Increased Efficiency Thermoelectric Generator With Convective Heat Transport
Abstract
A novel approach for increasing the system-level efficiency of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) by utilizing convective heat transfer from the cold side of the generator to hot one will be explored. Existing theoretical framework will be expanded to include the physical detail of concrete experimental systems. Demonstration devices will be designed and built. Test and measurement setup for model validation will be constructed. Power generation efficiencies of the convective TEG will be measured and compared to operation without convection. It is expected that by using the convective heat transfer the efficiency of TEG can be increased by 12% to 18% for metallic TE elements, such as copper-constantane couples, and by 18% to 32% for higher performance semiconductor TE materials. Conventional and advanced thermoelectric materials will be used for generator construction. Thick film nanostructured TE materials from UCSB and/or MIT/LL will be used to construct convective TEG modules if they become available.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 25, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA538133
Entities
People
- Lon E. Bell
- Ramesh Koripella
- Robert T. Collins