Thermoelectric Generator Using Low-Cost Thermoelectric Modules for Low-Temperature Waste Heat Recovery

Abstract

One of the most significant problems in industrial processes is the loss of energy according to the sort of heat. Thermoelectrics are a promising alternative to recovering this type of thermal energy, as they can convert heat into electricity, improving the industrial efficiency of the process. This article presents the characteristics of low-cost thermoelectric modules typically used for generation (SP1848-27145SA (TEG-GEN)) and refrigeration (TEC1-12706 (TEC-REF)), both utilized in this research for heat recovery. The modules were evaluated against various configurations, source distances, and distributed systems in order to determine optimal recovery conditions. The experiments were conducted both at the laboratory level and in a large-scale furnace of the traditional ceramics industry, and they revealed that even refrigeration modules are suitable for energy recovery, particularly in developing countries, whereas other generators are more expensive and difficult to obtain. These thermoelectric generators were tested for low-temperature heat recovery in regular furnaces, and the results are to be implemented elsewhere. Results show that even the thermoelectric refrigeration modules can be a solution for heat recovery in many heat sources, which would be particularly strategic for developing countries.

Latest Advancements in Solar Photovoltaic-Thermoelectric Conversion Technologies: Thermal Energy Storage Using Phase Change Materials, Machine Learning, and 4E Analyses

“…One potential challenge in the integration of thermoelectric modules into tandem perovskite silicon solar cells for PV-TE is the need to optimize the thermal management of the system. The thermoelectric module should be designed to efficiently collect the waste heat from the solar cell without overheating the system [148][149][150]. Selecting appropriate materials for the thermoelectric module that can function effectively under the temperatures and temperature gradients present in the system is another obstacle.…”