoelectric and mechanical performance under steady-state conditions. Temperature, output power, conversion efficiency, and thermal stress are evaluated under four draft angles of 10°, 20°, 30°, and 40°. The numerical results indicate that the maximum output power of the X-type thermoelectric module is reached when θ = 10°, and it is about 4.57% higher than that of the traditional structure. The maximum von Mises stress occurs on four corners of the hot-side surfaces of the thermoelectric legs, and it decreases with an increase in the draft angle, while at the same time the von Mises stress on the middle surface is continuously increased. Additionally, shorter legs not only improve the output power, but can also enhance the mechanical performance. It can be concluded, therefore, that the design of the X-type structure with a certain draft angle can enhance the performance of the thermoelectric module with regard to both electrical power and mechanical reliability. The findings of this work may provide a basis for optimization of thermoelectric modules.

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Abbreviations

\( \vec{E} \) :

Electric field intensity vector (V/mm2)

\( \vec{J} \) :

Current density vector (A/mm2)

L :

Length (mm)

P :

Output power (W)

T :

Hot-side temperature (K)

W :

Width (mm)

R :

Resistance (Ω)

A :

Cross-sectional area (mm2)

U :

Output voltage (V)

\( \alpha \) :

Seebeck coefficient (μV/K)

\( \phi \) :

Electric potential (V)

\( \rho \) :

Electrical resistivity (Ω m)

\( \sigma \) :

Stress (GPa)

\( \lambda \) :

Thermal conductivity (W/m K)

\( \theta \) :

Draft angle (°)

\( \eta \) :

Conversion efficiency

co:

Copper

ce:

Ceramic plate

N:

n-Type thermoelements

P:

p-Type thermoelements

H:

Hot side

L:

Cold side

von:

von Mises

lo:

Load

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful for the financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51977100).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Automotive Engineering Research Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China

    Ruochen Wang & Weiqi Zhou

  2. School of Automotive and Traffic Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China

    Ruochen Wang, Zihan Meng, Ding Luo & Wei Yu

Authors
  1. Ruochen Wang
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  2. Zihan Meng
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  3. Ding Luo
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  4. Wei Yu
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  5. Weiqi Zhou
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Correspondence to Ruochen Wang.

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Wang, R., Meng, Z., Luo, D. et al. A Comprehensive Study on X-Type Thermoelectric Generator Modules. J. Electron. Mater. 49, 4343–4354 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11664-020-08152-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11664-020-08152-4

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