Abstract
This product development research project proposes a simplified novel methodology to design a thermo-electric generation (TEG) system. The iterative designs of complete assembly were prepared with the aid of Solidworks and the subsequent FEM analysis was aided by ANSYS fluent and transient thermal workbenches. The combustion chamber was subjected to a computational fluid dynamic study to generate flame profiles and to establish the temperature gradient distribution along the vertical length of inner surface of cylindrical chamber. The results of CFD analysis were then transported to the transient thermal workbench to calculate the charging time of whole system, which indeed founds the issues related to starting fuel efficiency of the system. A section model of the assembly was used to conduct the transient heat transfer analysis. The final results showed that after formation of a steady temperature gradient at the inner surface, the time required to completely charge up the system to achieve steady state came to be 30 minutes, which was found to be in good agreement with the operational constraints. Also, the temperature differences obtained between the hot and cold sides of TEG MARS modules were well within the safe limits. NOx emissions were also plotted and analysed.
Highlights
Patented by Wallace Shakun et al in 1988, a thermoelectric generator module which is formed with a hot side heat exchanger having extruded fins on one surface and in contact with a series of individual thermoelectric semiconductor modules on the opposite side of the exchanger
The results found regarding temperature gradients and heat fluxes were in agreement with the required and the expected outcomes
The requirements and/or expectations were such that the produced gradients must engender the safe working temperature limits for the thermoelectric generation (TEG) module simultaneously producing appreciable results
Summary
Patented by Wallace Shakun et al in 1988, a thermoelectric generator module which is formed with a hot side heat exchanger having extruded fins on one surface and in contact with a series of individual thermoelectric semiconductor modules on the opposite side of the exchanger. The study including the multiphysical aspects such as flow simulations, combustion simulations and transient analysis haven’t been conducted earlier using softwares but have been experimented directly on the prototypes, which is a costly method of testing as far as commercial implementations are concerned with respect to the producing company This research, as it reveals ahead, has succeeded to achieve a temperature difference of 2960C while the involved authors of reference [4] achieved about 2000C to achieve the same output. Another case study conducted by Z.B. Tang et al pertained to the use of TEG modules in automotive systems to recover electrical energy from the wasted heat through exhausts as well as combustion chambers of the engines [7]. The areas of aluminum envelope not in contact with fin panels or module and the surfaced of exhaust pipe in air contact are supposed to be kept insulated (insulation not shown)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
