IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/energy/v171y2019icp37-48.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Geometric optimization of two-stage thermoelectric generator using genetic algorithms and thermodynamic analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Sun, Henan
  • Ge, Ya
  • Liu, Wei
  • Liu, Zhichun

Abstract

Multi-objective genetic algorithms are used to optimize the structure, assignment of configuration and load resistance of a two-stage thermoelectric generator, where Skutterudite and Bi2Te3 are chosen as upper stage and lower stage TE leg materials, respectively. Heat convection and radiation are considered on the top of the upper substrate. In the optimization process, the specific power and entropy generation rate are considered synchronously as objective functions to maximize the power output per unit area and to minimize the irreversibilities. The FEM is adopted in the simulation model, and the Seebeck effect, together with the Peltier effect, Joule heating, Thomson effect, and Fourier heat conduction phenomena are all considered in the simulation process. Shannon's entropy method is applied to select the best solution from the Pareto Frontier. Besides, the exergy destruction rate is analyzed, the results show that the exergy destruction rate increases as the load resistance increases. In addition, the different relationships between the load resistance and the voltage, power output, efficiency and entropy generation rate are presented. The principle of performance enhancement is also explained by comparing the ZT value along the TE legs. The optimization is important to the development of more compact and high-efficiency thermoelectric generators.

Suggested Citation

  • Sun, Henan & Ge, Ya & Liu, Wei & Liu, Zhichun, 2019. "Geometric optimization of two-stage thermoelectric generator using genetic algorithms and thermodynamic analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 171(C), pages 37-48.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:171:y:2019:i:c:p:37-48
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2019.01.003
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360544219300039
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.energy.2019.01.003?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kanishka Biswas & Jiaqing He & Ivan D. Blum & Chun-I Wu & Timothy P. Hogan & David N. Seidman & Vinayak P. Dravid & Mercouri G. Kanatzidis, 2012. "High-performance bulk thermoelectrics with all-scale hierarchical architectures," Nature, Nature, vol. 489(7416), pages 414-418, September.
    2. Sahin, A.Z. & Yilbas, B.S. & Shuja, S.Z. & Momin, O., 2011. "Investigation into topping cycle: Thermal efficiency with and without presence of thermoelectric generator," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(7), pages 4048-4054.
    3. Liu, Zhichun & Zhu, Shiping & Ge, Ya & Shan, Feng & Zeng, Lingping & Liu, Wei, 2017. "Geometry optimization of two-stage thermoelectric generators using simplified conjugate-gradient method," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 190(C), pages 540-552.
    4. Al-Nimr, M.A. & Al-Darawsheh, I.A. & AL-Khalayleh, L.A., 2018. "A novel hybrid cavity solar thermal collector," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 299-307.
    5. Ge, Ya & Liu, Zhichun & Sun, Henan & Liu, Wei, 2018. "Optimal design of a segmented thermoelectric generator based on three-dimensional numerical simulation and multi-objective genetic algorithm," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(C), pages 1060-1069.
    6. Meng, Jing-Hui & Zhang, Xin-Xin & Wang, Xiao-Dong, 2014. "Multi-objective and multi-parameter optimization of a thermoelectric generator module," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 367-376.
    7. Liang, Xingyu & Sun, Xiuxiu & Tian, Hua & Shu, Gequn & Wang, Yuesen & Wang, Xu, 2014. "Comparison and parameter optimization of a two-stage thermoelectric generator using high temperature exhaust of internal combustion engine," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 190-199.
    8. Ding, L.C. & Akbarzadeh, A. & Date, A., 2016. "Transient model to predict the performance of thermoelectric generators coupled with solar pond," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 271-289.
    9. Tian, Hua & Sun, Xiuxiu & Jia, Qi & Liang, Xingyu & Shu, Gequn & Wang, Xu, 2015. "Comparison and parameter optimization of a segmented thermoelectric generator by using the high temperature exhaust of a diesel engine," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 84(C), pages 121-130.
    10. Gou, Xiaolong & Xiao, Heng & Yang, Suwen, 2010. "Modeling, experimental study and optimization on low-temperature waste heat thermoelectric generator system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 87(10), pages 3131-3136, October.
