Influence of Leg Geometry on the Performance of Bi2Te3 Thermoelectric Generators

Abstract

This study analyzed the significant performance using COMSOL Multiphysics software of thermoelectric modules (TEMs) fabricated from aluminium oxide (Al2O3), copper (Cu), and bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) materials, with a particular focus on investigating various leg geometries. The TEM design had Al2O3 for insulation, Cu for conducting, and Bi2Te3 for TE legs among the Cu. Investigated the influence of square and rectangular TE legs with heights of 2.0, 2.75, and 3.5 mm on critical parameters such as the normalized current density, electric potential, temperature gradient, and total internal energy within the TEM. Furthermore, the impact of varying thicknesses in the insulator and conductor layers of the TEM was explored. The results consistently demonstrated that the square leg geometry, particularly when configured with a height of 2.75 mm, outperformed other leg geometries. Consequently, it is suggested to adopt a square-shaped Bi2Te3 TEM measuring 1 mm × 1 mm × 2.75 mm with a 0.50 mm Al2O3 thickness and 0.125 mm Cu thickness during the manufacturing process. Investigate how temperature differences in TE device leg design are influenced by parameters such as the Seebeck coefficient (S), thermal conductivity (k), and electrical conductivity (σ). At lower temperatures, modeling reveals lower electrical conductivity and enhanced thermal conductivity, highlighting the significance of S = ± 2.37×10⁻⁴ V/K. This illustrates the high potential of TEM for applications in thermoelectric generator (TEG) manufacturing.

Keywords

• Bi2Te3
• TEM
• COMSOL Multiphysics
• Leg geometry
• Performance

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