Modeling passive power generation in a temporally-varying temperature environment via thermoelectrics

• Published in: Applied thermal engineering Vol. 56; no. 1-2; pp. 152 - 158
• Main Authors: Bomberger, Cory C., Attia, Peter M., Prasad, Ajay K., Zide, Joshua M.O.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01-07-2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Convective heat transfer; Devices; Devices using thermal energy; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Heat exchangers; Heat exchangers (included heat transformers, condensers, cooling towers); Heat transfer; Mathematical models; Power generation; Power optimization; Radiative heat transfer; Temperature gradient; Theoretical studies. Data and constants. Metering; Thermal engineering; Thermoelectricity; Thermoelectrics; Time-varying temperature gradient; Valleys; Convective heat transfer; Thermoelectrics; Power optimization; Time-varying temperature gradient; Heat exchangers; Radiative heat transfer; Temperature; Power production; Modeling; Optimization; Temperature gradient; Heat exchanger; Radiative transfer; Electric power production; Heat transfer
• ISSN: 1359-4311
• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2013.02.039

This paper presents a model to predict the power generation of a thermoelectric generator in a temporally-varying temperature environment. The model employs a thermoelectric plate sandwiched between two different heat exchangers to convert a temporal temperature gradient in the environment to a spatial temperature gradient within the device suitable for thermoelectric power generation. The two heat exchangers are designed such that their temperatures respond to a change in the environment's temperature at different rates which sets up a temperature differential across the thermoelectric and results in power generation. In this model, radiative and convective heat transfer between the device and its surroundings, and heat flow between the two heat exchangers across the thermoelectric plate are considered. The model is simulated for power generation in Death Valley, CA during the summer using the diurnal variation of air temperature and radiative exchange with the sun and night sky as heat sources and sinks. The optimization of power generation via scaling the device size is discussed. Additional applications of this device are considered.
•Thermoelectric power generation with time-varying temperature is modeled.•The ability to generate power without a natural spatial gradient is demonstrated.•Time dependent heat-transfer and differential heat flow rates are considered.•Optimization of power generation via scaling the device size is discussed.