ABSTRACT
Missing Thomson effect in the constant property model (CPM) may cause an underestimation or overestimation of the efficiency depending on the degree of Thomson heat at a given temperature gradient. To examine the effect of Thomson heat on the thermoelectric (TE) module based on the cumulative temperature dependence (CTD) model shows the cumulative effect of practical Joule and Thomson heat on the input heat flux at the hot side, respectively. Therefore, the CTD model including the Thomson effect more correctly predicts the output power generation than the CPM, and the main difference between the CTD model and the numerical analysis is caused by the linear approximation for the temperature distribution in this model. Direct indicators correlation shows the direct pathway to evaluate the conversion efficiency and output power of a material, leading to correct predictions of the potential of TE materials and devices.
