The thermal-electric conversion efficiency is a crucial metric for evaluating the performance of a thermoelectric generator (TEG). However, accurate measurement of this efficiency remains a significant challenge due to various factors that impact heat flow measurements. We have observed that temperature fluctuations during temperature control are the primary factor contributing to measurement errors in heat flow under vacuum conditions. To address this issue, we have developed a time-dependent theoretical model for the thermal-electric coupling of a TEG measurement system based on Fourier’s theory of heat conduction. This model allows us to investigate the effects of both temperature fluctuation and structural parameters on the measurement error of TEG performance. Furthermore, we have proposed an error correction scheme for TEG performance based on our theoretical and experimental findings. These insights provide a theoretical framework and technical guidance for more precise measurements of TEG performance.

The fiber geometry is one of the important parameters in the effective conversion performance and local strength of thermoelectric composites. In this study, the plane problem of a hollow fiber embedded within a non-linear thermoelectric medium in the presence of a uniform remote in-plane electric current and a uniform remote energy flux is investigated based on the complex variable method. Closed-form expressions for all the potential functions characterizing the thermoelectric field and the associated thermal stress field in both the matrix and fiber are obtained by solving the corresponding boundary value problem. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effect of hollowness ratio of the fiber on the local energy conversion efficiency and interfacial thermal stress concentration. It is found that a higher conversion efficiency and a lower amount of thermal stress concentration around a hollow fiber than that around a solid fiber could be achieved simultaneously by appropriate selection of the hollowness ratio of the fiber. The results can be directly used for performance optimization and reliability evaluation in design of thermoelectric composites in engineering.