loading page

Passively Cooled BiTe Thermoelectric Generator for Operation in Harsh Environments
  • +2
  • George Bernhardt,
  • Luke Doucette,
  • Ekaterina Khmeleva,
  • Nuri Emanetoglu,
  • Mauricio Pereira da Cunha
George Bernhardt
University of Maine System
Author Profile
Luke Doucette
University of Maine System

Corresponding Author:luke.doucette@maine.edu

Author Profile
Ekaterina Khmeleva
University of Maine System
Author Profile
Nuri Emanetoglu
University of Maine System
Author Profile
Mauricio Pereira da Cunha
University of Maine System
Author Profile

Abstract

Energy harvesting from waste heat is becoming more prevalent as energy conservation efforts continue to increase worldwide. Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) are devices that can harvest such waste heat and convert it into useful electrical power. Traditionally, active cooling methods are used to maximize the thermal gradient across a TEG module in order to optimize the energy conversion process. However, active cooling is impractical for a significant number of industrial harsh-environment applications. To examine the feasibility of using passively cooled TEG devices for producing useful electrical power, a Bismuth Telluride (BiTe) TEG device was fabricated and tested from 200°C to 290°C on the hot side, without active cooling on the cold side. As such, the temperature difference across the TEG device remained consistent at approximately 50°C over the range of hot-side temperatures tested. Under these conditions, the BiTe TEG device produced a single-couple average voltage of 8 mV over the range of test temperatures, and single-couple powers up to 0.10 mW at 290°C, despite the lack of active cooling. These results show the capability of TEG module integration to power electrical circuits for high-temperature harsh-environment applications operating under passive cooling.
26 Nov 2024Submitted to Electronics Letters
28 Nov 2024Submission Checks Completed
28 Nov 2024Assigned to Editor
28 Nov 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
03 Dec 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned