Experimental and Numerical Study of an Expandable Multi-layer Thermoelectric Generator System

Abstract

A thermoelectric generator (TEG) system can transfer the thermal energy to electric energy directly. However, most of the frameworks for holding TEG chips and for heat exchange are expensive. The high cost spent on the heat exchange and frameworks reduces competitiveness of the TEG systems and hinders the large-scale application of thermoelectric technology. In this paper, a TEG power generation system is designed by using a specific type of thin plate framework (TPF) in order to reduce the cost, obtain higher heat-to-electricity efficiency, and increase the power density. Experiments have been conducted to measure the power output at the conditions of different water flow rates and temperature differences between hot and cold sides. Comparisons with the heat exchange frameworks often used in conventional TEG systems have also been done. Numerical TEG models and the corresponding modeling methodology have been established for complex TEG systems with multi-layers of TPF. Modellings were then conducted and the modeling results are tested by the experimental data. Based on the analysis of the 1 kW power generation system, a method and procedures were proposed to design the combination patterns of TPF-TEG systems for practical applications. One may use this method to scheme the structures of TEG systems to achieve a power output target or required outlet temperature.