Continuum Theory and Modeling of Thermoelectric Elements

Christophe Goupil is professor at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Ingénieurs in Caen, France. His research interest spans from experimental studies of vortices in the so-called high-Tc superconductors to theoretical thermodynamics. Professor Goupil has extensive experience in collaborative research with industrial partners, including major energy suppliers and companies of the automotive industry. He holds several patents. As expert in thermoelectric systems and thermodynamics of thermoelectricity, Professor Goupil currently pursues and develops his research activities at the Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Energies de demain at the Paris Interdisciplinary Energy Research Institute.

Preface

THERMODYNAMICS AND THERMOELECTRICITY
Milestones of Thermoelectricity
Galvanomagnetic and Thermomagnetic Effects
Historical Notes on Thermodynamic Aspects
Basic Thermodynamic Engine
Thermodynamics of the Ideal Fermi Gas
Linear Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics
Forces and Fluxes in Thermoelectric Systems
Heat & Entropy
The Thermoelectric Engine and its Applications
Thermodynamics and Thermoelectric Potential

CONTINUUM THEORY OF TE ELEMENTS
Domenicali's Heat Balance Equation
Transferred Heat Balance
Ioffe's Description and Performance Parameters of CPM Devices
Maximum Power and Efficiency of a Thermogenerator Element
Temperature Dependent Materials
The Influence of Contacts
Dissipative Coupling between the TEG and the Heat Baths
Shaped Thermoelectric Elements
Other Influences on the Performance of TE Devices

SEGMENTED DEVICES AND NETWORKING
Segmented Devices
Networks

TRANSIENT RESPONSE AND GREEN'S FUNCTION TECHNIQUE
Quasi-Stationary Processes
Supercooling with a Transient Peltier Cooler
Transient Behavior of a Thermoelectric Generator
Laser Flash Analysis
Classical Ioffe Method
Green's Function Approach in Thermoelectricity
Linear Transient Approach
Time Dependent Green's Function Approach

COMPATIBILITY
Relative Current Density and Compatibility Factors
Compatibility and Segmented Thermogenerators
Reduced Efficiencies and Self-Compatible Performance
Power-Related Compatibility
Optimal Material Grading for Maximum Power Output
The Criterion "u=s" and Calculus Variations
Self-Compatibility and Optimum Material Grading
Thermodynamic Aspects of Compatibility
Analytic Results for Self-Compatible TEG and TEC Elements
Thermoelectric Thomson Cooler
Compatibility Approach vs. Device Optimization

NUMERICAL SIMULATION
Finite Difference Methods
Finite Volume Method
Finite Element Method
Performance Calculation of a TEG - A Case Study
Nonlinear Material Parameters

Appendix: Numerical Data and Illustrative Cases