Parameter interaction analysis and comprehensive performance optimization of a thermoelectric generator system integrating a wide temperature range of thermoelectric modules

A thermoelectric generator(TEG) model integrating a wide temperature range with high, medium, and low temperature thermoelectric modules(HTEM, MTEM, and LTEM) is developed and validated to significantly enhance TEG performance and prediction accuracy. The interactive effect of structural parameters(height of HTEM and MTEM(A and B)) and operating parameters(T_in and m_in(C and D)) on conversion efficiency(η_TE), output power(P) and system efficiency(η_sys) are explored based on response surface method(RSM), and the three performance are comprehensively optimized. The results show that the heat capacity of the heat exchanger is the key factor affecting the stabilization time of the hot end temperature. The significant interactive effects for AD, BD, and CD across all three performance metrics(η_TE, P and η_sys). The optimal η_TE, P and η_sys after single performance optimization are 7.589%, 515.02 W and 2.683%, respectively. The optimal comprehensive performance factor(CPF) obtained by TOPSIS is 0.923, and the corresponding η_TE, P and η_sys are 7.565%, 341.77 W and 2.669%, respectively. The structural and operating parameters of TEG with the stepped-configuration are given, which are of great significance to improve the comprehensive performance of the TEG.