Performance and environmental impact analysis of thermoelectric generators through material selection and geometry optimization

This study evaluates the performance and environmental impact of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) by analyzing various thermoelectric materials and system geometries. A comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) is conducted to quantify the embodied energy and carbon emissions associated with different materials. The study employs particle swarm optimization (PSO) to optimize TEG geometry, aiming to enhance power output while minimizing environmental impact. The results demonstrate that material selection significantly influences both energy conversion efficiency and sustainability. Specifically, PbTe-based TEGs achieve the highest power output, whereas SiGe-based modules exhibit the highest environmental footprint. Through optimization, an 80% increase in power output is achieved for certain configurations, alongside a reduction in CO₂ emissions. Key findings highlight PbTe-based TEGs as the most efficient energy converters, while Bi₂Te₃-based modules strike a balance between performance and sustainability. In contrast, SiGe-based TEGs have the highest environmental footprint due to their high-embodied energy. Additionally, the study reveals that optimizing the number of thermocouples and leg dimensions significantly improves energy conversion efficiency and reduces carbon emissions. These findings provide valuable insights for designing next-generation TEG systems that effectively balance performance and environmental responsibility.