Macro-performance of multilayered thermoelectric medium

The effective properties of thermoelectric composites are well known to depend on boundary conditions, which causes the macro performance of thermoelectric composite to be difficult to assess. The overall macro-performance of multilayered thermoelectric medium is discussed in this paper. The analytical solutions are obtained, including the heat flux, temperature, electric potential, and the overall energy conversion efficiency. The results show that there are unique relationships between the temperature/electric potential and the electric current/energy flux in the material, and whether the material is independent of or embedded in thermoelectric composites. Besides, the Peltier effect at the interface can significantly improve the overall energy conversion efficiency of thermoelectric composites. These results provide a powerful tool to analyze the effective behaviors of thermoelectric composites.