Computational design of thin-film thermoelectric devices for large area applications

Thin-film thermoelectric (TE) devices to be integrated on windows or other suitable surfaces providing thermal gradients for power production are studied by computational methods. Thermodynamic modelling and performance simulations are conducted for a set of selected mechanical designs in order to estimate the available thermal gradients, the performance of the thermoelectric elements and the power available from the TE modules consisting of various geometries, configurations and numbers of the elements. In addition to the electrical properties, an essential part of the model includes the simulations of the heat transfer mechanisms over the TE modules of various geometries. The ultimate goal of the simulations is to find the close to optimal designs for the materials available under the constraints set by the fabrication processes and thermal gradients accessible. An overview of the main considerations and results will be given for selected geometries. The primary principles and challenges of designing translucent thin-film thermoelectric modules for large area applications are discussed.