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Transient numerical modelling of a thermoelectric generator system used for automotive exhaust waste heat recovery

Luo, Ding; Wang, Ruochen; Yan, Yuying; Yu, Wei; Zhou, Weiqi

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Authors

Ding Luo

Ruochen Wang

YUYING YAN YUYING.YAN@NOTTINGHAM.AC.UK
Professor of Thermofluids Engineering

Wei Yu

Weiqi Zhou



Abstract

The automotive thermoelectric generator system is a promising technology of exhaust waste heat recovery, but reasonable theoretical models to predict its dynamic performance are lacking. In this work, a transient fluid-thermal-electric multiphysics coupling field numerical model is proposed for the first time, and the model is used to evaluate the dynamic performance of a simplified automotive thermoelectric generator system under vehicle driving cycles. The transient numerical model, which takes into account the dynamic characteristics, fluid-thermal-electric multiphysics field coupling effects, and material temperature dependence, is thus far the most complete model ever. Numerical results reveal that there is a delay in output response with the change of exhaust temperature, and the change of output voltage and output power is often accompanied by the change of exhaust mass flow rate. The small and short-term fluctuation of exhaust gases has a slight influence on output performance. With the transient variation of exhaust characteristics, the output voltage and output power show more stable changes and slower responses, but the situation is the opposite for conversion efficiency. The output power predicted by steady-state numerical simulation is 12.6% higher than that of transient numerical simulation. Moreover, the proposed transient numerical model is recommended to investigate the dynamic performance of automotive thermoelectric generator systems.

Citation

Luo, D., Wang, R., Yan, Y., Yu, W., & Zhou, W. (2021). Transient numerical modelling of a thermoelectric generator system used for automotive exhaust waste heat recovery. Applied Energy, 297, Article 117151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.117151

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date May 23, 2021
Online Publication Date Jun 1, 2021
Publication Date Sep 1, 2021
Deposit Date Jun 2, 2021
Publicly Available Date Jun 2, 2022
Journal Applied Energy
Print ISSN 0306-2619
Electronic ISSN 0306-2619
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 297
Article Number 117151
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.117151
Keywords General Energy; Mechanical Engineering; Civil and Structural Engineering; Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law; Building and Construction
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5622573
Publisher URL https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306261921005894

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