Module Design Method in Thermoelectric Generation System with Environmental Load Evaluation

Abstract

This paper describes a method to design a thermoelectric module in the thermoelectric generation system with an environmental load evaluation.
  We analyzed an energy ratio defined as the electrical output over the equivalent electrical input and life cycle CO₂ emissions for each module design in the thermoelectric generation system.
  It was found that the optimum module design could be decided uniquely by the evaluation of the energy ratio or life CO₂ emissions in the thermoelectric generation system. And by applying the optimum module design in the system, the thermoelectric generation system with a low environmental load could be designed and developed.