A Simple Thermoelectric Generator Using The Teg1848-27145 Module

Increasing the production of energy in line with industry development, transportation, and life quality improvement is an interesting topic needs to be addressed. Energy policymakers and researchers have aimed at energy management, particularly by improving energy systems performance. This review paper explains the rising interest of thermoelectric technology and applications. Nowadays, thermoelectric technology such as thermoelectric generators (TEGs) and thermoelectric cooling systems (TECs) provide heat loss recovery of thermodynamic units for power production of remote areas. Unlimited solar energy can also be employed for thermoelectric power production. This work describes the principles of thermoelectricity and presents an explanation of current and upcoming materials. Additionally, a number of topical applications and energy resources are introduced. The main aim of this study is to give a clear overview of thermoelectric technology using the teg1848-27145 module and applications.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE

APPROVAL PAGE

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER ONE

1.0      INTRODUCTION

1.1      BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

1.2      PROBLEM STATEMENT

1.3      AIM AND OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

1.4      APPLICATION OF THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR

1.5      ADVANTAGES OF THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR

1.6   WORKING PRINCIPLES

1.7     MATERIAL RESEARCHES OF THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES

1.8      THERMOELECTRIC MODULES AS COOLERS

1.9     EXPERIMENT RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

1.10     CONCLUSIONS

Abbreviations

CNT          carbon nanotube

COP         coefficient of performance

IoT            internet of things

MEMS     micro-electromechanical systems

PCM         phase change materials

RTG          radioisotopic thermoelectric generator

STEG        solar thermoelectric generator

TE             thermoelectric

TEC           thermoelectric cooling systems

TEG          thermoelectric generator

VC            vapor-compression

ZT             figure of merit

CHAPTER ONE

1.0                                                           INTRODUCTION

1.1                                                           BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The quick growth of technology rises the urgency to introduce new alternatives for the sake of power generation. Thermoelectric power generation (TEG) technology is considered as one of the main processes which generates electrical current directly from a temperature difference. The thermoelectric effect gives the most positive method to produce electricity out of radioisotope power. It is called radioisotopic thermoelectric generator (RTG) employed in Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) regularly. Therefore, thermoelectric power generation can be considered as one of the reliable power generation technologies as well as photovoltaic one. One of the advantages of thermoelectric systems is that there is no requirement for moving devices such as solution pumps, compressor, and valves since no working fluid is utilized in such systems. Moreover, it also has a high-precision temperature control. This issue proves that TEGs, coolers, and heat pumps have supremacy over conventional power generation as well as cooling and heat pumping applications. Lack of moving equipment leads to surging in reliability and lifetime as well as declining of operation and maintenance costs. The modularity provides a wide variety of utilization without considerable weakness in performance. In addition, hazardous environmental damages are prevented due to the lack of fluid in its working principles.

Currently, thermoelectric technology has been facing challenges in efficiency and physical property promotion in relation to the performance of thermoelectric materials and a comprehensive review of thermo- electric studies can address this issue.

The aim of present work is to conduct a comprehensive review in the fields of thermoelectric technology, materials, and applications to obtain insights about thermoelectric concept regarding current obstacles and challenges.

1.2                                                           PROBLEM STATEMENT

The presence of moving or rotating devices in conventional electric power generators such as wind turbine, hydropower generator, gas turbine etc causes noise, tears and wears and these problems led to invention of thermoelectric generator. In thermoelectric systems there is no requirement for moving devices such as solution pumps, compressor, and valves since no working fluid is utilized in such systems.

1.3                                                           AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The main aim of this study is to carryout out a research on thermoelectric technology using the teg1848-27145 module. The objectives are to carry out a research that covers the following:

1. Application of thermoelectricity
2. principles of thermoelectricity and

• Explanation of current and upcoming materials