This chapter aims to build one-dimensional thermoelectric model for device-level thermoelectric generator (TEG) performance calculation and prediction under steady heat transfer. Model concept takes into account Seebeck, Peltier, Thomson effects, and Joule conduction heat. Thermal resistances between heat source, heat sink, and thermocouple are also considered. Then, model is simplified to analyze influences of basic thermal and electrical parameters on TEG performance, when Thomson effect is neglected. At last, an experimental setup is introduced to gauge the output power and validate the model. Meantime, TEG simulation by software ANSYS is introduced briefly.
Part of the book: Thermoelectrics for Power Generation