Optimal design of a multi-couple thermoelectric generator

The performance of a multi-couple thermoelectric device as a generator is investigated. The general expressions of two important performance parameters, the efficiency and power output, are given. The - K characteristic curves of a thermoelectric generator are presented for some differently constrained conditions, where is the efficiency of the thermoelectric system and K is the total thermal conductance of the multi-couple thermoelectric device. The maximum efficiency of the system is calculated. The structure parameters of the device are optimized. The effect of the thermal conductances between the thermoelectric device and the external heat reservoirs on the performance of the system is expounded by using some representative numerical examples. The results obtained here will be useful for a more detailed investigation and for the optimal design of real thermoelectric generators.