화학공학소재연구정보센터
Renewable Energy, Vol.156, 710-718, 2020
Optimization analysis of a segmented thermoelectric generator based on genetic algorithm
Optimizing the geometry structures and operating conditions is an effective way to improve the performance of the segmented thermoelectric generator (STEG). A one-dimensional numerical model combined with genetic algorithm (GA) is presented for performance analysis and design optimization of the STEG. The model's predictions being in good agreement with experimental data in the published literature confirms the accuracy of the model. According to the compatibility factors, the Ba(0.4)ln(0)(.)(4)CoSb(12), Bi2Te0.7Se0.3, Za(4)Sb(3) and Bi2Te3 are selected as materials for segments of N1, N2, P1, and P2, respectively. The p-segmented TEG is recommended through performance comparison between STEGs with four different structures. After that, the load following region and rated operating point are given, through load following characteristic analysis. At last, the effect of contact resistance on the performance of the STEG is analyzed. The analysis results show that, by reducing the contact resistance to 50 mu Omega cm(2) per leg, the peak conversion efficiency of the p-segmented TEG proposed in this paper can reach 9.83% at a temperature difference of 350 K, which is 25.4% higher than that of traditional thermoelectric generator. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.