Introduction

Thermal Conductor Material

(Transducers)
Principal Of Thermoelectric Plate
Construction And Working Of
Thermoelectric Generator
Thermoelectric Efficiency
Specification
Advantage
Appication
Conclusions
Future Work

Reference

ABSTRACT
In the conventional method for generate electricity is converting
thermal energy into mechanical energy then to electrical energy. In
recent years, due to environmental issues like emissions, global
warming, etc., are the limiting factor for the energy resources which
resulting in extensive research and novel technologies are required to
generate electric power. Thermoelectric power generators have
emerged as a promising another green technology due to their diverse
Page 1

advantages.
Thermal energy into Electrical energy. So number of
moving and rotating part has been eliminated. By this it eliminated
emission so we can believe this green technology. Thermoelectric power
generation offer a potential application in the direct exchange of wasteheat energy into electrical power where it is unnecessary to believe the
cost of the thermal energy input. The application of this option green
technology in converting waste-heat energy directly into electrical
power can too improve the overall efficiencies of energy conversion
systems. Heat source which is need for this conversion is less when
contrast to conventional methods

INTRODUCTON
A Thermoelectric power generator is a solid state device that provides
direct energy conversion from thermal energy (heat) into electrical
energy based on Seebeck effect. The thermoelectric power cycle, with
charge carriers serving as the working fluid, follows the fundamental
laws of thermodynamics and intimately resembles the power cycle of a
conventional heat engine
The Drawback of thermoelectric power generator is their relatively low
conversion efficiency (typically~5%) and less power output.
Application over the past decade included industrial instruments,
military, medical and aerospace and home reason and applications for
portable or remote power generation. Though, in recent years, an
increasing anxiety of environmental issues of emissions, in particular
global
warming
has
resulted
in
extensive
research
into
nonconventional technologies of generating electrical power.
Thermoelectric generators have also been used to provide small
amounts
electrical power to remote regions for example Northern
Sweden, as an alternative
to costly gasoline powered motor
generators.
Page 2

THERMAL
CONDUCTOR
(TRANSDUSOR)

MATERIAL

TRANSDUCERS:- An electronic instrument action system consists of

a number of components of perform a measurement and record its

result. As explained earlier a generalized measurement system consists
of three major components.
The thermoelectric effect is the
direct conversion of heat differentials to electric voltage and vice.

Page 3

A transducer is an electronic device that converts energy from one

form to another. Thermal conductivity is the property of a material to
conduct feat. Thermal conductivity can be defined as the quantity of
heat transmitted through a unit thickness of a material
The thermoelectric (Peltier) effect of a module is completely reversible.
If the direction of the current through a module is reversed the heat
flow through the hot and cold sides will also reverse. Thus, what was
the cold side will now become the hot side, and what was the hot side
will now become the cold side. That said, one may then wonder why
there is a hot side and a cold side of a module.
The answer has to do with the heat that is conducted through
the wires. The ends of the wires that are attached to the power source
will be at or near ambient temperature. If those wires go to the cold side
of a module, heat will be conducted from the warm end of the wires into
the cold side. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat! That parasitic
heat load robs the module of some of its useful cooling capacity. So, by
placing the wires on the hot side this loss is eliminated
Finally, if there is no red wire, such as in the case of micro
modules, or if there are no wires at all, then you will need to determine
on which side of the module the wires enter. As previously described,
the wires are always attached to the hot side of the module. This is
easy to see on thick modules, and more difficult for thinner modules.
Looking from the side of the module is usually the easiest way. The
wires will be closer to the hot side of the module. If you are uncertain,
you may need to examine the module with a magnifying lens. Look
closely to where the wires enter the module. Again, the wires always
enter the hot side. Next, if you place the thermoelectric module on a
table with the hot side on the table (cold side facing up) and the wires
point towards you, the right side wire is positive.
You must calculate how much screw torque is needed to achieve this
compression force. The equation is as follows:

Page 4

T = torque per screw (lb-in. or N-m) c = torque coefficient

D = nominal screw size (in. or m) P = compression pressure (Pa or psi)
2
2
A = total area of module footprint (in. or m ) N = number of screws
The torque coefficient will vary as a function of the screw size used and
on the friction of the screw threads and washer stack up. Common
screw sizes are shown below with the corresponding nominal diameter
and typical torque coefficient. Be sure that the variable inputs use the
units as indicated above.

Screw Type

Nominal
Diameter

Torque
Coefficient, (c)

2-56

0.086 in.

0.15

4-40

0.112 in.

0.15

6-32

0.138 in.

0.15

8-32

0.164 in.

0.15

M2 x 0.4

0.002 m

0.15

M3 x 0.5

0.003 m

0.14

Page 5

M3.5 x 0.6

0.0035 m

0.14

M4 x 0.7

0.004 m

0.15

For example, suppose you have two HP-199-1.4-1.5 modules, and you
want 1200 kPa pressure, and you are using three M3 x 0.5 screws.
Each module is 40 mm x 40 mm. Therefore you have the following:
c = 0.14
D = 0.003 m
P = 1,200,000 Pa
A = 0.04 m x 0.04 m + 0.04 m x 0.04 m, (or, 2 x 0.04 x 0.04)
N=3
mNT==54.0304.004.021200000003.014.0
Consider a similar example in English units where you want to achieve
170 psi compression using three 6-32 screws. Thus,
c = 0.15
D = 0.138 in.

