On One-Dimensional Analysis of Thermoelectric Modules (TEMs)

A novel framework for the one-dimensional analysis of a thermoelectric module (TEM) in which controlled and uncontrolled sides rather than cold and hot sides of it are defined is introduced. Next, heat conduction in a TEM is considered within this framework. Then, the operating modes of a TEM (cooling, generation, etc.) are defined and a means to compute the operating mode from a minimal set of operating parameters is provided. Refrigeration mode is considered in depth to illustrate the application of the analysis framework. Finally, the analysis is extended to TEMs subjected to boundary conditions of the third kind. Novel aspects of the analysis are indicated in the Conclusions.