In order to precisely represent the output performance of multi-stage thermoelectric generators

three kinds of connection modes for thermoelectric modules were proposed. Based on thermodynamics theory

semiconductor thermoelectric theory and law of energy conservation

the model was built with an elemental approach. Newton-Raphson method was introduced to simulate the model and return the results of the output performance. In addition

the load resistance

the contact effect of thermoelectric module and thermal resistance on both hot and cold ends of the module were discussed. The results showed that the proposed model is easy and robust to be solved with less computing time. And the model can be used to predict the important parameters such as the inner temperature

the output performance and the load resistance of multi-stage thermoelectric generator

which are of great significance to the design and optimization of thermoelectric generator.