    11. 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.
    12. Yayu Wang & Nyrissa S. Rogado & R. J. Cava & N. P. Ong, 2003. "Spin entropy as the likely source of enhanced thermopower in NaxCo2O4," Nature, Nature, vol. 423(6938), pages 425-428, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Shi, Zijie & Zhang, Kai & Jiang, Kaiyu & Li, Haoran & Ye, Peiliang & Yang, Haibin & Mahian, Omid, 2023. "Maximizing energy generation: A study of radiative cooling-based thermoelectric power devices," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 274(C).
    2. Chenyi Xu & Zhichun Liu & Shicheng Wang & Wei Liu, 2019. "Numerical Simulation and Optimization of Waste Heat Recovery in a Sinter Vertical Tank," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-19, January.
    3. Maduabuchi, Chika, 2022. "Thermo-mechanical optimization of thermoelectric generators using deep learning artificial intelligence algorithms fed with verified finite element simulation data," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 315(C).
    4. Shicheng Wang & Chenyi Xu & Wei Liu & Zhichun Liu, 2019. "Numerical Study on Heat Transfer Performance in Packed Bed," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-22, January.
    5. Bhattacharjee, Debraj & Ghosh, Tamal & Bhola, Prabha & Martinsen, Kristian & Dan, Pranab K., 2019. "Data-driven surrogate assisted evolutionary optimization of hybrid powertrain for improved fuel economy and performance," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 183(C), pages 235-248.
    6. 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).
    7. 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).
    8. Ge, Ya & Lin, Yousheng & He, Qing & Wang, Wenhao & Chen, Jiechao & Huang, Si-Min, 2021. "Geometric optimization of segmented thermoelectric generators for waste heat recovery systems using genetic algorithm," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 233(C).
    9. Jing-Hui Meng & Hao-Chi Wu & Tian-Hu Wang, 2019. "Optimization of Two-Stage Combined Thermoelectric Devices by a Three-Dimensional Multi-Physics Model and Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(14), pages 1-24, July.
    10. Banerjee, Abhisek & Paul, Diplina, 2021. "Developments and applications of porous medium combustion: A recent review," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 221(C).
    11. Wang, Xi & Henshaw, Paul & Ting, David S.-K., 2021. "Exergoeconomic analysis for a thermoelectric generator using mutation particle swarm optimization (M-PSO)," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 294(C).
    12. Sahoo, Rashmi Rekha & Karana, Dhruv Raj, 2020. "Effect of design shape factor on exergonic performance of a new modified extended-tapering segmented thermoelectric generator system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
    13. Song Lv & Zuoqin Qian & Dengyun Hu & Xiaoyuan Li & Wei He, 2020. "A Comprehensive Review of Strategies and Approaches for Enhancing the Performance of Thermoelectric Module," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-24, June.
    14. Shittu, Samson & Li, Guiqiang & Xuan, Qindong & Zhao, Xudong & Ma, Xiaoli & Cui, Yu, 2020. "Electrical and mechanical analysis of a segmented solar thermoelectric generator under non-uniform heat flux," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    15. Alghamdi, Hisham & Maduabuchi, Chika & Okoli, Kingsley & Albaker, Abdullah & Makki, Emad & Alghassab, Mohammed & Alobaid, Mohammad & Alkhedher, Mohammad, 2023. "Pioneering sustainable power: Harnessing material innovations in double stage segmented thermoelectric generators for optimal 4E performance," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 352(C).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. 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).
    2. Liu, Zhichun & Zhu, Shiping & Ge, Ya & Shan, Feng & Zeng, Lingping & Liu, Wei, 2017. "Geometry optimization of two-stage thermoelectric generators using simplified conjugate-gradient method," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 190(C), pages 540-552.
    3. Ge, Ya & Liu, Zhichun & Sun, Henan & Liu, Wei, 2018. "Optimal design of a segmented thermoelectric generator based on three-dimensional numerical simulation and multi-objective genetic algorithm," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(C), pages 1060-1069.
    4. Chen, Wei-Hsin & Huang, Shih-Rong & Lin, Yu-Li, 2015. "Performance analysis and optimum operation of a thermoelectric generator by Taguchi method," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 158(C), pages 44-54.
