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Thermoelectric module design strategy for solid-state refrigeration

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  • Pietrzyk, Kyle
  • Ohara, Brandon
  • Watson, Thomas
  • Gee, Madison
  • Avalos, Daniel
  • Lee, Hohyun

Abstract

In this paper, a new characterization factor for thermoelectric module design in thermoelectric refrigeration is presented with guidelines for practical design strategy. It has been general practice to optimize the geometric factor (G-factor), the ratio of the area to the leg length of a thermoelectric leg, and the number of leg pairs simultaneously to gain a minimum refrigeration temperature from a module for a refrigeration system. However, the B-factor, which is defined as the ratio between the leg length and the fill factor (ratio of the area filled with thermoelectric materials to the module area), allows for module optimization with only one parameter. To demonstrate, a theoretical model of a module was created with energy conservation equations. While disregarding electrical contact resistance, the number of leg pairs did not affect the obtainable maximum temperature difference or the power consumption of a module when utilizing the B-factor. The effects of contact resistance on the optimum B-factor were also evaluated and avoided when the leg length was increased. It was then found that using fewer legs in a module would produce a temperature difference that was less sensitive to a varying input current. The present theoretical approach was validated with experimental evidence.

Suggested Citation

  • Pietrzyk, Kyle & Ohara, Brandon & Watson, Thomas & Gee, Madison & Avalos, Daniel & Lee, Hohyun, 2016. "Thermoelectric module design strategy for solid-state refrigeration," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 114(C), pages 823-832.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:114:y:2016:i:c:p:823-832
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2016.08.058
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wang, Tian-Hu & Wang, Qiu-Hong & Leng, Chuan & Wang, Xiao-Dong, 2015. "Parameter analysis and optimal design for two-stage thermoelectric cooler," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 154(C), pages 1-12.
    2. Huang, Yu-Xian & Wang, Xiao-Dong & Cheng, Chin-Hsiang & Lin, David Ta-Wei, 2013. "Geometry optimization of thermoelectric coolers using simplified conjugate-gradient method," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 689-697.
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    Cited by:

    1. Watson, Thomas C. & Vincent, Joshua N. & Lee, Hohyun, 2019. "Effect of DC-DC voltage step-up converter impedance on thermoelectric energy harvester system design strategy," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(C), pages 898-907.
    2. Mubarak Ismail & Metkel Yebiyo & Issa Chaer, 2021. "A Review of Recent Advances in Emerging Alternative Heating and Cooling Technologies," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-24, January.
    3. Shittu, Samson & Li, Guiqiang & Zhao, Xudong & Ma, Xiaoli, 2020. "Review of thermoelectric geometry and structure optimization for performance enhancement," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 268(C).
    4. Yin, Tao & He, Zhi-Zhu, 2021. "Analytical model-based optimization of the thermoelectric cooler with temperature-dependent materials under different operating conditions," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 299(C).

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