Title :
Temperature and time dependent finite-element model of a thermoelectric couple
Author :
Lau, Paul G. ; Buist, Richard J.
Author_Institution :
TE Technol. Inc., Michigan, MI, USA
Abstract :
The cooling performance of a thermoelectric (TE) couple is modeled from mathematical differential equations via finite-elements with the use of a digital computer. The finite-element model, which incorporates material property dependence on time and temperature, is presented. TE couple transient performance is investigated by applying an on-off current waveform to the model. Results from the model output are compared with experiment.
Keywords :
differential equations; digital simulation; finite element analysis; physics computing; thermoelectric devices; transient analysis; differential equations; digital computer; material property dependence; on-off current waveform; temperature dependent finite-element model; thermoelectric couple; time dependent finite-element model; transient performance; Ceramics; Copper; Equations; Finite element methods; Heat pumps; Resistance heating; Tellurium; Temperature dependence; Thermal conductivity; Thermoelectricity;
Conference_Titel :
Thermoelectrics, 1996., Fifteenth International Conference on
Conference_Location :
Pasadena, CA, USA
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-3221-0
DOI :
10.1109/ICT.1996.553305
