Numerical simulation

Abstract

This chapter analyzes some problems of the behavior of TE elements and devices by numerical methods. The numerical methods are subgrouped into three major approaches as finite difference method, finite volume method, and finite element method. Each of these methods has its advantages depending on the nature of the underlying physical problem. For the choice of the numerical method and particular schemes, the type of the partial differential equation plays a significant role. For the calculation of the performance of a thermoelectric module (TEM), several parameters and quantities have to be known. The chapter highlights the analogy between the thermal and electrical system parameters of a TEM. When the material properties depend on further parameters, numerical methods are indispensable because nonlinear problems result typically. The chapter discusses an example with temperature-dependent material properties.