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B7: Device and system performance
Under stationary conditions the optimization of maximal power and efficiency of TEG are well known subjects. Using a Finite Time Thermodynamic (FTT) approach, the development of the Novikov-Curzon-Ahlborn description of TEG has demonstrated that there exists a close feedback effect between the output electrical load value and the entering heat current [1]. From the practical point of view, this effect is strongly evidenced by the use of DC-DC converters as active loads [2]. Transient conditions and FTT finally both contribute to give a complex landscape of the optimization of the power and efficiencies of a TEG. It has been claimed that the use of inductive load may lead to a strong enhancement of the efficiency [3], [4]. Authors report the frequency response of a TEG as a band-pass filter [5], [6]. We consider these results using a classical linear Onsager approach of a TEG under transient conditions. We will show that a trans-admittance can be defined as a coupling element between the input and the output, leading to the observed electric to thermal Feedback.
Experimentation on a thermoelectric generator with an active load will be discussed where the efficiency (electric power output/thermal power input) is claimed to exceed the usual stationary DC thermoelectric efficiency.
[1] Optimal working conditions for thermoelectric generators with realistic thermal coupling, Y. Apertet, et al. EPL, 97, 2, 28001.( 2012)
[2] Modeling and tuning of MPPT Controler for a thermoelectric generator, K. Bunthern, et al, ICGE'14, Int. conf. on Green Energy (ICGE), March, 2014, Sfax Tunisia.
[3] Schroeder, US patent: N° US 8,101,846
[4] High efficiency inductive thermoelectric generator- illusion or reality. J. G. Stockholm. Proceedings of IX Conference Polish Ceramic Society – Zakopane Sept. 2013
[5] Low frequency impedance spectroscopy analysis of thermoelectric modules. Jorge García-Cañadas,et al. in print JEM proceedings of ICT2013 Kobe.
[6] Pulsed Thermoelectric Machine. M. Nedelcu M. Apostol, J. G. Stockholm,Proceedings of IX Conference Polish Ceramic Society – Zakopane Sept. 2013