A Distributed Parameter Approach for the Modeling of Thermoelectric Devices

Thermoelectric devices (TEDs) allow direct electric and thermal energy mutual conversion. Because of the absence of working fluids and moving components, they can be used where it is not possible to refer to conventional technologies. In automotive applications, TEDs can give support in air conditioning and internal combustion engine (ICE) thermal heat recovery, contributing to increase the overall vehicle efficiency.Phenomena taking place in these devices are of a different nature and involve electric, thermal, and thermoelectric aspects, being highly influenced by materials' characteristics and by system geometry.With the aim to offer a design tool, a TED mathematical model is presented in this article. The proposed model is based on a distributed parameter approach and has been conceived to consider heat transfer actual conditions. It accurately describes thermal energy production and removal terms due to Peltier and Joule effects. A dedicated experimental activity revealed the reliability of the model.