(Effect of configuration size of thermoelectric couple on performance of annular thermoelectric generator)

A theoretical model was provided for the annular thermoelectric generator (ATEG) based on the one-dimensional steady heat transport theory. Effects of configuration size of P-type and N-type thermoelectric couple, asymmetry of material properties of thermoelectric couple and interface contact resistance on the output performance of ATEG were considered. The relationship between configuration size of P-type and N-type thermoelectric couple and their material properties was determined for the ideal ATEG based on the principle of maximum energy conversion efficiency. The influence of interface contact heat resistance and electrical resistance was considered, and the linear simplified solution which is more convenient to use than exact solution was obtained. The optimized angle ratio of N-type to P-type thermoelectric legs in the direction of circumference was also determined when the maximum output power and maximum conversion efficiency of ATEG attained. The interface contact resistance has a significant effect on the optimized anlge ratio for the short ATEG, and this ratio approaches to the ideal solution gradually as the configuration size of ATEG increases. Results obtained based on the ideal model can be used to guide the design of the realistic ATEG device when the size parameter sr is greater than 2