Thermoelectric Monitoring Systems in Iceland

Abstract

Reliable telemetry and surveillance systems are essential for the geothermal industry. The most logical power source for these systems would be waste heat from the geothermal system for remote or hazardous locations where access to the electrical grid is limited. The authors have developed and patented a reliable thermoelectric generator that has been field tested at the Agricultural University of Iceland in Hveragerdi for two years. It can be easily attached to an existing steam/hot water pipes. In field tests, the generator produced five watts of useable steady state power which was used to power a 3G web camera while trickle charging 12 volt batteries. Additional options for the additional power and enhanced robustness are being investigated. This paper presents the system and the experimental results.