抄録
Total performance prediction was carried out for a micro thermoelectric power generator employing rectangular-fin elements and regenerative combustion, which utilizes the combustion gas to preheat the working gas. In the analysis, an array of rectangular-fin elements and hot- and cold-side gases were modeled as a fluid-saturated porous medium bounded by a solid wall. After the validation of the porous medium model, quasi three-dimensional simulations considering the heat and electric current flow in the flow direction were carried out. As a result, for element thickness t=0.5mm, it was found that the overall conversion efficiency from total heat input into electrical energy exceeds 3% as a target, at the electrical power to pumping power ratio more than three and volumetric power density more than 30mW/cm^3.
