Photothermal and thermoelectric power generation performance based on bionic structure and composite nanofluids

Abstract

Thermoelectric power generation (TEG) technology is a green energy utilization technology that is spread over a wide range of industrial fields. Based on the Seebeck effect, in order to provide a higher output voltage of the thermoelectric power generation, raising the temperature difference at both ends of the thermoelectric power generation is a very effective method. Fe3O4 particles were modified on the nanotube particles by co-precipitation method to produce novel composite magnetic FCNTs nanofluids. They have excellent paramagnetism under geomagnetic field and exhibit promising photothermal efficiency. The cooling scheme based on bionic structure and photothermal nanofluids were coupled to the TEG technology, and a TEG experimental platform was built. The temperature rises of photothermal nanofluids in the TEG system was studied. Effects of Reynolds number (Re=600–1200), light intensity (2 sun, 3 sun, 4 sun) and nanofluids concentration (50 ppm, 100 ppm, 150 ppm) on thermoelectric power generation were studied. Results showed that the capacity of the TEG can be strengthened by increasing mass fraction of nanofluids and light intensity. The maximum open circuit voltage of the system can reach 6.48 mV, and the max increase ratio is 25.06%.