Analysis of a wooden pellet-fueled domestic thermoelectric cogeneration system

Micro combined heat and power (micro-CHP) systems are promising pathways to increase power generation efficiencies. Here a new class of micro-CHP system without moving parts is experimentally demonstrated by integrating high-temperature thermoelectric generators (TEGs) and residential gas-fired boilers, thus enabling wide applications. The TEGs fabricated using high-efficiency nanostructured bulk half-Heusler alloys generate ultrahigh power density of 2.1 W/cm 2 with 5.3% electrical efficiency under 500 °C temperature differences between the hotand cold-side. The TEG system harnesses the untapped exergy between the combustion gas and water, and converts thermal energy into electric power with 4% heat-to-electricity efficiency based on the total heat input into the TEGs. The high-performance TEGs open lots of opportunities to transform power generation technologies and improve energy efficiency.

mentioning

confidence: 99%

High-performance nanostructured thermoelectric generators for micro combined heat and power systems

Zhang

Wang²,

Cleary³

et al. 2016

“…As shown in the literature review presented above, considerable researches are devoted to heat recovery from exhaust gases and power generation using thermoelectric modules. Scarce are the studies that couple between these two energy research fields [56][57][58]. In this context, the present work suggests a new concept that permits to simultaneously heat water and generate electrical power, as a domestic thermoelectric cogeneration system.…”

Section: Motivationmentioning

confidence: 98%

Domestic thermoelectric cogeneration system optimization analysis, energy consumption and CO2 emissions reduction

Jaber

Ramadan

Lemenand

et al. 2018

“…Liu [16]. A pellet-fuelled thermoelectric cogeneration system was conceptualised and modelled by Alanne et al [17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Efficiency enhancement in existing biomass organic Rankine cycle plants by means of thermoelectric systems integration

Maraver

Royo

2017

This work investigates, from a thermodynamic point of view, the possibility of integrating thermoelectric systems (TES) in existing solid biomass-fuelled ORC CHP plants in a cost-effective way. Thus, a simple plant layout was proposed. The benefits achieved in the overall plant performance, constrained by several technical parameters of the subsystems involved, are assessed in terms of the Second Law efficiency and other characteristic parameters such as the First Law efficiency and the Primary Energy Savings Ratio. The main conclusion obtained is anticipating the fact that exists a certain optimal TES driving temperature value leading to the maximisation of the plant's performance. According to the specific results extracted from the examples evaluated (TES integrated in Toluene and MDM ORC CHP plants), this temperature is about 245 • C and 210 • C, respectively, which leads to an increase in the overall Second Law efficiency of the plant up to 7-8%. Hence, it is clear that thermoelectric systems can contribute to the enhancement of the performance and to do so, there are guidelines to be considered prior to the detailed design of such systems to be integrated in existing ORC CHP plants.