Thermoelectric energy harvesting in aircraft with porous phase change materials

Abstract

We present a model and simulations of harvesting of thermal fluctuations occurring in the fuselage of an aircraft during a flight and their transformation into electricity using the thermoelectric effect. The model couples a Thermoelectric Generator with a Phase Change Material as a heat reservoir to boost the generation of electricity. We show how introducing a metallic foam within the PCM enhance the production of electric power, and how it occurs through shorter and higher sprouts of voltage generation.