The Homogenization and Optimization of Thermoelectric Composites
Abstract
We seek to understand the effective behavior of thermoelectric composites using rigorous homogenization technique in this project. In the last three years, our accomplishment includes: (1) rigorous analysis of thermoelectric field distribution and effective properties of layered thermoelectric structures, showing that their effective figure of merit is not bounded by the constituent phases, in contrast to the previous claim; (2) identification of condition for optimal conversion efficiency of layered structures, wherein the compatibility of optimal current density of individual phases is found to be the key; (3) extending the analysis of layered structures to the core-shell type of composites that are appropriate for many applications; (4) development of asymptotic analysis and homogenization of one-dimensional thermoelectric composites, for which closed-form solutions can be obtained; and (5) development of asymptotic analysis and homogenization of two- and three-dimensional thermoelectric composites, for which finite element simulations have been implemented. This set of theoretical and computational techniques can be used to guide the design and optimization of thermoelectric composites with optimal conversion efficiency.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 17, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA615470
Entities
People
- Jiangyu Li
Organizations
- University of Washington