Thermoelectric Stirling Engine (TEG-Stirling Engine) Based on the Analysis of Thermomechanical Dynamics (TMD)

The thermoelectric energy conversion technique by employing the Disk-Magnet Electromagnetic Induction (DM-EMI) is examined in detail, and possible applications to heat engines as one of the energy-harvesting technologies are discussed. The idea is induced by the analysis of thermomechanical dynamics (TMD) for a nonequilibrium irreversible thermodynamic system of heat engines, such as a drinking bird and a low temperature Stirling engine, resulting in thermoelectric energy generation different from conventional heat engines. The current thermoelectric energy conversion with DM-EMI can be applied to wide ranges of machines and temperature differences. The mechanism of DM-EMI energy converter is categorized as the axial flux generator (AFG), which is the reason why the technology is applicable to sensitive thermoelectric conversions. On the other hand, almost all the conventional turbines use the radius flux generator to extract huge electric power, which uses the radial flux generator (RFG). The axial flux generator is helpful for a low mechanoelectric energy conversion and activations of waste heat from macroscopic energy generators such as wind, geothermal, thermal, nuclear power plants and heat-dissipation lines. The technique of DM-EMI will contribute to solving environmental problems to maintain clean and sustainable energy as one of the energy harvesting technologies.

Water-resistant organic thermoelectric generator with >10μW output

Flexible p–n thermoelectric generator(TEG)technology has rapidly advanced with power enhancement and size reduction.To achieve a stable power supply and highly efficient energy conversion,absolute chemical stability of n-type materials is essential to ensuring large temperature differences between device terminals and ambient stability.With the aim of improving the long-term stability of the n-type operation of carbon nanotubes(CNTs)in air and water,this study uses cationic surfactants,such as octylene-1,8-bis(dimethyldodecylammonium bromide)(12-8-12),a gemini surfactant,to stabilize the nanotubes in a coating,which retains the n-doped state for more than 28 days after exposure to air and water in experiments.TEGs with 10 p-n units of 12-8-12/CNT(n-type)and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate/CNT(p-type)layers are manufactured,and their water stability is evaluated.The initial maximum output of 16.1μW(75 K temperature difference)is retained after water immersion for 40 days without using a sealant to prevent TEG module degradation.The excellent stability of these CNT-based TEGs makes them suitable for underwater applications,such as battery-free health monitoring and information gathering systems,and facilitates the development of soft electronics.

Waste Heat Recovery from a Drier Receiver of an A/C Unit Using Thermoelectric Generators

Thermoelectric generators(TEGs)are considered promising devices for waste heat recovery from various systems.The Seebeck effect can be utilized to generate power using the residual heat emitted by the filter dryer receiver(FDR)of an air conditioning(A/C)system,which would otherwise go to waste.The study aims to build a set of thermoelectric generators(TEG)to collect the waste heat of the FDR and generate low-power electricity.A novel electrical circuit with two transformers is designed and fabricated to produce a more stable voltage for operation and charging.The thermoelectric generator(TEGs)was installed on the FDR of the A/C unit.The test showed that climate conditions have a significant impact on the output power generated from the system.The results showed that the peak voltage recorded in the current study is 5.2 V per day(wet,cold,and wind weather)with an output power of 0.2 W.These values are acceptable for powering the load and charging a single battery with 3.5 V as the voltage increases battery 0.1 V/20 min charge.A case study of operating the emergency signs in a building was considered.The current heat recovery system is deemed to be easily installed and can be connected to a network of TEGs to produce more power.

Thermoelectric generators and their applications:Progress,challenges,and future prospects

Our community currently deals with issues such as rising electricity costs,pollution,and global warming.Scientists work to improve energy harvesting-based power generators in order to reduce their impacts.The Seebeck effect has been used to illustrate the capacity of thermoelectric generators(TEGs)to directly convert thermal energy to electrical energy.They are also ecologically beneficial since they do not include chemical products,function quietly because they lack mechanical structures and/or moving components,and may be built using different fabrication technologies such as three-dimentional(3D)printing,silicon technology,and screen printing,etc.TEGs are also position-independent and have a long operational lifetime.TEGs can be integrated into bulk and flexible devices.This review gives further investigation of TEGs,beginning with a full discussion of their operating principle,kinds,materials utilized,figure of merit,and improvement approaches,which include various thermoelectric material arrangements and utilised technologies.This paper also discusses the use of TEGs in a variety of disciplines such as automobile and biomedical.

