Thermoelectric generation is a promising technology which converts waste heat into electricity in an efficient and clean way. Thermoelectric application could utilize the heat from a device to power a thermoelectric generator (TEG) which in turn produces power that could run a cooling system. Such systems would be critical in transportation, remote area or other applications where system reliability is of a paramount importance. Thus, in this paper a detailed parametrical analysis and optimization of the geometrical and system parameters are made so as to provide guidelines for the design of self-cooling devices. A simple and accurate 2D numerical model is developed which facilitates a quick analysis of design variables. Numerical data is within a good agreement (within 6%) with existing experimental data. The effect of extender height (H_(ext)), fin base height (H_(fbase)), number of fins (N_(fin)) ranging from 10 mm to 50 mm, 2 mm to 12 mm, 24 to 64 respectively has been studied. In addition, the feasibility of using double and triple cascaded TEG system is investigated. An optimization algorithm to optimize system paramaters is implemented.
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