Abstract
Thermodynamic irreversibility and performance characteristics of a thermoelectric power generator are investigated. The influence of the external load parameter, the thermal conductivity ratio, the figure of Merit, and the conductance ratio on the efficiency, the output power, and the entropy generation rate is predicted for various device operating parameters. It is found that the device efficiency increases to reach its maximum at the critical value of the output power and operating the device beyond the critical output power lowers the thermal efficiency and enhances the entropy generation rate significantly in the device.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 899-904 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Energy |
| Volume | 55 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 15 Jun 2013 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Entropy generation
- Performance
- Thermoelectric generator