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Optimized thermal coupling of micro thermoelectric generators for improved output performance

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  • Wojtas, N.
  • Rüthemann, L.
  • Glatz, W.
  • Hierold, C.

Abstract

There is a significant push to increase the output power of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) in order to make them more competitive energy harvesters. The thermal coupling of TEGs has a major impact on the effective temperature gradient across the generator and therefore the power output achieved. The application of micro fluidic heat transfer systems (μHTS) can significantly reduce the thermal contact resistance and thus enhance the TEG's performance. This paper reports on the characterization and optimization of a μTEG integrated with a two layer μHTS. The main advantage of the presented system is the combination of very low heat transfer resistances with small pumping powers in a compact volume. The influence of the most relevant system parameters, i.e. microchannel width, applied flow rate and the μTEG thickness on the system's net output performance are investigated. The dimensions of the μHTS/μTEG system can be optimized for specific temperature application ranges, and the maximum net power can be tracked by adjusting the heat transfer resistance during operation. A system net output power of 126 mW/cm2 was achieved with a module ZT of 0.1 at a fluid flow rate of 0.07 l/min and an applied temperature difference of 95K.

Suggested Citation

  • Wojtas, N. & Rüthemann, L. & Glatz, W. & Hierold, C., 2013. "Optimized thermal coupling of micro thermoelectric generators for improved output performance," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 746-753.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:60:y:2013:i:c:p:746-753
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2013.06.031
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rowe, D.M., 1991. "Applications of nuclear-powered thermoelectric generators in space," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 40(4), pages 241-271.
    2. Rama Venkatasubramanian & Edward Siivola & Thomas Colpitts & Brooks O'Quinn, 2001. "Thin-film thermoelectric devices with high room-temperature figures of merit," Nature, Nature, vol. 413(6856), pages 597-602, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Selvan, Krishna Veni & Mohamed Ali, Mohamed Sultan, 2016. "Micro-scale energy harvesting devices: Review of methodological performances in the last decade," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 1035-1047.
    2. Song, Hyun-Cheol & Kumar, Prashant & Sriramdas, Rammohan & Lee, Hyeon & Sharpes, Nathan & Kang, Min-Gyu & Maurya, Deepam & Sanghadasa, Mohan & Kang, Hyung-Won & Ryu, Jungho & Reynolds, William T. & Pr, 2018. "Broadband dual phase energy harvester: Vibration and magnetic field," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 225(C), pages 1132-1142.
    3. E, Jiaqiang & Luo, Bo & Han, Dandan & Chen, Jingwei & Liao, Gaoliang & Zhang, Feng & Ding, Jiangjun, 2022. "A comprehensive review on performance improvement of micro energy mechanical system: Heat transfer, micro combustion and energy conversion," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(PE).

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