Powering a Low Power Wireless Sensor in a Harsh Industrial Environment: Energy Recovery with a Thermoelectric Generator and Storage on Supercapacitors

Wireless sensor networks are widely used for monitoring in remote areas. They mainly consist of wireless sensor nodes, which are usually powered by batteries with limited capacity, but are expected to last for long periods of time. To overcome these limitations and achieve perpetual autonomy, an energy harvesting technique using a thermoelectric generator (TEG) coupled with storage on supercapacitors is proposed. The originality of the work lies in the presentation of a maintenance-free, robust, and tested solution, well adapted to a harsh industrial context with a permanent temperature gradient. The harvesting part, which is attached to the hot spot in a few seconds using magnets, can withstand temperatures of 200°C. The storage unit, which contains the electronics and supercapacitors, operates at temperatures of up to 80°C. More specifically, this article describes the final design of a 3.3 V 60 mA battery-free power supply. An analysis of the thermal potential and the electrical power that can be recovered is presented, followed by the design of the main electronic stages: energy recovery using a BQ25504, storage on supercapacitors and finally shaping the output voltage with a boost (TPS610995) followed by an LDO (TPS71533).

Textile-Based Thermoelectric Generators and Their Applications

With the rapid development of Internet of Things and miniaturized electronics, the demand for wearable power sources with high reliability and long duty cycle promotes the exploration of wearable thermoelectric generators(TEGs). In particular, textile-based TEGs that can perpetually convert the ubiquitous temperature gradient between human body and ambience into electrical energy have attracted intensive attention to date.These lightweight and three-dimensional deformable TEGs comprised of fibers, filaments, yarns, or fabrics offer unique merits as wearable power source in comparison with conventional TEGs. In this review, we systematically summarize the state-of-the-art strategies for textile-based TEGs, including the structure design, fabrication, device performance, and application. Existing critical issues and future research emphasis are also discussed.

Optimal Control of a Thermoelectric Generator Attached with a Latent Heat Accumulator

Generally MPPT control (maximum power point tracking) is adopted to control of a thermoelectric generator. However, in the case of generation by use of a heat accumulator MPPT control cannot obtain maximum whole electrical output during the operation period. This is because the amount of heat stored in a heat accumulator is limited and easy to be exhausted rapidly by MPPT. Therefore MEPT (Maximum Efficiency Point Tracking) control should be developed to obtain maximum power from limited heat stored in the heat accumulator. When thermoelectric generator is used for waste heat recovery, conversion efficiency is quite difficult to be measured. This is due to time delay between the change of temperature profile in the thermoelectric generator and the change of heat medium temperature. Decrease of output current is desired to enlarge output because decrease of current decreases Peltier heat and improves efficiency of heat recovery. The experimental results indicate that current fluctuated by MPPT control causes loss of power output. We proposed the optimal control in which current is 10% smaller than one of MPPT control and evaluated it experimentally. We call this control scheme MEPT control. In this evaluation 500 W class thermoelectric generator, latent heat accumulator and the test facilities included 30 kW electric heater are utilized. Experimental result shows MEPT control exceeds MPPT in total electricity recovered from heat accumulator.

Smart Thermoelectric Earth-Air Generator Safety System

In this study,the soil-air generator of the thermoelectric safety system working with soil heat was investigated.For this,a special electronic safety device was made and the output parameters of the device were investigated.In order to investigate the operation of the thermoelectric“earth-air”generator safety system in real nature conditions,temperatures at the soil depth and soil surface equal to the length of the generator in four different regions of Ankara in four seasons were measured and modeled.Afterwards,physical parameters such as power P(W),voltage U(V)and current I(A)produced by the generator according toΔT were examined by using all this scientific information with a special test setup.According to the results obtained,it has been determined that the Intelligent thermoelectric earth-air generator safety system(ATES)has the feature of notifying the security units in case of area violation by generating its own electricity with the help of the heat in the soil without the need for any electrical cable.In addition,the environmentally friendly ATES system is an innovative product and it has been seen that it will be used in various fields,especially in military applications.

A Thermoelectric Generator Manufacture Research Based on Oscillating-Flow Heat Pipe Technology

Oscillating heat pipe is a new type of heat transfer. It not only has simple structure, non-pollution and low maintenance cost, but also has high heat transfer efficiency. Semiconductor thermoelectric generation technology is also an environmental technology. This article combines these two kinds of technology. By means of this generate electricity way, we make a set of system and the related experiment. Then we do some research on the feasibility of this system.

