COMSOL 3D Simulation of Optimization of Waste Heat Recovery Using Thermoelectric Generator by Modifying the Design

Abstract

Due to the EU’s energy strategy in order to improve the efficiency, researchers look for solutions to recover the waste heat. Heat can accumulate inside the system which might have a reduction effect on the electrical parameters. Consequently, transporting the accumulated heat can increase the overall efficiency of the system and can reduce the degradation effect of the accumulated heat. Thermoelectric generator directly converts the heat to electrical current via Seebeck effect. In order to directly convert the thermal energy that passes through the device into electricity, hight temperature difference has to occur. Consequently, the use of thermoelectric generator provides the opportunity to increase the overall efficiency of the system. Currently, Bismuth Telluride material is used for industrial thermoelectric modules. The simulation of the thermoelectric generator is a crucial part in the investigation of the performance. In the current article the optimization of waste heat recovery is studied using thermoelectric generator by modifying the leg geometries. During the comparison hexagon, trapeze, cube and cylinder geometries were taken into consideration. Based on the results, the hexagon geometry was the most optimal.