Theoretical analysis of thermoelectric module

Abstract

A thermoelectric generator was used to recover waste heat from a heat source, such as engine exhaust. The key elements of the thermoelectric generator are heat exchanger and thermoelectric module. Thermoelectric modules convert heat energy to electrical energy using the Seebeck effect. A temperature difference between the hot and cold sides of the thermoelectric module is required to generate electric power. A theoretical model was developed to predict thermoelectric current, voltage, and power output. A bismuth Telluride thermoelectric module was used for analysis. It was observed that the thermoelectric voltage increased with the external load resistance, and the thermoelectric power output increased at a certain load resistance and then decreased. Under the match load condition, the maximum thermoelectric power output was obtained.