Exhaustive numerical modelling and performance evaluation of numerous forms of variable thermoelectric legs were performed and critically examined under a steady state condition. The study encompasses geometries such as rect-leg, trap-leg, Y-leg, l-leg and X-leg depending on their respective shape structures. From the study, variable cross sectional inclusion was found to influence the performance of the convectional rect-leg significantly, such that the X-leg generated about 19.13% more power density than the convectional geometry (i.e. the rectangular leg) and relatively most efficient amidst all configurations. However, the Fourier conduction heat was seen to be the major contributor to the system irreversibilities in comparison to Thomson and Joule heating. In addition, the X-leg appear to have the highest generated entropy density in all conceptual models. The newly introduced geometry experienced lower thermal stresses than the conventional models, while the Y-leg and Trap-leg would possibly fail structurally before other models. Therefore, this study and executed simulation results can be utilized as effective and feasible reference for designing thermoelectric modules with diverse kinds of variable leg geometry. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.