Geometrical design of thermoelectric generators based on topology optimization

• Published in: International journal for numerical methods in engineering Vol. 90; no. 11; pp. 1363 - 1392
• Main Authors: Takezawa, A., Kitamura, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 15.06.2012; Wiley
• Subjects: Exact sciences and technology; finite element method; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); multiphysics; Physics; sensitivity analysis; Solid mechanics; Static elasticity (thermoelasticity...); Structural and continuum mechanics; thermoelectricity; topology optimization; Geometrical shape; Temperature; Sensitivity analysis; Adjoint method; Topology; Conversion; Modeling; Physical properties; Moving asymptote; Optimization; Thermoelectric properties; Thermoelectric effect; Finite element method; Equations of state; thermoelectricity; Density function; Geometrical method; Objective function; topology optimization; Resistor; multiphysics; Multidisciplinary

SUMMARY This paper discusses an application of the topology optimization method for the design of thermoelectric generators. The proposed methodology provides the optimized geometry in accordance with various arbitrary conditions such as the types of materials, the volume of materials, and the tempe...