Optimization of supercooling effect in nanoscaled thermoelectric layers (Q325599)

The paper performs an optimization study of the Maxwell-Cattaneo type transport equation of the so-called supercooling effect in thermoelectric nanoscaled layers. The supercooling is caused by the short term electrical pulse applied to the nanoscaled layers. The numerical solution is performed by spectral methods which ensure wave behavior of heat and electric charge in a short time scale. The system consisting of a thermoelectric thin film is subjected to Dirichlet boundary conditions on the hot side of the electric device and a Rubin type one on the cold side. The response of the system is analyzed to a short pulse superimposed to the stationary state obtained with the optimal current. The transient for the nanometric layer shows an oscillating decaying behavior towards the stationary state, in contradistinction with the microscopic case showing decaying state.