Geometrical design of thermoelectric generators based on topology optimization

SUMMARY This paper discusses an application of the topology optimization method for the design of thermoelectric generators. The proposed methodology provides the optimized geometry in accordance with various arbitrary conditions such as the types of materials, the volume of materials, and the tempe...

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Veröffentlicht in:International journal for numerical methods in engineering Jg. 90; H. 11; S. 1363 - 1392
Hauptverfasser: Takezawa, A., Kitamura, M.
Format: Journal Article
Sprache:Englisch
Veröffentlicht: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 15.06.2012
Wiley
Schlagworte:
Exact sciences and technology
finite element method
Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications)
multiphysics
Physics
sensitivity analysis
Solid mechanics
Static elasticity (thermoelasticity...)
Structural and continuum mechanics
thermoelectricity
topology optimization
Geometrical shape
Temperature
Sensitivity analysis
Adjoint method
Topology
Conversion
Modeling
Physical properties
Moving asymptote
Optimization
Thermoelectric properties
Thermoelectric effect
Finite element method
Equations of state
thermoelectricity
Density function
Geometrical method
Objective function
topology optimization
Resistor
multiphysics
Multidisciplinary
ISSN:0029-5981, 1097-0207
Online-Zugang:Volltext
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Zusammenfassung:SUMMARY This paper discusses an application of the topology optimization method for the design of thermoelectric generators. The proposed methodology provides the optimized geometry in accordance with various arbitrary conditions such as the types of materials, the volume of materials, and the temperature and shape of the installation position. By considering the coupled equations of state for the thermoelectric problem, we introduce an analytical model subject to these equations, which mimics the closed circuit composed of thermoelectric materials, electrodes, and a resistor. The total electric power applied to the resistor and the conversion efficiency are formulated as objective functions to be optimized. The proposed optimization method for thermoelectric generators is implemented as a geometrical optimization method using the solid isotropic material with penalization method used in topology optimizations. Simple relationships are formulated between the density function of the solid isotropic material with penalization method and the physical properties of the thermoelectric material. A sensitivity analysis for the objective functions is formulated with respect to the density function and the adjoint equations required for calculating it. Depending on the sensitivity, the density function is updated using the method of moving asymptotes. Finally, numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bibliographie:istex:3C6FC2D5D968FBCFAFB8659DF7DE43EC98776DFD
ark:/67375/WNG-966KD6XC-3
ArticleID:NME3375
ISSN:0029-5981
1097-0207
DOI:10.1002/nme.3375