State-of-the-art review of MPPT techniques for hybrid PV-TEG systems:modeling,methodologies,and perspectives

The development of alternative renewable energy technologies is crucial for alleviating climate change and promoting energy transformation.Of the currently available technologies,solar energy has promising application prospects owing to its merits of being clean,safe,and sustainable.Solar energy is converted into electricity through photovoltaic(PV)cells;however,the overall conversion efficiency of PV modules is relatively low,and most of the captured solar energy is dissipated in the form of heat.This not only reduces the power generation efficiency of solar cells but may also have a negative impact on the electrical parameters of PV modules and the service life of PV cells.To overcome the shortcomings,an efficient approach involves combining a PV cell with a thermoelectric generator(TEG)to form hybrid PV-TEG systems,which simultaneously improve the energy conversion efficiency of the PV system by reducing the operating temperature of the PV modules and increasing the power output by utilizing the waste heat generated from the PV system to generate electricity via the TEGs.Based on a thorough examination of the literature,this study comprehensively reviews 14 maximum power point tracking(MPPT)algorithms currently applied to hybrid PV-TEG systems and classifies them into five major categories for further discussion,namely conventional,mathematics-based,metaheuristic,artificial intelligence,and other algorithms.This review aims to inspire advanced ideas and research on MPPT algorithms for hybrid PV-TEG systems.

基于人工蜂群算法的温差发电阵列最优重构方法

在新能源发电技术快速发展的背景下,温差发电(TEG)技术能够很好地利用新能源发电中产生的废热.然而,温度分布的变化会使得TEG阵列的输出特性恶化、发电效率降低.提出基于人工蜂群(ABC)算法的TEG阵列重构方法,在3种不同温度分布情况下,利用ABC在对称9×9和不对称10×15两种TEG阵列进行动态重构.将所提算法与遗传算法、粒子群优化算法和秃鹰搜索优化算法3种启发式算法作对比,并给出由ABC重构后的TEG阵列温度分布图.结果表明:ABC能够提高TEG阵列的输出功率,输出功率-电压曲线均趋向呈现出单个峰值.此外,利用基于RTLAB平台上的硬件在环实验验证了硬件可行性.

温差发电协同储能元件驱动LED车灯的响应特性

为实现低品位能源的高效利用,构建了基于温差发电的余热回收系统将余热转化为电能,用以驱动发光二极管(light emitting diodes,LED)车灯点亮.利用恒温加热炉模拟热源,探究了余热回收系统在不同阶段能量转化和驱动LED车灯的响应特性.在实际应用中,研究了储能元件独立驱动LED车灯时光输出特性的变化规律.结果表明:储能元件可以存储回收余热所转化的电能,并独立驱动LED车灯工作,还能缓冲温度变化引起的电压波动;锂电池的能量密度高,可储存更多电能,独立驱动LED车灯时冷启动速度快,点亮时间更长,但充满电所需时间也较长;超级电容冷启动速度慢,但充放电速度较快,有助于余热回收系统短时间工作时缓解LED车灯的驱动电压波动.

汽车尾气温差发电系统瞬态回收性能分析

为了预测温差发电(thermoelectric generator, TEG)系统的动态特性,基于COMSOL Multiphy-sics建立了用于求解温差发电系统温度场分布的瞬态计算流体力学(computational fluid dynamics, CFD)模型和用于研究温差发电模块瞬态响应特性的分析模型,提出了混合瞬态CFD-分析模型,并经过瞬态试验验证.结果表明:由于热惯性的影响,TEG系统的转化效率会出现一个瞬时的较高值;相较于尾气温度和质量流量的瞬态波动,热电半导体的热端温度和冷端温度会存在时滞;在美国环保局的高速公路燃油经济性测试(highway fuel economy test, HWFET)模式循环工况下,瞬态模型求解得到整个温差发电系统的平均输出功率、平均转化效率分别为35.63 W和3.40%,瞬态模型的输出电压平均误差为6.41%;该模型能够以较高的精度及较短的计算时间预测温差发电系统在瞬态热源激励下的瞬态响应特性.

