Observation and Characterization of the Thermoelectric Power Generation

A J Jin,C An,Y Zhang,Q Li,D Liu

doi:10.5539/enrr.v8n1p94

Abstract

Authors report methodical studies on some novel, alternative energy technologies, and produced results of a thermoelectric power generation (TEPG) system. For the sake of evaluating critical thermoelectric (TE) features, they have invented the state-of-the-art equipment that has important specification capability. The studies cover the efficiency and many aspects of TEPG features as follows. A thermoelectric module is measured in situ that includes TE efficiency, force response curve, current-voltage (I-V) and power-voltage (P-V) characterization, and power temperature (P-T) response curve. They have improved both the higher total output power and the more efficient TEPG efficiency than their comparison TE devices and systems in their studies. In addition, authors will present a series of design, construction, and characterization of a thermal electric generation system which aims to achieve a large power output and high efficiency for the energy harvesting application. Furthermore, their studies lead to important knowledge of TEPG systems in terms of multi-stack modules and of the optimization in TEPG applications. Finally, the prototypes are built for both the tabletop and other applications with new findings. Several sets of prototype TEPG are developed for experimental investigation and data analysis, followed by the summary and conclusions based on the data.

Highlights

In order to reduce the greenhouse gases emissions problem and to address the climate change issue, a huge cooperative effort has been achieved through the hallmark of the Paris Agreement (Agreement) (Note 1)
The authors have explored a whole range of TE features that are reported in successive sub-sections. 3.1 Data and Analysis Several methods of measurement are employed
The thermoelectric power generation (TEPG) system has a relatively small size that is thermally insulated at peripheral surfaces and has good uniformity conducting heat for both the cold surface and hot surface

Summary

Introduction

In contrast to the solar technology that has solar panels, it collects photon energy and converts it into electricity, a very different type of RE is the TEPG technology that directly makes energy conversion from heat into electricity This conversion follows a law of physics called Seebeck effect (Thomson, 1857). Researchers have investigated TEPG with natural heat sources and waste heat that achieves technology breakthroughs in terms of both improved thermal electric efficiency and large power output. Authors have conducted extensive studies and a variety of experiments; important findings are reported in the article They provide a brief introductory background of the alternative energy technology with an emphasis on TE and its applications.

General TE instruments

Develop an energy harvest TEPG system

Results and Discussion

Multi-stack TEG Data

Conclusion