Optimization of segmented thermoelectric for maximizing conversion efficiency and electric power density

An important consideration in the design and optimization of segmented thermoelectric (STE) converters is determining the relative lengths and the interfacial temperatures of the segments of the different materials in the nand p-legs. These variables are determined using a genetic algorithm in conjunction with one-dimensional analytical model of STE converters. Results indicated that when maximizing the efficiency, the interfacial temperatures between various segments are close to those at the intersections of the ZT curves of the thermoelectric materials of the adjacent segments. When maximizing electrical power density, however, the interfacial temperatures are different from those at the intersections of the ZT curves, but close to the temperatures at the intersections the characteristic power, CP, curves of the thermoelectric materials of the segments. The CP = T/sup 2/Zk, appears explicitly in the expression for the maximum power density and has the unit of W/m. Results also showed that the number of the segments in the n- and p-legs of the converters optimized for maximum power density are generally fewer than when the same converters are optimized for maximum efficiency.