Thermoelectric Conversion Module (Energy Project)
Concept Design and Performance analysis of tube shaped Thermoelectric Conversion Module for waste heat recovery.
This is a research project. The aim of the project was nascent concept design, development and
analysis of a thermoelectric module in tube shape having 8-10% higher efficiency than the conventional rigid Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) available and used in the market.
Started with studying the related research papers and prepared the literature review. Carried out preliminary theoretical calculations to obtain the dimensions, basic boundary conditions and input data for design of the system.
For material selection concept of off-diagonal thermoelectric effect was used. The model with multilayered structure containing alternate layers of thermoelectric material and pure conducting metal was proposed. Thermoelectric properties were optimized by varying the tilt angle of the layers and by changing the combination of the materials.
Thermoelectric figure of merit was determined for each material combination to calculate the maximum efficiency.
Prepared CAD models of the thermoelectric tube and the whole practical setup on SolidWorks. Further carried out structural and thermoelectric analysis on ANSYS AIM and obtained the results.
Manufactured and assembled practical model using Thermoelectric Generator with similar boundary conditions.
For analysis the unit setup had three thermoelectric tubes of length 146mm each, in a cold water chamber made of acrylic plates.
Finally, tabulated the obtained data and prepared graphs to compare the model with conventional TEG.
For Bismuth Telluride and Nickel it was observed that maximum power output of 1.69 Watt was obtained at 24º tilt angle at temperature difference of 300º C.
Lead Telluride and Nickel were found to be the best pair but lead has a disadvantage of being toxic.
The proposed module has applications in heat-exchangers, and all kinds of exhausts (industries, automobiles, kitchens, etc.)
Experimental Setup
