Abstract
Steady-state and transient models have been created in a MATLAB/Simulink environment for high-power-density thermoelectric generators (TEG). These numerical models, comprising simultaneously solved, nonlinear, energy balance equations, simulate novel TEG architectures, such as a cylindrical TEG with gas/liquid heat exchangers. Model validation studies, including component-level testing of thermoelectric (TE) subassemblies, interface thermal resistance tests, and full-scale TEG tests, were performed under different operating conditions and designs. Targeted finite-element analysis studies were also conducted. A full-scale cylindrical-shaped TE generator was built using high-power-density, segmented TE elements and tested on a test-bench with hot air and cold water with maximum power output of 608 W. Measured performance data from these tests were used in model validation. Process outlet temperatures, pressure drops, hot and cold shunt temperatures along the length of the TEG, TEG voltage, and TEG current are some of the performance variables included in the model validation. The validated model is now being used with more confidence to optimize new TEG designs for different applications.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
D.T. Crane, Optimizing Thermoelectric Waste Heat Recovery from an Automotive Cooling System (College Park, MD: University of Maryland, College Park, 2003).
D.T. Crane, D. Kossakovski, and L.E. Bell, J. Electron. Mater. 38, 1382 (2009).
D.T. Crane, J.W. LaGrandeur, F. Harris, and L.E. Bell, J. Electron. Mater. 38, 1375 (2009).
N. Espinosa, M. Lazard, L. Aixala, and H. Scherrer, J. Electron. Mater. 39, 1446 (2010).
M. Chen, S.J. Andreasen, L.A. Rosendahl, S.K. Kaer, and T. Condra, J. Electron. Mater. 39, 1593 (2010).
X.L. Gou, H. Xiao, and S.W. Yang, Appl. Energy 87, 3131 (2010).
Y.Y. Hsiao, W.C. Chang, and S.L. Chen, Energy 35, 1447 (2010).
D. Ebling, M. Jaegle, M. Bartel, A. Jacquot, and H. Bottner, J. Electron. Mater. 38, 1456 (2009).
D.T. Crane, J. Electron. Mater. 40, 561 (2011).
L.E. Bell, 23rd International Conference on Thermoelectrics (Adelaide, Australia, 2004).
L.E. Bell and D.T. Crane, International Thermoelectric Conference (Freiburg, Germany, 2009).
D.T. Crane and L.E. Bell, 25th IEEE International Conference on Thermoelectrics (Vienna, Austria, 2006).
D.T. Crane and L.E. Bell, J. Energy Resour. ASME 131, 012401 (2009).
D.T. Crane, J.W. LaGrandeur, and L.E. Bell, J. Electron. Mater. 39, 2142 (2010).
C.R. Koripella, L.E. Bell, D.T. Crane, and D. Wang, MRS Spring Meeting (San Francisco, CA, 2011).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Crane, D.T., Koripella, C.R. & Jovovic, V. Validating Steady-State and Transient Modeling Tools for High-Power-Density Thermoelectric Generators. J. Electron. Mater. 41, 1524–1534 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11664-012-1955-3
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11664-012-1955-3