Modeling thermoelectric generators using the ANSYS software platform: Methodology, practical applications, and prospects

We present a review of modeling techniques of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) with the use of the finite element method based on the software of the ANSYS Workbench platform. Comparative analysis of different models and with the experiment is presented. The development direction of methods for studying the properties of promising TEGs, including generators based on MEMS technology, as well as segmented and coaxial types, is discussed. It has been shown that an important step in the design is to calculate the geometric parameters of the thermoelements (TEs) carried out with the help of numerical methods for solving the optimization problem by the criterion of maximizing the power output. The use of modeling techniques makes it possible to determine the activation modes of TEGs, operating temperature range, load resistance, and the output power. © 2017, Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.