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B8: Modelling

Multiphysics Modeling of Thermoelectric System Based on Phase Separated, Functional Gradient Chalcogenides 

E. Hazan, O. Ben-Yehuda and Y. Gelbstein
Department of Materials Engineering, Ben-Gurion University, Be'er-Sheva, Israel.

Thermoelectric generators fulfill a unique solution of direct and efficient waste-heat recovery systems. Previous modeling of thermoelectric modules has focused mainly on analytical predictions which assume temperature-independent properties, 1-D heat flow and without taking into account the influence of Thomson effect. The current research focuses on a development of a reliable and robust thermoelectric model based on COMSOL Multiphysics 4.2 software, taking into account all of the relevant transport effects, contact resistance and temperature-dependent properties. Validation of the model is done on a mid temperature couple which is consisted of state-of-the-art phase-separated p-type PbTe-GeTe and functionally graded n-type PbTe-PbS thermoelectric materials electrically connected by copper stripes.