Efficiency at Maximum Power of Dissipative Thermoelectric Generators: A Finite-time Thermodynamic Analysis

In this paper we analyze the thermodynamic efficiency expected for a fully dissipative thermoelectric generator (TEG) operating under stationary conditions at a finite rate. Although a finite-time thermodynamic analysis of TEGs has been aimed at since long time, no complete theory is available yet. The state of the art of theory is reviewed, and a simple expression for the maximum achievable efficiency of TEGs operating under fully irreversible conditions is obtained. This also sets a reference efficiency for forthcoming studies of nonstationary operation of TEGs.