Thermoelectric Performance Evaluation and Optimization in a Concentric Annular Thermoelectric Generator under Different Cooling Methods

To ensure effective heat recovery of thermoelectric generators, a cooling system is necessary to maintain the working temperature difference couples, which decreases continuously due thermal diffusion. In order evaluate and improve performance concentric annular generator under various methods, comprehensive numerical model thermo-fluid-electric multi-physics field for an with exchanger was developed using finite-element method. The effects four methods different exhaust parameters on were investigated. results show that, in comparison cocurrent pattern, countercurrent pattern effectively reduces distribution non-uniformity hence increases maximum output power; however, it requires more semiconductor materials. Furthermore, when air-cooling method, high temperatures may result lower mass flow rates resistance reduce net power. power Pnet = 432.42 W obtained water-cooling, corresponding optimal volume 9.06 × 10−4 m3; compared increased by 8.9%, but 21.4%.