Simulation of printed thermoelectric generators using finite element analysis

The paper presents the result of studies and investigations related to planar thermoelectric generators, intended to be realized through printing technologies. The recent development in printing technologies and materials makes possible the realization of thermoelectric pairs in planar configuration as an alternative to the already used devices. The use of printing technologies permits the realization of a higher density of structures, keeping the overall volume very low. The main problem is that the materials required to print the thermoelements are still under test and there was not yet found an optimal paste system solution. In the same time, the Seebeck coefficients are smaller in comparison with bulk materials. We have used the finite element software features in order to include thermoelectric generation effects. This was done by performing a thermal-electric coupled analysis for two type of layouts. One is a known complex configuration of thermoelectric module, for which a model validation exists and the other is a real planar configuration.