Structural optimization of two-stage thermoelectric generator for wide temperature range application

摘要

A 3-D finite element model of two-stage thermoelectric generator based on low-temperature thermoelectric material bismuth-telluride and medium-temperature thermoelectric material skutterudites is established. Based on the formal model, structural optimization of the two-stage thermoelectric generator is carried out. Results show that, reasonable design of the structure of two-stage thermoelectric generator can take full advantage of the characteristics of thermoelectric materials and effectively improve the performance of power generation. If contact resistance and all heat losses are neglected, the conversion efficiency of the two-stage thermoelectric generator can reach a value of 17.02%.