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Influence of leg sizing and spacing on power generation and thermal stresses of thermoelectric devices

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  • Erturun, Ugur
  • Erermis, Kaan
  • Mossi, Karla

Abstract

The influence of leg dimensions and spacing on power-generation and thermo-mechanical performance of thermoelectric devices was investigated using numerical and statistical analyses tools. Bismuth-telluride based thermoelectric device models with rectangular-prism and cylindrical legs were simulated for a temperature range of 20–120°C and various leg heights between 1 and 5mm, widths/diameters between 1 and 2mm, and spacing between 0.5 and 1.5mm. Predicted power output, conversion efficiencies, and thermal stresses were validated with less than 8.9%, 1.2%, and 6.6% variations respectively. It is found that both leg width and height have a significant effect on power generation and thermal stresses: The relationship between power generation performance and thermal stress levels is inverse. Although leg spacing has effect on thermal stress and conversion efficiency, its effect on power output is negligible.

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  • Erturun, Ugur & Erermis, Kaan & Mossi, Karla, 2015. "Influence of leg sizing and spacing on power generation and thermal stresses of thermoelectric devices," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 159(C), pages 19-27.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:159:y:2015:i:c:p:19-27
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.08.112
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