Simulation, modeling and experimental validation of semiconductor based thermoelectric generator

Abstract

According to the UNFCCC COP-27 agenda, producing clean energy has become the main initiative of every country. One promising kind of renewable energy is the thermoelectric generator. There are many facets to a thermoelectric generator, such as the principle of thermoelectricity, the history of solar and waste heat based thermoelectric power generation, thermoelectric hybrid systems, thermoelectric materials (silicon, ceramics, and polymers) in conventional, segmented, and ―cascaded arrangement, operating temperature range, figure of merit, popular modeling and simulation tools, environmental impact, future improvements, exploitation of TEGs in a wide variety of applications‖, and so on (automotive engines and aerospace). Thermoelectric generator (TEG) heat recovery systems and the potential of TEG to produce energy from the human body are also discussed, as is the performance of different solar concentrators (parabolic dish, Fresnel lens, solar furnace, etc. with their optical concentration). In this research, numerical simulation of a Giant Water Lens Solar Thermoelectric Generator (GWLSTEG) system has been carried out, that employs a giant water lens as a solar concentrator and a mid-temperature nanostructured Bi2Te3 thermoelectric module (TEM). The two different soft-wares;Sol Trace for ray tracing through the water lens and COMSOL for simulation of the Bi2Te3 module have been used. Following the simulated values, manufactured a similar giant water lens as a solar concentrator to focus the sun rays on an aluminium receiver plate integrated with Bi2Te3 TEM and experiments were conducted. Heat flux intensity is noticed to have increased four to five folds, i.e., from 1135 to 4580 W/m2, through the water lens concentrator. Maximum temperature on the hot junction achieved is 225oC (498K) and maximum temperature difference of 190oC (463K) is achieved between the hot and cold junctions. The system was able to attain a maximum overall system efficiency of 12.04%. Also, it can be noticed that these parameters show maximum values at the time of the day when the relative humidity and velocity of the air is lowest, i.e., 12.5% at 14:00 hrs, and also the maximum power output obtained through the device is 7W. After experimenting, suggestions have also been given to provide a better software simulation alternative to carry out evaluations and modifications in the process of GWLSTEG functioning in order to get the same results to save time while making it i more cost-effective. This research helps academia, researchers, and industrialist with deep insights into customization of TEG projects in qualitative and quantitative ways before actual realization.