Comparison of thermoelectric multiphysics model and device

The efficiency of a thermoelectric device is dependent upon module geometry and the choice of materials. The effects of module geometry on performance of a thermoelectric device can be evaluated using finite-element model (Jaegle, 2007) of thermoelectric system. The model has been compared with measured values of a commercial Bi2Te3 thermoelectric generator module. Thermoelectric generator module was placed on heater with an adjustable heating power. The cold side (with heat sink) was kept at room temperature. Measurement circuit consisted of a switch, voltmeter, ammeter and load resistance. The model is implemented with COMSOLMultiphysics, using the "coefficient form" in the PDE-application mode, where thermoelectric field equations have been incorporated into the partial differential equations as coefficients. Thermoelectric generator module performance was simulated with closed circuit and open circuit. The results appear to be consistent with those reported previously (Ebling et al. 2009). The model can be used to simulate the effects of structural characteristics and materials properties on module performance. Thus, the model can be used as tool for design.