Seebeck phenomenon, calculation method comparison

Abstract

In the article the Seebeck effect has been the main focus as well as modelling of thermoelectric phenomena observed during thermoelectric generators’ (TEG) work cycle in cogeneration systems. A simple mathematical model has been applied for calculations, and subsequently the durability environment of the Ansys computer programme for the purpose of modelling geometry and physical conditions, having assumed the starting conditions and material data. Tasks encountered in technical domains frequently require modelling of complicated geometry of real objects, applying discontinuous or differentiable functions, which enable description of physical parameters and boundary conditions. This fact imposes introduction of the model divided into a finite number of parts with relatively uncomplicated shapes that will allow obtaining a solution within their scope, and subsequently combining them with each other in the finite element method (FEM).For empirical research the generator with the marking: „56890-503 CP14, 71, 045” Laird PL26 from Laird Technologies was used. In order to determine the load characteristics there were appropriate temperatures applied to the cold and hot side of the thermoelectric generator. Subsequently, the system designed to regain energy from the heat was burdened with resistors. The final stage of the tests was installing the system in the exhaust section of the laboratory test stand at the Integrated Laboratory of the Mechatronics System of Vehicles and Construction Machinery, Warsaw University of Technology. The tests have been carried out and the abovementioned characteristics designed. Consequently, there were laboratory classes for students conducted at the test stand, illustrating the Seebeck effect.