Numerical Study of Thermoelectric Generation within a Reciprocal Flow Porous Media Burner

A numerical study based on direct thermal to electric energy conversion was performed in a reciprocal flow porous media burner embedded with two layers of thermoelements. The burner lean combustibility limit was sought in order to maximize global efficiency of thermal to electrical energy conversion by minimizing fuel consumption. Once the pairs of operational variables, composition and filtrational velocity of gas inlet mixture were found, the optimal length and placement of thermoelectric elements within the reactor high thermal gradients were sought to maximize the electric current, thermoelements and system overall efficiency. A two temperature-resistance model for finite time thermodynamics was developed for the thermoelectric elements energy fluxes. Results indicate a distribution of current and efficiencies that presents a maximum at different themoelements length. Maximum values for current and system efficiency obtained were 44.3 m A and 2.5%, respectively.