Geometric conditions for minimizing entropy production in thermocouple design.

This work shows a methodology for designing thermocouples of thermoelectric modules. The main quantities for design calculations are the geometric parameters: Cross-sectional area and leg length. Furthermore, the thickness of the ceramic material and the thickness of the metal bridge are considered. In addition, temperature-dependent thermoelectric properties are included in the analysis: Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity. An analysis of the entropy production is performed for two thermocouple geometries: Quadrangular and cylindrical. The proposed methodology allows determining the geometric conditions that the thermocouple must meet to minimize the entropy production and maximize efficiency. A conclusive result of this work is that the geometric conditions that minimize entropy production are the same that maximize the efficiency. [Display omitted] • A model for the thermal design of thermocouples for power generation. • Resource to the geometric dimensioning of thermocouples. • The model allows to analyze the performance of the developed designs. • The model can work with experimental data of any thermoelectric material. • The model presents realistic aspects for the design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]