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Assessing the accuracy of mathematical models used in thermoelectric simulation: Thermal influence of insulated air zone and radiation heat

Gao, Junling, Du, Qungui, Chen, Min, Li, Bo, Zhang, Dongwen (2015) Assessing the accuracy of mathematical models used in thermoelectric simulation: Thermal influence of insulated air zone and radiation heat. Applied Thermal Engineering, 82 . pp. 162-169. ISSN 1359-4311. (doi:10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2015.02.072) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:87899)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2015.02.0...

Abstract

An accurate mathematical model of thermoelectric modules (TEMs) provides the basis for the analysis and design of thermoelectric conversion system. TEM models from the literature are only valid for the heat transfer of N-type and P-type thermoelectric couples without considering air around the actual thermoelectric couples of TEMs. In fact, air space imposes significant influence on the model computational accuracy, especially for a TEM with large air space inside. In this study, heat transfer analyses of air between the TEM cold and hot plates were carried out in order to propose a new mathematical model that minimises simulation errors. This model was applied to analyse characteristic parameters of two typical TEMs, and the ratio of cross-sectional area of air space to thermocouples were 48.2% and 80.0%, respectively. The average relative errors in simulation decreased from 5.2% to 2.8% and from 12.8% to 3.7%, respectively. It is noted that our new model gives result more accurate than models from the literature provided that higher temperature difference occurs between hot side and cold side of TEM. Thus, the proposed model is of theoretical significance in guiding future design of TEMs for high-power or large-temperature-difference thermoelectric conversion systems.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2015.02.072
Uncontrolled keywords: Thermoelectric module; Heat transfer through air; Mathematical model; Thermoelectric conversion system
Subjects: T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery > Control engineering
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences > School of Engineering and Digital Arts
Depositing User: Amy Boaler
Date Deposited: 04 May 2021 12:56 UTC
Last Modified: 17 Aug 2022 11:02 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/87899 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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