Modeling of Thermoelectric Module for Generating Power

Thermoelectric technology is based on the conversion of a temperature difference into electrical energy, or vice versa, using thermoelectric modules. Thermoelectric modules can be used as substitute to traditional methods of cooling and heating. In this study mathematical model of thermoelectric module is developed to estimate electrical behavior of thermoelectric module with changing conditions of hot side temperature and ambient temperature. The electrical behavior of the thermoelectric module needs to be modeled to understand the electrical power output and efficiency of the device. Mathematical model of thermoelectric module is developed using MATLAB software for various thermoelectric materials using their thermoelectric properties. The performance of thermoelectric model for various thermoelectric material is compared. This model takes thermal parameters including hot side temperature and cold side temperature as input parameters and provides the electrical parameters including generated power, current and voltage as output parameters. It is found that the thermoelectric module made up of bismuth telluride material generates more power and also has good conversion efficiency than lead and ferrous based alloys.