    5. Shu, Gequn & Ma, Xiaonan & Tian, Hua & Yang, Haoqi & Chen, Tianyu & Li, Xiaoya, 2018. "Configuration optimization of the segmented modules in an exhaust-based thermoelectric generator for engine waste heat recovery," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 160(C), pages 612-624.
    6. Ge, Ya & Lin, Yousheng & He, Qing & Wang, Wenhao & Chen, Jiechao & Huang, Si-Min, 2021. "Geometric optimization of segmented thermoelectric generators for waste heat recovery systems using genetic algorithm," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 233(C).
    7. Zhu, Yuxiao & Newbrook, Daniel W. & Dai, Peng & de Groot, C.H. Kees & Huang, Ruomeng, 2022. "Artificial neural network enabled accurate geometrical design and optimisation of thermoelectric generator," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 305(C).
    8. Ge, Ya & He, Kui & Xiao, Liehui & Yuan, Wuzhi & Huang, Si-Min, 2022. "Geometric optimization for the thermoelectric generator with variable cross-section legs by coupling finite element method and optimization algorithm," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 183(C), pages 294-303.
    9. Hadidi, Amin, 2017. "A novel approach for optimization of electrically serial two-stage thermoelectric refrigeration systems using chemical reaction optimization (CRO) algorithm," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 140(P1), pages 170-184.
    10. Daniel Sanin-Villa & Oscar Danilo Montoya & Luis Fernando Grisales-Noreña, 2023. "Material Property Characterization and Parameter Estimation of Thermoelectric Generator by Using a Master–Slave Strategy Based on Metaheuristics Techniques," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-19, March.
    11. Ma, Xiaonan & Shu, Gequn & Tian, Hua & Xu, Wen & Chen, Tianyu, 2019. "Performance assessment of engine exhaust-based segmented thermoelectric generators by length ratio optimization," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 248(C), pages 614-625.
    12. Sun, Henan & Gil, Sergio Usón & Liu, Wei & Liu, Zhichun, 2019. "Structure optimization and exergy analysis of a two-stage TEC with two different connections," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 180(C), pages 175-191.
    13. Joung, Jaewon & Cheon, Seong-Yong & Kang, Yong-Kwon & Kim, Minseong & Park, Junseok & Jeong, Jae-Weon, 2023. "Impact of external electric resistance on the power generation in the thermoelectric energy harvesting blocks," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 779-791.
    14. He, Wei & Guo, Rui & Takasu, Hiroki & Kato, Yukitaka & Wang, Shixue, 2019. "Performance optimization of common plate-type thermoelectric generator in vehicle exhaust power generation systems," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 175(C), pages 1153-1163.
    15. Ding, L.C. & Akbarzadeh, A. & Tan, L., 2018. "A review of power generation with thermoelectric system and its alternative with solar ponds," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P1), pages 799-812.
    16. Zhi Li & Wenhao Li & Zhen Chen, 2017. "Performance Analysis of Thermoelectric Based Automotive Waste Heat Recovery System with Nanofluid Coolant," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-15, September.
    17. Jia, Xiao-Dong & Wang, Yuan-Jing & Gao, Yuan-Wen, 2017. "Numerical simulation of thermoelectric performance of linear-shaped thermoelectric generators under transient heat supply," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 276-285.
    18. Kunlin Cheng & Yu Feng & Chuanwen Lv & Silong Zhang & Jiang Qin & Wen Bao, 2017. "Performance Evaluation of Waste Heat Recovery Systems Based on Semiconductor Thermoelectric Generators for Hypersonic Vehicles," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-16, April.
    19. Su, Shanhe & Liu, Tie & Wang, Junyi & Chen, Jincan, 2014. "Evaluation of temperature-dependent thermoelectric performances based on PbTe1−yIy and PbTe: Na/Ag2Te materials," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 79-85.
    20. Ye-Qi Zhang & Jiao Sun & Guang-Xu Wang & Tian-Hu Wang, 2022. "Advantage of a Thermoelectric Generator with Hybridization of Segmented Materials and Irregularly Variable Cross-Section Design," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-18, April.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:171:y:2019:i:c:p:37-48. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/energy .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.