Thermodynamics and thermal stress analysis of thermoelectric power generator: Influence of pin geometry on device performance

Thermodynamics and thermal stress analysis of thermo-electric power generator is carried out. The influence of device geometry on thermal stress, thermal efficiency and output power is examined. The finite element method is incorporated to predict temperature and stress fields in the thermo electric device. It is found that thermal efficiency improves for certain geometric configuration of the device. In this case; the maximum thermal stress developed in the pin reduces slightly indicating improved life expectation of the device.

► Thermal efficiency improves for certain range of pin geometry. ► Thermal stress in thermoelectric module varies for different configuration of pin geometry. ► Maximum stress occurs around the edges of the pins in the region close to the hot plate. ► The pin geometry with RA = 2 results in slightly low thermal stress in the pin.