Multiphysics simulations of thermoelectric generator modules with cold and hot blocks and effects of some factors

Transient and steady-state multiphysics numerical simulations are performed to investigate the thermal and electrical performances of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) module placed between hot and cold blocks. Effects of heat radiation, leg length and Seebeck coefficient on the TEG thermal and electrical performances are identified. A new correlation for the Seebeck coefficient with temperature is proposed. Radiation effect on the thermal and electric performances is found to be negligible under both the transient and steady-state conditions. The leg length of TEG module shows a considerable influence on the electrical performance but little on the thermal performance under the transient condition. A nearly linear temperature profile on a leg of the TEG module is identified. The temperature profile on the substrate surfaces is non-uniform, especially in the contacted areas between the straps (tabs) and the substrates