One dimensional Analysis of Thermoelectric Modules
01 June 2004
A framework for the one-dimensional analysis of a thermoelectric module (TM) is provided. First, pertinent thermoelectric and irreversible effects are introduced and categorized. Then, heat conduction in a TM is analyzed. Next, a methodology is developed to determine the operating mode (refrigeration, generation, etc.) of a TM. Also, selected key parameters and the voltage distributions characterizing selected operating modes are provided. Finally, the analysis is extended to TMs subjected to convective boundary conditions. Novel aspects of the analysis are indicated in the Conclusions.