Experimental Study of the Thermoelectric Wood Burning Stove Characteristics

Abstract

The paper deals with the joint production of thermal and electric energy with use of thermoelectric generators. The object of a study is a wood burning stove; thermoelectric generators are placed on the walls of this stove. These generators are cooled with fans and produce energy for the fans. The paper studies the characteristics of the thermoelectric generators when intense combustion of fuel and their change during heating of the stove and subsequent cooling. The maximum output corresponds to passport (60 watts). Moreover, the efficiency of the stove for producing heat and electric energy is calculated. The electrical efficiency of the stove for heating amounts to 0,07%. Annual power production and the possibility of using this stove to supply in conditions of Ural region with the existing and technically possible efficiency of thermoelectric energy conversion are estimated. The ways to improve the efficiency of the system “stove-TEG” are suggested.