Testing of proposed design of stove-powered thermoelectric generator using natural and forced air cooling

Abstract

This paper presents the prototype design, implementation and testing of a thermoelectric generator unusually applied to the fireplace stoves. The tested low-cost thermoelectric generator can be used as an alternative low source of electricity in areas with limited access to public electricity networks. Moreover, inclusion of a thermoelectric generator in the fireplace stove structure is novelty and interesting accessory in offer for customer. This study focuses on testing and determining the output values of voltage and current of the initial design using the natural and forces air cooling. The results are obtained by developed measuring device for that testing. The low-cost thermoelectric generator provided the power of 1.5 W at temperature difference 94°C using forced air cooling. Thus a thermoelectric generator prototype design is suitable for powering LED lighting and fans or recharging a mobile phone battery.