Segmented thermoelectric generator: Influence of pin shape configuration on the device performance

A segmented thermoelectric generator and thermal performance of the device is investigated in terms of the efficiency of the device and its output power. The influence of tapering of the device pins on the segmented thermoelectric performance is also analyzed. Modified Bismuth and lead tellurides are used as the pin materials. The performance characteristics of the segmented thermoelectric generator are compared with its counterpart, which has homogeneous material pin configurations. Various levels of the load and temperature ratios are incorporated to assess the performance of the device. The findings reveal that the segmented thermoelectric generator results in a higher efficiency and more output power than those with the homogeneous configurations. The shape factor, defining the pin tapering, influences the device efficiency significantly; in which case, increasing the shape factor enhances the device efficiency. The opposite is true for the device output power; in which case, the pin tapering lowers the device output power.