Thermoelectric Generator Performance Using Graphite Reinforced Metal Matrix Composite Heat Sinks

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to investigate the performance of thermoelectric generator (TEG) numerically with a square pin-fin heat sink having different types of materials and fin heights at different hot surface temperatures. For heat sink materials, three different metal materials [aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), and magnesium (Mg)] as well as metal matrix composites of these materials reinforced by graphite as 50% volumetric concentration were analyzed. For the fin heights, three different heights (20, 40, and 60 mm) were analyzed; and for the hot surface temperatures, six different temperatures (75, 150, 225, 300, 450, and 600 degrees C) were analyzed. Also, the detailed cost analyses of these heat sink materials were realized. The results of this study showed that the heat sinks with graphite materials increased the heat transfer performance and the TEG performance. In all materials, the highest-power outputs were obtained at a 300 degrees C hot surface temperature and at a 60 mm fin height. In this case, the power output value was 18.11 W for a heat sink TEG system with Cu reinforced by graphite with 50% volumetric concentration, which is the best; and 13.04 W for a heat sink TEG system with Mg, which is the worst. Finally, when the results were evaluated in terms of price (in U.S. dollars per performance in watts), the TEG system with a heat sink with Al reinforced by graphite with 50% volumetric concentration gave the best result.