Continuum Theory and Modeling of Thermoelectric Elements

PrefaceTHERMODYNAMICS AND THERMOELECTRICITYMilestones of ThermoelectricityGalvanomagnetic and Thermomagnetic EffectsHistorical Notes on Thermodynamic AspectsBasic Thermodynamic EngineThermodynamics of the Ideal Fermi GasLinear Non-Equilibrium ThermodynamicsForces and Fluxes in Thermoelectric SystemsHeat & EntropyThe Thermoelectric Engine and its ApplicationsThermodynamics and Thermoelectric PotentialCONTINUUM THEORY OF TE ELEMENTSDomenicali's Heat Balance EquationTransferred Heat BalanceIoffe's Description and Performance Parameters of CPM DevicesMaximum Power and Efficiency of a Thermogenerator ElementTemperature Dependent MaterialsThe Influence of ContactsDissipative Coupling between the TEG and the Heat BathsShaped Thermoelectric ElementsOther Influences on the Performance of TE DevicesSEGMENTED DEVICES AND NETWORKINGSegmented DevicesNetworksTRANSIENT RESPONSE AND GREEN'S FUNCTION TECHNIQUEQuasi-Stationary ProcessesSupercooling with a Transient Peltier CoolerTransient Behavior of a Thermoelectric GeneratorLaser Flash AnalysisClassical Ioffe MethodGreen's Function Approach in ThermoelectricityLinear Transient ApproachTime Dependent Green's Function ApproachCOMPATIBILITYRelative Current Density and Compatibility FactorsCompatibility and Segmented ThermogeneratorsReduced Efficiencies and Self-Compatible PerformancePower-Related CompatibilityOptimal Material Grading for Maximum Power OutputThe Criterion "u=s" and Calculus VariationsSelf-Compatibility and Optimum Material GradingThermodynamic Aspects of CompatibilityAnalytic Results for Self-Compatible TEG and TEC ElementsThermoelectric Thomson CoolerCompatibility Approach vs. Device OptimizationNUMERICAL SIMULATIONFinite Difference MethodsFinite Volume MethodFinite Element MethodPerformance Calculation of a TEG - A Case StudyNonlinear Material ParametersAppendix: Numerical Data and Illustrative Cases

Christophe Goupil is professor at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Ingénieurs in Caen, France. His research interest spans from experimental studies of vortices in the so-called high-Tc superconductors to theoretical thermodynamics. Professor Goupil has extensive experience in collaborative research with industrial partners, including major energy suppliers and companies of the automotive industry. He holds several patents. As expert in thermoelectric systems and thermodynamics of thermoelectricity, Professor Goupil currently pursues and develops his research activities at the Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Energies de demain at the Paris Interdisciplinary Energy Research Institute.