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Performance optimization of a converging thermoelectric generator system via multiphysics simulations

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  • Luo, Ding
  • Wang, Ruochen
  • Yu, Wei
  • Zhou, Weiqi

Abstract

To enhance the performance of thermoelectric generator (TEG) systems, a converging heat exchanger is proposed in this work, wherein the hot side wall is designed with an inward incline. Besides, a comprehensive fluid-thermal-electrical multiphysics model is established to predict the performance of the TEG system. The results indicate that the proposed model can be adopted to accurately assess the performance of the TEG system and that the temperature distribution should not be ignored in the numerical model. The gains provided by the converging structure increases with the increase of air temperature and the decrease of air mass flow rate. The design of the converging structure can also improve the voltage uniformity of the TEG system and reduce the backpressure power loss. According to a net power analysis, the optimal tilt angle is 2.5°, and the net power of the TEG system is increased by 20.2% at the temperature of 500 K and the mass flow rate of 30 g/s. Moreover, experimental data present a good agreement with model results. This work proposes a novel numerical method to accurately evaluate the performance of the TEG system and provides insight into the TEG design method regarding the tilt angle of the exhaust gas channel.

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  • Luo, Ding & Wang, Ruochen & Yu, Wei & Zhou, Weiqi, 2020. "Performance optimization of a converging thermoelectric generator system via multiphysics simulations," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 204(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:204:y:2020:i:c:s0360544220310811
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.117974
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    1. Luo, Ding & Sun, Zeyu & Wang, Ruochen, 2022. "Performance investigation of a thermoelectric generator system applied in automobile exhaust waste heat recovery," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(PB).
    2. Chen, Wei-Hsin & Wang, Chi-Ming & Lee, Da-Sheng & Kwon, Eilhann E. & Ashokkumar, Veeramuthu & Culaba, Alvin B., 2022. "Optimization design by evolutionary computation for minimizing thermal stress of a thermoelectric generator with varied numbers of square pin fins," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 314(C).
    3. Azeez mohammed Hussein, Hind & Zulkifli, Rozli & Faizal Bin Wan Mahmood, Wan Mohd & Ajeel, Raheem K., 2022. "Structure parameters and designs and their impact on performance of different heat exchangers: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    4. Luo, Ding & Yan, Yuying & Li, Ying & Yang, Xuelin & Chen, Hao, 2023. "Exhaust channel optimization of the automobile thermoelectric generator to produce the highest net power," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 281(C).
    5. Zhu, WenChao & Yang, Wenlong & Yang, Yang & Li, Yang & Li, Hao & Shi, Ying & Yan, Yonggao & Xie, Changjun, 2022. "Economic configuration optimization of onboard annual thermoelectric generators under multiple operating conditions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 197(C), pages 486-499.
    6. Garud, Kunal Sandip & Seo, Jae-Hyeong & Bang, You-Ma & Pyo, Young-Dug & Cho, Chong-Pyo & Lee, Moo-Yeon & Lee, Dong-Yeon, 2022. "Energy, exergy, environmental sustainability and economic analyses for automotive thermoelectric generator system with various configurations," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 244(PA).
    7. Zhao, Yulong & Lu, Mingjie & Li, Yanzhe & Wang, Yulin & Ge, Minghui, 2023. "Numerical investigation of an exhaust thermoelectric generator with a perforated plate," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 263(PB).

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