Performance analysis and design optimization of a compact thermoelectric generator with T-Shaped configuration

In this study, a compact thermoelectric generator (TEG) configuration composed of T-shaped electrodes and connected P–N thermoelectric legs was developed to improve its performance. Based on the 1D self-consistent numerical model, the electrical impedance matching relations and optimal thermoelectric leg sizes for T-shaped TEG were semi-analytically derived, and demonstrated with a high accurate prediction. The comparison between the developed T-shaped and the conventional π-shaped TEGs was conducted, which indicated that the specific output power was greatly increased by 90.1% under the same given thermal conditions. Furthermore, impacts of the coupled thermal-electrical conditions, thermal conditions and geometric parameters on the performance of T-shaped TEG have been studied in detail. Single-parameter and two-parameter geometric optimizations were also discussed. Then, the optimal geometric size could be obtained under the given heat transfer conditions and external electrical loading. Finally, the optimization of geometric parameters for T-shaped TEG was conducted in different heat transfer conditions. Under the constant heat transfer conditions, the maximum power has improved by 21.9%. The novel structure of the T-shaped TEG proposed could be applied in many application scenarios. •A novel T-shaped TEG structure was developed.•A 1D self-consistent numerical method for T-shaped TEG was developed.•The explicit single or two-parameter geometry optimization models were derived.•The impacts of the geometry sizes were demonstrated.•T-shaped TEG would obtain output power with an increase of 90.1%.