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Efficiency at Maximum Power of Dissipative Thermoelectric Generators: A Finite-time Thermodynamic Analysis

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Abstract

In this paper we analyze the thermodynamic efficiency expected for a fully dissipative thermoelectric generator (TEG) operating under stationary conditions at a finite rate. Although a finite-time thermodynamic analysis of TEGs has been aimed at since long time, no complete theory is available yet. The state of the art of theory is reviewed, and a simple expression for the maximum achievable efficiency of TEGs operating under fully irreversible conditions is obtained. This also sets a reference efficiency for forthcoming studies of nonstationary operation of TEGs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Materials Science, University of Milano-Bicocca, via R. Cozzi 55, 20125, Milan, Italy

    Dario Narducci

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  1. Dario Narducci
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Correspondence to Dario Narducci.

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Narducci, D. Efficiency at Maximum Power of Dissipative Thermoelectric Generators: A Finite-time Thermodynamic Analysis. J. of Materi Eng and Perform 27, 6274–6278 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-018-3522-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-018-3522-4

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