Manufacturer-data-only-based modeling and optimized design of thermoelectric harvesters operating at low temperature gradients

The paper presents a methodology of assessing performance of thermoelectric harvesters (TEH) operating at low temperature gradients using manufacturer datasheet only. Simplified and full TEH models with temperature-independent parameters are established with the former developed in the form of a two-terminal equivalent circuit, typical for renewable energy generators. Normalized expression is derived to assess maximum extractable TEH power for certain environmental conditions, heat sink thermal resistance and thermoelectric module figure of merit. Key role of the heat sink in TEH performance is revealed and corresponding design guidelines are provided. Experimental results are provided, demonstrating close match with analytical predictions, obtained by the proposed methodology.