The Impact of Asymmetric Contact Resistance on the Operating Parameters of Thermoelectric Systems

Ryszard Buchalik, Grzegorz Nowak () and Iwona Nowak
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Ryszard Buchalik: Department of Power Engineering and Turbomachinery, Silesian University of Technology, Konarskiego 18, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Grzegorz Nowak: Department of Power Engineering and Turbomachinery, Silesian University of Technology, Konarskiego 18, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Iwona Nowak: Department of Applications of Mathematical and Artificial Intelligence Methods, Silesian University of Technology, Kaszubska 23, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-29

Abstract: This paper presents a simulation model for a system equipped with thermoelectric elements, considering the impact of independent thermal contact resistances on each side of the module. An analytical model was constructed, taking into account the asymmetry of thermal resistances between the generator/cooler and the respective heat source/heat sink. A comparative analysis of thermoelectric device operating indicators such as conducted heat, efficiency, and the electricity/cooling power produced was performed. The selection of electrical current in the circuit was analysed based on the maximization of power or efficiency. This paper discusses deviations from ideal conditions, specifically the absence of thermal resistance between the heat source/sink and the thermoelectric junction. The model accurately simulates the operating conditions of the thermoelectric system with a low computational cost. The results indicate that the total thermal resistance, rather than its location, predominantly affects the operation of the thermoelectric generator. However, in cooling operations, the influence of thermal resistance significantly depends on the cooling power demand and temperature.

Keywords: TEG; TEC; heat resistance; thermoelectric module; heat transfer (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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