Finite Element Thermomechanical Modeling of Large Area Thermoelectric Generators based on Bismuth Telluride Alloys
Finite Element Thermomechanical Modeling of Large Area Thermoelectric Generators based on Bismuth Telluride Alloys
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DOI：
10.1007/s11664-009-1049-z
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发表时间：
2010-01
影响因子：
2.1
通讯作者：
S. Turenne;Th. Clin;D. Vasilevskiy;R. Masut
中科院分区：
文献类型：
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作者：
S. Turenne;Th. Clin;D. Vasilevskiy;R. Masut
最近开展了一项研究，以评估热电(TE)模块在温度梯度下产生的机械应力水平。该研究是基于对实际TE发生器模块在不同运行条件和支腿长度下的热力行为进行的数值模拟。通过有限元分析，考察了在真实边界条件下，大模数(30×30 mm~2和40×40 mm~2)在换热界面上的行为。例如，在给定的压缩载荷下，该模块被约束在两个刚性板之间，并评估了不同的滑动条件。焊锡合金的塑性变形降低了支腿的应力量。其中一个主要结果表明，腿部的最大应力值出现增加，因为它们离边缘更近。对于这样大的模块，模拟预测了在温差为100°C的稳态操作下，陶瓷板在模块中心和边缘之间的可测量位移。我们通过光学轮廓仪的测量提供了令人满意的实验验证。
A recent investigation was carried out to evaluate the level of mechanical stress generated in a thermoelectric (TE) module subjected to a temperature gradient. The study was based on the numerical simulation of the thermomechanical behavior of realistic TE generator modules under various operating conditions and leg lengths. By the use of finite element analysis the behavior of large modules (30 × 30 mm2and 40 × 40 mm2) was examined under realistic boundary conditions at the heat exchange interfaces. For example, the module was constrained between two rigid plates under a given compressive load, and different sliding conditions were assessed. The plastic deformation of the soldering alloys was shown to reduce the amount of stress in the legs. One of the main results indicated that an increase in the maximum stress values appeared in the legs as they were closer to the edges. For such large modules, the simulation predicted a measurable displacement of the ceramic plates between the center and the edges of the module under steady state operation with a temperature difference of 100°C. We provide a satisfactory experimental validation by optical profiler measurements.