Abstract
A thermodynamic model of a thermoelectric generator-driven thermoelectric heat pump (TEG-TEH) combined device is established considering the Thomson effect and the temperature dependence of the thermoelectric properties based on non-equilibrium thermodynamics. Energy analysis and exergy analysis are performed. New expressions for heating load, maximum working temperature difference, coefficient of performance (COP), and exergy efficiency are obtained. The performance is analyzed and optimized using numerical calculations. The general performance, optimal performance, optimum variables, optimal performance ranges, and optimum variable ranges are obtained. The results show that the Thomson effect decreases the general performance and optimal performance, and narrows the optimal operating ranges and optimum variable ranges. Considering the Thomson effect, more thermoelectric elements should be allocated to the thermoelectric generator when designing the devices. The optimum design variables for the maximum exergy efficiency are different from those for the maximum COP. The results can provide more scientific guidelines for designing TEG-TEH devices.
Highlights
The thermoelectric (TE) effect [1] can be used to directly convert between heat and electricity
Feng et al [32] studied the performance of a TE generator (TEG)-TE cooler (TEC) combined device and the results indicate that the Thomson effect decreases the cooling capacity, coefficient of performance (COP), and maximum cooling temperature difference
The influence of the Thomson effect on general performance, optimal performance, and optimum variables are studied in the performance analyses and optimization
Summary
The thermoelectric (TE) effect [1] can be used to directly convert between heat and electricity. Entropy 2018, 20, 29 analyzed the performance, optimized the allocation of the TE element [21], investigated the maximum heating temperature difference of the TEG-TEH device [22], and studied the effect of physical size of the TE element on the performance of the TEG-TEH device [23]. Feng et al [32] studied the performance of a TEG-TEC combined device and the results indicate that the Thomson effect decreases the cooling capacity, coefficient of performance (COP), and maximum cooling temperature difference. A non-equilibrium thermodynamic model of the TEG-TEH combined device, which considers the Thomson effect and the temperature dependence of TE properties, will be established in this paper using methods in References [28,29,30] on the basis of studies in References [21,22,23].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
