Multi‐dimensional optimization of a concentrated solar thermoelectric generator

Summary Research on thermoelectric geometry optimization has focused on stand‐alone thermoelectric devices utilizing energy analysis. This paper considers the multi‐parameter optimization of a solar‐powered thermoelectric generator using exergy analysis since it is more comprehensive than energy ana...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inInternational journal of energy research Vol. 46; no. 5; pp. 5896 - 5907
Main Authors Maduabuchi, Chika C., Lamba, Ravita, Eke, Mkpamdi, Ejiogu, Emenike
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.04.2022
Hindawi Limited
Subjects
Analysis
Energy
Exergy
exergy analysis
Hot junctions
Load resistance
optical concentration ratio
Optimization
second law analysis
solar thermoelectric generator
Temperature requirements
Thermodynamics
Thermoelectric generators
thermoelectric geometry optimization
Thermoelectricity
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Summary:Summary Research on thermoelectric geometry optimization has focused on stand‐alone thermoelectric devices utilizing energy analysis. This paper considers the multi‐parameter optimization of a solar‐powered thermoelectric generator using exergy analysis since it is more comprehensive than energy analysis. Results indicate that the energy and exergy efficiencies are minimally affected by very high optical concentration ratio values. Also, for achieving maximum performance, larger thermoelectric leg cross‐sectional area to length ratios should be used, the load resistance connected must be kept at an optimum value of 0.06 Ω, and an optimal hot junction temperature of 489.8 K are required to obtain maximum performance from the device. Finally, the thermoelement area to length ratio is increased by 10% for maximum system performance.
ISSN:0363-907X
1099-114X
DOI:10.1002/er.7530