Maximum power and efficiency of an irreversible thermoelectric generator with a generalized heat transfer law

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scient.2012.07.014
• Publication Date: 2012-09-03T13:08:00Z
• Authors: L. Chen; F. Meng; F. Sun
• Keywords: Thermoelectric generator; Churchill–Bernstein equation

An advanced model of irreversible thermoelectric generator with a generalized heat transfer law is established based on finite time thermodynamics. The represents class laws including Newtonian law, linear phenomenological radiative Dulong-Petit convective and law. inner effects Seebeck effect, Fourier Joule effect Thomson external are taken into account in the model. Euler–Lagrange functions at maximum power output efficiency established. Applying to practical example engineering, it found that does affect characteristics optimal performance device, among several typical laws. results can offer principles for optimization generators various conditions.