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Abstract: A
procedure to optimize the height and number of semiconductor pellets in a thermoelectric
generator (TEG) embedded in a thermal resistance network to maximize its performance
(output power) or efficiency is provided. Prescribed are the required thermophysical
properties of the pellets, temperature difference across the system, total footprint of
thermoelectric material, relevant ... read morethermal resistances, electrical contact resistance at
the interconnects between the pellets, and load resistance in a TEG. When efficiency is
maximized, performance is also prescribed and it is implied that its value is below its
maximum. The temperature difference imposed across the pellets in the TEG is assumed to
be small enough that their thermophysical properties may be approximated as constants
and the use of a single thermoelectric material is appropriate. Examples illustrate the
use of the optimization procedure. The sensitivity of maximal performance to variations
in the relevant thermal resistances, electrical contact resistance, and load resistance
is quantified.
Thesis (M.S.)--Tufts University,
2013.
Submitted to the Dept. of Mechanical
Engineering.
Advisor: Marc
Hodes.
Committee: Lusia Chiesa, and Martin
Cleary.
Keywords: Mechanical engineering, and
Electrical engineering.read less
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