Thermoelectric Generator Using Passive Cooling

Abstract

This chapter presents an analysis of a point-of-use thermoelectric generator that is patented by one of the authors. The design, implementation and performance of the generator for powering electronic monitoring devices and charging batteries is discussed. This passive generator has no moving parts and relies on ambient air cooling. In one iteration it produces 6.9 W of steady state power using six Laird thermoelectric modules (Laird PB23 Series, HT8, 12) when placed on a 160°C steam pipe with a 30°C ambient environment (ΔT of 130°C). The generator produced 31.2 volts (V) open circuit and 0.89 amperes (A) short circuit. It successfully powered two microcontroller-based security cameras, one with a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) and another with cellular connectivity. In another scenario, the generator produced approximately 6 W with a steam pipe temperature of 140°C and an ambient of 25°C (ΔT of 115°C). This second system powered LED lights, a cellularinterfaced video surveillance system, and monitoring robots, while simultaneously trickle charging batteries. A third installation totally powered a stand-alone 3G web security camera system.

An Experimental Investigation into Improving the Performance of Thermoelectric Generators

“…Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) have received special attention in the realm of energy harvesting in recent years, with applications ranging from large scale to tiny, depending on size, supplied power, and materials utilized. TEGs are widely employed in a variety of areas due to their appealing characteristics, which include energy economy, low maintenance, manufactured out of a variety of materials, including silicon, ceramics, and polymers, a suitable option for low-power systems with limited electrical grid access, and a long lifespan [ Jaziri et al 2020, Dell et al 2019]. On the other hand, TEG has a low efficiency of less than 7% [Chen et al 2017].…”

Testing of proposed design of stove-powered thermoelectric generator using natural and forced air cooling

“…This phenomenon was first reported through experiments in the mid-18th century by F. U. T. Aepinus (1724–1802). 2–4 He observed that an electrical voltage is generated in a circuit assembled with two different conductors if the connections of the conductors are exposed to different temperatures. The magnitude of this TE voltage is primarily dependent on the temperature difference between the two connections and the material of the conductors.…”

“…6–8 The pairs of TE couples are typically sandwiched between two thin ceramic plates providing a platform to create both the electrical junctions and thermal interfaces. 2…”