Optimal Design of Thermoelectric Generators Embedded in a Thermal Resistance Network

A procedure to optimize the height and number of semiconductor pellets in a thermoelectric generator (TEG) embedded in a thermal resistance network to maximize its performance (output power) or efficiency is provided. Prescribed are the thermophysical properties of the pellets, total footprint of thermoelectric material, temperature difference across the system, relevant thermal resistances, electrical contact resistance at the interconnects between the pellets, and load resistance. When the efficiency is maximized, the performance is also prescribed and it is implied that its value is below its maximum. The temperature difference imposed across the pellets in a TEG is assumed to be small enough that their thermophysical properties may be approximated as constants and the use of a single thermoelectric material is appropriate. Examples illustrate the use of the optimization procedure. The sensitivity of maximum performance and efficiency to selected variables is quantified.