Thermoelectric generators simulation in aircraft applications
by Tareq I. Al-Ma'aiteh; Oliver Krammer
International Journal of Sustainable Aviation (IJSA), Vol. 5, No. 4, 2019

Abstract: This paper presents the establishment of a numerical model for investigating thermoelectric generators (TEG) in aircraft applications. A single TEG module was analysed, by calculating the unit main electrical characteristics. The thermoelectric generator consists of 24 cells with p-type and n-type legs with a different Seebeck coefficient based on silicon alloy semiconductor material. Uniform mesh was applied to the module geometry, and variable resistive load were connected to the module in order to simulate the actual operation of unit. The model provided the output parameters of power, voltage and current at different load values. The single module FEM calculation was validated by comparing voltage-current and power-voltage characteristics to them in the manufacturers data sheet. The numerical result at full load of 0.49 Ω is the power of 2.19 W with a voltage and current of 0.98 V and 1.99 A respectively. The average error in the numerical model voltage-current characteristic values was found 4.42%, and the error in numerical model power-voltage characteristics at the maximum power is 10.2%. The model allowed the optimisation of TEG modules in real devices, which can be used in the applications of energy recovery and energy harvesting in aircrafts.

Online publication date: Sat, 22-Feb-2020

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Sustainable Aviation (IJSA):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com