A procedure to optimize the height and number
of semiconductor pellets in a thermoelectric generator (TEG)
embedded in a thermal resistance network to maximize its
performance (output power) or efficiency is provided. Prescribed
are the thermophysical properties of the pellets, total footprint
of thermoelectric material, temperature difference across the
system, relevant thermal resistances, electrical contact resistance
at the interconnects between the pellets, and load resistance.
When the efficiency is maximized, the performance is also
prescribed and it is implied that its value is below its maximum.
The temperature difference imposed across the pellets in a TEG is
assumed to be small enough that their thermophysical properties
may be approximated as constants and the use of a single
thermoelectric material is appropriate. Examples illustrate the
use of the optimization procedure. The sensitivity of maximum
performance and efficiency to selected variables is quantified