Design and implementation of a new portable thermoelectric generator for low geothermal temperatures

Abstract

In this study, the design and implementation of a new portable thermoelectric generator of 100 W for low geothermal temperatures has been carried out. For this system, a new SCADA-based testing and measuring system equipped with special software has been developed and employed for the first time. Thus, effects of the hot-cold water flow rates, the temperature differences between the surfaces and the load resistance affecting output power and efficiency of the thermoelectric generator have been investigated by a single testing and measuring system device. In the established SCADA-based testing and measuring system, the hot-cold water flows passed throughout the surfaces of the thermoelectric generator were increased by up to 3.7 and 12.8 l/min, respectively. Then, the temperature difference between the surfaces of the thermoelectric generator was measured as 67°C. When the load resistance of the thermoelectric generator was about 15 O, the maximum power of the thermoelectric generator was obtained as 41.6 W and the conversion efficiency was calculated as 3.9%. Also, the SCADAbased testing and measuring system will open up a new stage in examination of various thermoelectric generators. © The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2013.