ICT2014 Abstracts

Harvesting the thermal energy stored in the ambient environment provides a potential sustainable energy source. Thermoelectric power generators have advantages of having no moving parts, being durable, and light-weighted. These unique features are advantageous for many applications (i.e., carry-on medical devices, embedded infrastructure sensors, aerospace, transportation, etc.).  To ensure the efficient applications of thermoelectric energy harvesting system, the behaviors of such systems need to be fully understood.  Most existing simulation models on the performance of thermoelectric modules ignore the influence of the effective Seebeck coefficient (considering the chemical potential) and carrier density variations on the performance of thermoelectric system, due to the complexity in solving the coupled equations.  This results in an overestimation of the power generator performance under strong-ionization temperature region. This paper presents an advanced simulation model for thermoelectric elements that considers the effects of both factors. The mathematical basis of this model is firstly presented. Finite element simulations are then implemented on a thermoelectric power generator unit made from the material of bismuth telluride (Bi₂Te₃). The characteristics of the thermoelectric power generator and their relationship to its performance are discussed under different working temperature regions.  The new model describes the thermoelectric power generator behaviors more holistically.