Optimization of heat sink of thermoelectric cooler using entropy generation analysis

Abstract

In the present study, an optimization model is developed for a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) based on the entropy generation minimization method. In the model, the total entropy generation rate, the entropy generation number and the exergetic efficiency are proposed as optimization objective functions, respectively, while the number of transfer units of the heat sink is considered as a constraint. The heat capacity rate of cooling fluid in the heat sink is optimized under other given conditions. The results show that a minimum total entropy generation rate and a minimum entropy generation number can be achieved by optimally selecting the heat capacity rate of the cooling fluid. In addition, the minimum total entropy generation rate and corresponding optimal heat capacity rate of the cooling fluid are both dominated by the number of transfer units and the electrical current. Furthermore, the effects of the heat capacity rate of cooling fluid and the electric current in terms of the exergetic efficiency are also evaluated.