A simulation framework for prediction of thermoelectric generator system performance

This paper presents a novel framework for characterization and simulation of thermoelectric generator systems that allows accurate and efficient prediction of electric and thermal performance at steady state conditions. The simulation framework relies on regression analysis of single thermoelectric modules including voltage, current, temperatures and heat flow. A physical description of the main phenomena is included in models and enables accurate prediction of module performance over large ranges in temperature and current. Moreover it allows a system of modules electrically connected to be analyzed and used together with fluid dynamics simulations. When used in conjunction with CFD analysis it allows efficient modeling of electrical and thermal performance by simultaneous solution of the coupled equations for energy transport and thermoelectric power generation. This efficiency comes from the fact the modeling does not require full resolution as first principle simulations does. Therefore it solves the scale separation problem and allows multiphysics simulation with just a minor increase in computational power.