Design and optimization of compatible, segmented thermoelectric generators

The thermoelectric compatibility factor is used to rationally select materials for a segmented thermoelectric generator. The thermoelectric potential is used for the exact analytic expressions for materials with temperature dependent thermoelectric properties. This calculation does not assume constant or averaged thermoelectric properties as is often done for analytic results. The calculations use the relative current density as the intensive independent variable. A method of optimizing the system configuration is outlined that allows a separation of the system level and thermoelectric level with only three interface parameters: thermoelectric hot side temperature, cold side temperature and the heat flux. The calculation of performance under non-optimal conditions is described.