Optimizing Waste Heat Conversion: Integrating Phase-Change Material Heatsinks and Wind Speed Dynamics to Enhance Flexible Thermoelectric Generator Efficiency.

Abstract

Flexible thermoelectric generators (FTEGs) have garnered significant attention for their potential in harnessing waste heat energy from various sources. To optimize their efficiency, FTEGs require efficient and adaptable heatsinks. In this study, we propose a cost-effective solution by integrating phase-change materials into FTEG heatsinks. We developed and tested three flexible phase-change material thicknesses (4 mm, 7 mm, and 10 mm), focusing on preventing leaks during operation. Additionally, we investigated the impact of wind speed on the output performance of FTEGs with a flexible phase-change material heatsink. The results indicate that the appropriate flexible phase-change material thickness, when integrated with considerations for wind speed, demonstrates remarkable heat-absorbing capabilities at phase-change temperatures. This integration enables substantial temperature differentials across the FTEG modules. Specifically, the FTEG equipped with a 10 mm thick flexible phase-change material heatsink achieved a power density more than four times higher when the wind speed was at 1 m/s compared to no wind speed. This outcome suggests that integrating phase-change material heatsinks with relatively low wind speeds can significantly enhance flexible thermoelectric generator efficiency. Finally, we present a practical application wherein the FTEG, integrated with the flexible phase-change material heatsink, efficiently converts waste heat from a circular hot pipe into electricity, serving as a viable power source for smartphone devices. This work opens exciting possibilities for the future integration of flexible thermoelectric modules with flexible phase-change material heatsinks, offering a promising avenue for converting thermal waste heat into usable electricity.