열전발전 시스템의 부정합손실 저감방안 연구

In this study, a multi-layer cascade (MLC) electrical array configuration method for thermoelectric generator consisting of plural number of thermoelectric modules (TEMs) was proposed to reduce mismatch loss caused by temperature maldistribution on the surfaces of the TEMs. To validate the effect of MLC on the mismatch loss reduction, a numerical model capable of reflecting multi-physics phenomena occuring in the TEMs was developed. MLC can be employed by placing a group of TEMs experiencing relatively low temperature differences in an electric layer with more electrical branches while locating a group of TEMs experiencing relatively high temperature differences in an electric layer with less electrical branches. The TEMs were classified using the temperature distribution obtained by the numerical model. A MLC with an optimal electrical branch ratio showed a 96.5% of electric power generation compared to an ideal case.