Thermoelectric Generator using Ice-Water Mixture as Heat Sink and Ambient Air as Heat Source

Abstract

Thermoelectric generator can utilize various combinations of heat sink and heat source. In this paper, the performance of thermoelectric generator that uses surrounding air as heat source and coldness from ice-water mixture is presented. The objective was to evaluate the open circuit voltage produced by thermoelectric generator, at a range of differences in temperature between the cold and hot surfaces of module. In this work, the thermoelectric module was placed between aluminum heat sink and cold beverage container that contained ice-water mixture. The heat sink operates using the difference in buoyancy of surrounding air (i.e. natural convection). The hot and cold surfaces temperature of thermoelectric modules was measured using Type-K thermocouples. A digital multimeter was connected to the thermoelectric module for measurement of open circuit voltage. The open circuit voltage produced by the thermoelectric generator was linearly proportional to the magnitude of difference in temperature of two surfaces of a thermoelectric module. The electrical power produced by the generator was up to 14 miliWatt. A simple test showed that with a suitable voltage amplification device, this thermoelectric generator can supply enough power for LED bulbs. The finding presented is suitable for the development of energy scavenging devices, which is relevant to stand-alone power generation system.