Cost Estimation of Thermoelectric Generators

Abstract

Increased attention has been recently paid to the application of low-temperature thermal resources for power generation. Technology using thermoelectric generators (TEG) can transform thermal energy into electricity directly by using the Seebeck effect. TEG electricity generation technology has many advantages such as compactness, quietness, and reliability because there are no moving parts. One of the challenges to using TEG for power generation may be the cost. This study collected the costs of the main parts required to make a TEG power generation system. The total cost of such a TEG system has been estimated according to the costs of parts and the data of the field tests conducted at Bottle Rock Geothermal Power Plant. The total cost was assessed at different temperatures. Higher temperatures lower the total cost of a TEG power generation system. We found that the cost of TEG generation at conditions such as at Bottle Rock would be less than that of solar photovoltaic panels if availability and capacity factor are considered.