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Performance Analysis of Variable Cross-Section TEGs under Constant Heat Flux Conditions

Author

Listed:
  • Junpeng Liu

    (Hubei Key Laboratory of Theory and Application of Advanced Materials Mechanics, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China)

  • Yajing Sun

    (Hubei Key Laboratory of Theory and Application of Advanced Materials Mechanics, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China)

  • Gang Chen

    (Hubei Key Laboratory of Theory and Application of Advanced Materials Mechanics, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China)

  • Pengcheng Zhai

    (Hubei Key Laboratory of Theory and Application of Advanced Materials Mechanics, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
    State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China)

Abstract

In this paper, five shapes of thermoelectric generator (TEG) models (cylindrical, barrel shaped, hourglass shaped, cup shaped, and inverse cup shaped) are built under the boundary conditions of heat flux at the hot end and convection at the cold end of the TEGs. Based on the numerical simulation results, the configuration of the variable cross-section can effectively boost the performance of TEGs. Remarkably, the hourglass-shaped TEG generated the maximum output power and efficiency, which were 69.62% and 70.96% higher than that of the conventional cylindrical TEG, respectively. The results indicate that the hourglass shape is beneficial to enlarge the temperature difference between the two ends of the TEG, which results in performance improvement. In addition, the effects of heat flux and convection on the performance of TEGs are explored and discussed. After choosing the appropriate boundary conditions, the relationships between the maximum output power and efficiency and the shape factor of the hourglass-shaped TEG are obtained according to the fitting results. Finally, some conclusions are drawn to provide guidance for TEG applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Junpeng Liu & Yajing Sun & Gang Chen & Pengcheng Zhai, 2023. "Performance Analysis of Variable Cross-Section TEGs under Constant Heat Flux Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:11:p:4473-:d:1161809
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sourav Bhakta & Balaram Kundu, 2024. "A Review of Thermoelectric Generators in Automobile Waste Heat Recovery Systems for Improving Energy Utilization," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-49, February.

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