Design optimization of plate-fin heat sink with forced convection for single-module thermoelectric generator

• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2022.119866
• Publication Date: 2022-12-16T16:25:34Z
• Authors: Toni Pujol; Ilya T'Jollyn; Eduard Massaguer; Albert Massaguer; Ivan R. Cózar; Michel De Paepe
• Keywords: Fin; Forced convection; Thermoelectric generator; Thermoelectric cooling

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) often use plate-fin heat sinks as cold side exchangers under forced convection. The available net electrical power obtained from these TEGs corresponds to that generated (Seebeck effect) minus consumed (cooling fan). Generation and self-consumption have different trends a function of the air flow speed, so maximum is expected when varying cooling rate. Here, semi-analytical model was developed predict single TEG module with sink non-bypassed successfully validated experimental data. It applied determine design (fin thickness fin-to-fin distance) optimized for given values hot source temperature, properties, duct cross-section. Numerical results indicated optimal dimensions depended, among others, on effective properties. For TEG, output less sensitive changes in fin than spacing. designs predicted by cases studied had thicknesses 0.32 0.44 mm distances 1 mm.