A Flow Induced Vertical Thermoelectric Generator and its Simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics

E. Topal
Micro and Nanotechnology Program
Middle East Technical University
Ankara, Turkey
Published in 2011

In this study, a new thermoelectric harvester with fluid flow for increased performance is introduced. The thermoelectric generator is 3D vertical configuration with p- and n-doped Silicon thermolegs. There is water flow between channels integrated through the thermoelectric columns, providing forced convection on the heat flow path.

Our thermoelectric generator design can be used for energy generation from waste heat on hot spots of PC’s. Especially in water-cooled systems, the flow in the cooling system can be directed through the columns of the thermoelectric generator, providing a maximum DC power output of 4.2 mW per cm2 for a 10K temperature difference between heat source and heat sink.

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