Research on the power generation performance and optimization of thermoelectric generators for recycling remaining cold energy

Xiangna Cui, Xi Chen and Zhongyang Gao

Energy, 2024, vol. 299, issue C

Abstract: Compared with extensive research on the power generation of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) under medium-high temperatures, research on power generation for cold energy utilization is still limited. To study the performance and feasibility of low-temperature power generation, this paper combines simulation and experiments for research. Firstly, a simulation model based on actual material parameters is established. Then, a thermoelectric low-temperature power generation experimental platform is established to conduct experimental research on TEG in different temperature zones and temperature differences and compared with simulation results. Finally, optimization research is conducted by changing thermoelectric materials and structures. The research results indicate that the maximum errors between the dates of simulation and experiment in terms of output voltage, conversion efficiency, and exergy efficiency are 11.3 %, 10.57 %, and 10.57 %, respectively. Compared with Bi2Te3, the output voltage, conversion efficiency, and exergy efficiency of CsBi4Te6 are improved by 21.95 %, 34.64 %, and 34.64 %, respectively. The maximum output power and conversion efficiency are linearly related to the output current. The performance is optimal when the thermoelectric unit height is 1.0 mm and the side length is 1.6 mm. This proves the feasibility of TEG application at low temperatures and lays the foundation for low-temperature power generation.

Keywords: Thermoelectric generator (TEG); Low temperature; Recycling remaining cold energy; Thermoelectric material; Optimized (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360544224011952
Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:299:y:2024:i:c:s0360544224011952

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.131422

Access Statistics for this article

Energy is currently edited by Henrik Lund and Mark J. Kaiser

More articles in Energy from Elsevier
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Catherine Liu ().