Performance analysis and optimization of multi-stage combined thermoelectric generators

Abstract

A numerical model of multi-stage combined thermoelectric generators is established based on non-equilibrium thermodynamics. Taking a 5-stage thermoelectric generator for example, the output characteristics are analyzed. With the power and efficiency as the goal, the thermoelectric elements configuration and electrical current are optimized synchronously. The results show that when the temperature difference and the Seebeck coefficient are small, same number of thermoelectric elements in each stage results in the maximal power output; when the temperature difference or the Seebeck coefficient is large, the optimal configuration is that the numbers of thermoelectric elements increase with the same difference from the high temperature stage to the low temperature stage.