IWNET12
IWNET12
Thermodynamic Optimization of Two-Stage Peltier Modules: Struc-
ture and Exergy
M.A. Olivares-Robles1, F. Vazquez2, C. Ramirez-Lopez2
1 IPN ESIME-Culhuacan, México
2 Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, México
Abstract
In this work we undertake the theoretical analysis of a two-stage semiconductor thermoelectric module (TEM)
which contains an arbitrary and dierent number of thermocouples, n1 and n2, in each stage (pyramid-styled
TEM). The analysis is based on a dimensionless entropy balance set of equations. We study the eects of n1 and
n2, the owing electric currents through each stage, the applied temperatures and the thermoelectric properties
of the semiconductor materials on the exergetic eciency. Our main result implies that the electric currents
owing in each stage must necessarily be dierent with a ratio about 4.3 if the best thermal performance and
the highest temperature dierence possible between the cold and hot side of the device are pursued. This fact
had not been pointed out before for pyramid-styled two stage TEM. The ratio n1/n2 should be about 8.
E-mail: molivares67@gmail.com

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