Research in material distribution based on topology optimization in variable section segmented thermoelectric generators

Abstract

This paper investigates the material distribution of non-uniform cross-sectional segmented thermoelectric generators (STEG). Based on topology optimization methods, the material is reasonably allocated to enhance the output power and conversion efficiency of the STEG. The study selects X-shaped thermoelectric legs as the research subject. Topology optimized structures are obtained by maximizing output power and conversion efficiency as the objective functions, and performance comparison studies are conducted against structures with different material distributions. The study reveals that under different boundary conditions, the topology optimized structures can adapt to the temperature distribution of thermoelectric legs, showing a phenomenon where the interface protrudes toward the side with the larger cross-sectional area. Under various boundary conditions, the output power and conversion efficiency of the topology optimized structures with different objective functions outperform those of the comparison structures. Specifically, under constant temperature boundary conditions, the output power and conversion efficiency of the topology optimized structures can be improved by up to 19.3 % and 24.1 %, respectively. This study maximizes the thermoelectric performance of two thermoelectric materials by optimally distributing them, thus improving the thermoelectric performance of the TEG and providing guidance for the design of variable cross-sectional STEG.