应用于光纤传感网络的热电发生器设计与研究

研制并测试了用于光纤海底地震传感网络节点的热电能量收集系统。基于碲化铋热电材料,制作了用于光纤传感器的热电发生器(TEG),建立了热电模型并进行了验证。提出了一种将TEG输出的能量收集并利用的能量管理电路。详细介绍了该系统的设计思想、电路原理图和模拟水下环境实验。实验数据表明:所制作的TEG能够以2.67%的效率将热能直接转换成电能,设计的能量管理电路能够以23.09%的效率将电能收集并利用。该研究结果对延长光纤海底节点工作时间、增加系统可靠性有重要意义。

热电发电技术回收工业余热分析

工业余热资源形式多样且总量巨大,节能潜力可观。利用热电发电技术将工业余热资源转化为电能,既能提升能源利用率又可以降低热污染,是实现双碳目标的重要技术途径。介绍了工业中不同类型余热的分布占比情况和热电发电的基本原理,重点对热电发电技术在工业领域中的应用研究进展进行了综述,并针对热电发电技术以及该技术在工业应用中存在的一些问题进行了分析、总结和展望。

基于SKD-HH分段级联器件与GPHS的RTG输出性能计算

Pu-238放射性同位素温差发电器(RTG)在深空探测中具有广泛应用。基于先进热电材料CoSb_(3)填充方钴矿和半赫斯勒材料,设计了六π对构型分段级联器件。在此基础上,结合通用模块化热源GPHS,设计了一种面向深空应用的80 W级RTG,采用有限元软件Ansys计算了其在深空环境温度下的电性能输出和温度分布。该RTG最大输出功率80.3 W,转换效率8.36%,设计转换效率达到了美国eMMRTG的水平。

立体平板热管强化温差发电性能的实验研究

为提升温差发电装置的发电效率,提出了一种立体平板热管强化性能方法,通过实验对比评估了2种充液率对该立体平板热管均热性能的影响,探究了不同温差下温差发电系统的最大输出功率和发电效率。结果表明:充液率为27.4%时立体平板热管启动过程为分段启动,且温度分层现象明显;充液率为31.7%时立体平板热管可在40℃左右时迅速启动,启动后温度分布均匀性和一致性较好,有利于温差发电系统持续稳定高效发电;基于立体平板热管强化的温差发电系统的最大输出功率和发电效率均随着冷热端温差的增大而增大,且温差发电效率最高可达3.99%。

Electricity Generation from Heatwaves

We chose a definition of heatwaves (HWs) that has ~4-year recurrence frequency at world hot spots. We first examined the 1940-2022 HWs climatology and trends in lifespan, severity, spatial extent, and recurrence frequency. HWs are becoming more frequent and more severe for extratropical mid- and low-latitudes. To euphemize HWs, we here propose a novel clean energy-tapping concept that utilizes the available nano-technology, micro-meteorology knowledge of temperature distribution within/without buildings, and radiative properties of earth atmosphere. The key points for a practical electricity generation scheme from HWs are defogging, insulation, and minimizing the absorption of infrared downward radiation at the cold legs of the thermoelectric generators. One sample realization is presented which, through relay with existing photovoltaic devices, provides all-day electricity supply sufficient for providing air conditioning requirement for a residence (~2000-watt throughput). The provision of power to air conditioning systems, usually imposes a significant stress on traditional city power grids during heatwaves.

基于凸轮机构的温差电动车结构创新设计

针对绿色低碳发展的现实需求,采用乙醇燃烧产生的能量作为原动力,引入温差发电技术,开展温差电动车设计。该设计利用温度差异产生的热电效应产生电力,再把电能转化为机械能来驱动车辆运动。车辆采用齿轮传动和带传动的复合形式,以保证传动过程动力传递效率和传递稳定性。车辆转向系统采用带有方向微调装置的凸轮机构,具有节省空间、控制简单、安装容易的特点。温差电动车利用清洁能源作为汽车的动力,符合国家绿色发展的需求,在交通领域具有广阔的应用前景。

不良导体导热系数测量仪器的改进及“温差发电”装置设计

针对高校重要的综合性热学实验—不良导体导热系数测量装置中铜盘上下表面散热不均匀、散热系数存在差异而产生实验精度不高的问题,借助水冷交换器,自制水循环装置,通过在散热盘底部分别安装两块尺寸为40*80*10(mm)和五块尺寸为40*40*10(mm)的导冷块两种方式改进装置,实现均匀散热,采集并处理数据,结果表明,第一种改进方式更佳,实验精度提高了9~15倍。在此基础上,基于半导体的塞贝克效应,利用加热盘与散热盘的余热,成功将后者由负载变为电源,设计了绿色环保发电模式—-温差发电装置,实现了发光二极管之“光”和音乐之“声”和直流电机带动扇叶之“动”,并分析了三种负载端电压与温差特点及线性元件与非线性元件的伏安特性曲线。