Thermoelectric Powered Security Systems in Iceland Using a Geothermal Steam Pipe as a Heat Source

Abstract

Geothermal bore holes and steam pipes are often in remote locations where normal powering methods for monitoring systems are difficult due to distance from the electrical grid. Solar power options are limited during the winter months, and colder temperatures are detrimental to stand-alone batteries. The authors have successfully field tested their patented thermoelectric generator in Hveragerdi at the Agricultural University of Iceland. It was retrofitted directly to the surface of a geothermal steam pipe in less than 30 minutes. The generator can produce more than 5 watts (W) in steady state in an environment which has a delta T of 130 °C between the ambient air temperature and the surface of the steam pipe. Cellular video surveillance systems, rudimentary control systems, and small robotic systems have been powered while trickle charging 12 volt (V) 9 ampere-hour (Ah) lead acid batteries. Recent applications use a standard commercially available 3G mobile broadband connection with a low power modem for a web cam. The charged batteries can be used for peak power applications. Reliability studies are in progress and additional options will be investigated.

Design and Optimization of Thermoelectric Generators for Harnessing Geothermal Anomalies: A Computational Model and Validation with Experimental Field Results

“…The last thermal resistances considered in the TEMs are those corresponding to the electrical insulation material that protects the internal circuit and provides firmness to each module, shown in Eq. (19).…”

“…Ahiska and Mamur developed a portable TEG for low geothermal temperatures, obtaining a maximum power output of 41.6 W (2.08 W per TEM) with a temperature difference between the TEM's sides of 67 °C [18]. Dell et al developed a thermoelectric generator to harness a geothermal steam pipe, managing to produce more than 5 W (0.83 W per module) with a 130 °C temperature difference between reservoirs [19]. Another example is the test that Li et al did at the Bottle Rock Geothermal Power Plant (California, USA), where they used steam from a geothermal well as a heat source, cooled by a water flow on the cold side, estimating that their geothermal thermoelectric device could generate 500 W (3.6 W per TEM), but requiring moving parts, and thus, extra consumption, to circulate the cooling fluid.…”

Thermoelectric Application of TEG1-241-1.4-1.2 for Power Generation from Low Temperature Geothermal Fluid

“…Robert Dell [4] has succeeded in developing a thermoelectric-based power generation system utilizing geothermal potential by installing directly to the surface of geothermal steam pipes. This case can produce more than 5 watts at a temperature difference 130 °C for the power supply of surveillance camera systems.…”

Prospects of Autonomous Volcanic Monitoring Stations: Experimental Investigation on Thermoelectric Generation from Fumaroles

“…Regarding its combination with geothermal energy, two faint tendencies can be found. On the one hand, some proposals combine traditional geothermal plants with thermoelectric generators installed on the pipes to power different sensors or actuators [39][40][41]. On the other hand, others use the temperature difference between forest soil and the environment to power sensors, as proposed by Stokes et al [42] and put into practice by Huang et al using heat pipes as heat exchangers [43][44][45].…”