Publication:
The importance of the assembly in thermoelectric generators

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Date

2018

Director

Publisher

IntechOpen
Acceso abierto / Sarbide irekia
Capítulo de libro / Liburuen kapitulua

Project identifier

MINECO//DPI2014-53158-R/ES/recolecta

Abstract

Generally, in the optimization of thermoelectric generators, only the heat exchangers or the thermoelectric modules themselves are taken into account. However, the assembly of the generator as a whole is of vital importance since a bad contact or a thermal bridge can waste the performance of an optimal generator. In this sense, the present chapter analyzes experimentally the use of different interface materials to reduce the thermal contact resistance between the modules and the heat exchangers, the influence of the pressure distribution in the assembly as well as the effect of different insulating materials in order to reduce the thermal bridge between the exchangers. Thus, it has been demonstrated that a good assembly requires the implementation of thermal interface materials to ensure the microscopic contact between the heat exchangers and the modules, besides a uniform clamping pressure. Nevertheless, since this is normally achieved with screws, they represent a source of thermal bridges in conjunction with the small distance between the exchangers. In order to reduce heat losses due to thermal bridges, which can represent up to one-third of the incoming heat, an increment of the distance between the exchangers and the use of an insulator is recommended.

Description

Keywords

Assembly, Pressure distribution, Clamping pressure, Contact, Thermal bridge, Thermoelectric generator, Thermal resistance

Department

Ingeniaritza / Institute of Smart Cities - ISC / Ingeniería

Faculty/School

Degree

Doctorate program

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