Modelling of thermoelectric processes in FEM environment based on experimental studies

Abstract

Finite Element Method (FEM) is an effective and productive tool which is able to deal with sophisticated engineering requirements and successfully calculates expected output values often based on advanced boundary conditions and solution settings. The paper refers to modelling of thermoelectric generators in FEM environment (ANSYS software) which are based on popular Peltier modules that are frequently used in energy cogeneration branch of industry. The modelling process consists of geometry design, sensitivity study which focus on solver settings, discretization level and their impact into results (optimization of solution process total time). Last step engages parameter of Seebeck coefficient. Its modification allows adjusting the FE analysis to experimental data. The verified thermoelectric module will be able to reflect real capabilities of the commercially available thermoelectric devices. The main purpose of the process development is creation of Peltier modules (accessible in industry) FE models database. The devices from the database could easily be used in sophisticated FE analysis which consists of various physics systems (coupled) where simplified approach or indirect method will be limited or impossible to use.