Design Optimization for Maximized Thermoelectric Generator Performance

Optimizing the design of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) to provide maximum power production is difficult due to the complicated heat transport mechanisms. By taking into account the thermal exchanges between the thermoelectric legs and the heat source and heat sink, we developed a model to look for the optimal relationship between the internal resistance of the TEG (R-TE) and the resistance of the supplied load (R-L) considering the constant heat transfer coefficients model. It is shown that the ratio R-L/R-TE is near unity for a given value of the figure of merit (ZT). This is different from the commonly claimed values, 1 and 1+ZT. The results obtained reflect the effect of the thermal resistance. Also, the Joule heating is shown to affect the optimal TEG design.