Work

Multiobjective Optimization for Combined Thermoelectric Geometry and Electric Pulse Using Finite Elements

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: The present article applies multiobjective heuristic algorithms for the optimization of thermoelectric parts assembled in Peltier cells. These cells are overcooled for short periods of time in sophisticated applications such as laser devices, therefore, the optimization includes the corresponding electric pulse. The model is a research finite element code that can handle the required physics: full coupling and dynamics of the thermal, electric and mechanical fields, and temperature dependency of the material properties. The algorithm is Simulated Annealing, part of the Markov chain Monte–Carlo family. This technique is computationally expensive but very capable to discard local minima in order to reach robust results, and in addition permits to set limiting factors such as the maximum stress. First, a complete parametric analysis under constant pulse is presented to understand the complexities of the temperature, electric flux and stress distributions in complicated geometries. Second, combined optimizations of variable structures and pulses are developed and discussed. It is demonstrated that the targets can be significantly improved, in particular the overcoolingcan be more than doubled with respect to that of the standard configurations, also reducing the stress level of the thermoelectrics. This stress level often causes the premature failure of pulsed cells.

Source: Applied Thermal Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2023.121599

Authors: J.L. Pérez-Aparicio, P. Moreno-Navarro, J.J. Gómez-Hernández

Institution: Universitat Politècnica de València

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,450