Abstract
Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) offer an attractive power generation option. They have no moving parts, are robust and emit no pollutants. The current work explores the integration of high temperature TEGs in gas turbine combustors. The latter have a thermal shield at their inner surface to protect them against high temperatures. This is supplemented by convective and film cooling. This work studies the replacement of the thermal shield with high temperature TEGs and evaluates their techno-economic potential. A gas turbine model is developed and validated to compute the fuel and air flow rate in the combustion chamber. A heat transfer model is subsequently implemented to compute the temperature distribution inside the combustor wall, on which the TEG is constructed. The investment in TEGs is then analyzed for peaker, intermediate load and base load gas turbines. The work concludes with a sensitivity analysis of the investment economic performance. It is concluded that, despite the low power generation, the installation of TEGs makes economic sense, even if their price becomes 50% higher than current estimations. It is also concluded that electricity prices have a much stronger effect on the economic viability of the investment than the price of the generators.
Highlights
Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) operate in a manner very similar to thermocouples, but have a much higher Seebeck coefficient and factor of merit
The combustion chamber with ceramic heat shields and film cooling is studied first. This is used as reference for the combustion chamber with thermoelectric generators
The current work is an attempt to estimate the energetic and economic performance of high temperature thermoelectric generators installed in the combustion chamber of gas turbines
Summary
Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) operate in a manner very similar to thermocouples, but have a much higher Seebeck coefficient and factor of merit. The two legs are fixed between two plates that provide mechanical robustness and electric insulation from the environment [1] This material is in most cases a ceramic or a polymer, for high or low temperature applications, respectively [2]. TEGs offer a very attractive power generation option They have no moving parts, are very robust and reliable and, depending on the application, they emit no gaseous pollutants. Despite these advantages, the use of rare, sometimes toxic and expensive materials for their production, their high installation costs and their low heat-to-electricity efficiency limit their practical applications [3,4]. The combination of thermoelectric generators with renewable energy sources, in particular geothermal and concentrated solar, has been another very active field [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
