Simulation and Optimization of Perovskite Type Micro Thermoelectric Generator

In this study the thermoelectric properties of perovskite type Ca-Mn-O₃ compounds are estimated for the operating range of 850-1150 K. The optimization of design module for maximum power output is obtained using the analytical expression for power of Thermoelectric Generator (TEG). For the optimum length of 1.4 μm and with a cross sectional area of 0.3×0.3 μm the power obtained is 4.635 nW. For the same optimum length of 1.4 μm when the cross sectional area is increased to 0.6×0.6 μm the power obtained is 18.54 nW. A bridge type micro TEG (μTEG) with two thermo couples in series and four thermocouples in parallel are simulated and the temperature and voltage distribution obtained. The variation of power density for varying the gap length is analyzed. The calculated power density is 2.75 mW/(cm²K²) for optimum length of 1.4 μm with a gap length of 0.3 μm and cross sectional area of 0.6×0.6 μm. The calculated power density is increased to 4.0748 mW/(cm²K²) for the same optimum length of 1.4 μm when the gap length is 0.1 μm and with the same cross sectional area of 0.6×0.6 μm. To power up a 75W LED street light the required number of devices connected in series is 322 and in parallel is 12,658228 with the impedance matching between the micro thermoelectric generator and the load.