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Influence weights of key parameters and optimization strategies for non-contact thermoelectric generator performance enhancement

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  • Miao, Zhuang
  • Meng, Xiangning
  • Li, Xi
  • Liang, Boyang

Abstract

Against the backdrop of the global energy crisis, industrial waste heat recovery is critical for improving energy utilization efficiency. Non-contact thermoelectric generators (NCTEGs) primarily recover waste heat by absorbing radiant heat, representing a highly promising energy utilization solution for high-temperature industrial environments. To adapt to complex industrial application scenarios, NCTEGs typically require multi-parameter optimization to enhance performance. However, existing studies generally lack systematic quantitative analysis of multi-parameter influence weights, making it difficult to provide clear parameter control strategies and optimization decision support for NCTEGs. This study employs numerical simulation methods based on a steady-state industrial waste heat environment to investigate the impact of six key parameters: heat collector structure, number and spatial distribution of thermoelectric modules (TEMs), and cooling conditions on NCTEG performance. Mathematical fitting and dimensionless analysis were employed to quantify each parameter’s influence weight (the priority of parameters for NCTEG performance improvement). The results show that the heat collector structure has the most significant effect on NCTEG performance in the multi-parameter coupling effect, with the influence weight of the number of fins as high as 80.50. The second is the number and spatial distribution of TEMs. The influence of cooling conditions is small, but their impact on net output power is more pronounced. Parameter optimization enabled the NCTEG to achieve a maximum net output power of 65.61 W (rated power: 30.28 W), representing an improvement of 53.85 %. The results of this study offer important guidance for the optimized design of NCTEGs in industrial applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Miao, Zhuang & Meng, Xiangning & Li, Xi & Liang, Boyang, 2025. "Influence weights of key parameters and optimization strategies for non-contact thermoelectric generator performance enhancement," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 339(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:339:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225047620
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.139120
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    References listed on IDEAS

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