Steady-state thermal-electric analysis of a pi-shaped 8-pair thermoelectric generator

In this study, steady-state thermal-electric analysis of a pi-shaped 8-pair TEG was performed by finite element method using thermal-electric module in Ansys Workbench for high temperature applications. TE powders of Ca2.7Ag0.3Co4O9 and Zn0.94Al0.04In0.02O were synthesized by sol-gel method followed by cold pressing (CP) to obtain bulk samples. High temperature thermoelectric properties of the bulk samples were used for p- and n-type legs, respectively. In the model, a Delta T temperature difference of 400 degrees C was applied to obtain a high temperature power output. As a result of the thermal-electric analysis, temperature distribution and total current density along the TEG were evaluated. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.