Page 6

P = 170 psi
A = 40/25.4 in x 40/25.4 in + 40/25.4 in x 40/25.4 in, (or 2 x 40/25.4 x
40/25.4)
N=3
inlbT==8.534.25404.25402170138.015.0
You should verify that you have a sufficient number of screws such that
the total load per screw does not exceed the load limits of the screw or
threaded hole. Be sure to use a spring washer (or multiple washers)
that can handle the load.
Next, torque the assembly screws using a torque-limiting screwdriver.
Set the initial torque limit of the screwdriver at some value that is less
than the torque setting just calculated. The initial torque setting will
depend on the particular assembly requirements; you might try half, a
third, or even less. If there are only two screws tighten them in
alternating steps until the final torque setting is reached. The object is
to torque the screws evenly so that the cold plate is seated flat against
the module. If there are three or more screws start tightening the
screws located in the center of the plate and work outward, alternating
between screws. Increase the torque setting by some amount and
repeat the tightening process. Again, continue this sequence until you
reach the final torque setting.
This sequence is required to ensure that the modules receive only a
compressive force, never a tensile force that might otherwise occur
with unevenly applied torque on assembly screws. If the compression
on the module is not even the module can be damaged and the
thermal interface will not be good.
Be careful not to bow the surfaces of the heat sink and/or cold plate as
this
prevent good thermal contact between the module and coldplate/heat-sink
surfaces. To prevent bowing, apply less torque, particularly if one or
both
surfaces are less than 4 mm thick copper or 6 mm thick aluminum.
Re-torque at the calculated torque setting after one hour. The thermal
paste is
very viscous, and some will squeeze out after time. This causes a loss
of
compression. Re-torquing allows the compression to be brought back
up to the
original level and will help expel any excess thermal paste that is still
remaining.
Page 7

Instructions when soldering module on both surfaces:

1. Tin all heat-sink, cold-plate, and module surfaces as in Section 6.1,
steps 2 and 3 above.
2. Solder the module to the heat sink: Apply a small amount of flux to
both sides of the pre-tinned module. Heat both the heat sink and
cold plate to approximately 20-30 C above the melting point of the
solder. Place the module between the heat sink and cold plate. Wait
a few seconds for the solder on the module to melt and for the
excess flux to boil out. When all the solder is molten, lightly move
the module back and forth a small amount to ensure complete
wetting of the solder. Compress the heat sink on the modules to
minimize the thickness of the solder layers, and then allow the
assembly to cool.
3. After the assembly cools, clean thoroughly to remove all traces of
flux residue.

1.TEG HAS FOLLOWING COMPONENTS

1.Series/Parallel Modules

2. High Performance Modules

3. Very High Temperature (Vt) Modules
4. Thermal Fin

Series/Parallel modules offer the same excellent thermal

performance and quality as our other modules but have two separate
electrical circuits inside. These electrical circuits can be externally
wired in series or parallel to switch between low power consumption or
high heat pumping when operating from a fixed voltage supply. The
Vmax (series connection) is also the highest offered and is useful for
designing higher voltage circuits with a minimum of thermoelectric
modules. Our proprietary potting for moisture protection and
ruggedizing is available as an option. These modules are rated for use
up to 80C.
High Performance modules have one of two features that set them
apart from our standard devices. Some achieve a higher temperature
difference (DTmax) through the use of premium quality thermoelectric
material. Others have more heat pumping capacity (Qmax) for any
given size through the use of shorter thermoelectric elements or higher
element packing densities. The higher DTmax is useful for reducing
power consumption and achieving ultimate performance when you
need a high temperature from the cold plate to the heat sink. Higher
Qmax modules are useful for reducing the module count and improving
Page 8

the C.O.P. in systems that have lower temperature differences. These

modules are rated for use up to 80C.
Very High Temperature (VT) modules are rated for temperatures
up to 200C whereas all other modules we sell are rated for use up to
80C. VT series modules can be made in any of our other
configurations (standard, high performance, series/parallel, etc.) and
they are stocked in our most popular configurations. We may have
some stock on other configurations that are not listed below, so check
if you want something that is not listed. If you are interested in a VT
series module that is not standard stock or otherwise in stock then a
100 piece minimum order applies. Our proprietary potting for
moisture protection and ruggedizing is available as an option, and for
VT series modules it is specially modified for use up to 150C.

2. Thermal Fin

It is used here for increase the thermal gradient value. When we

increase the Thermal gradient value it increase the see beck voltage
generated by TEG. This FIN also transfers the heat from Thermoelectric
Module. It is made by Aluminum metal. When we include Thermal fin it
increase the efficiency of the TEG
Fig 1. Thermoelectric power generator with fin

Page 9

3. Thermal Chimney System

The proposed system has been developed for two main objectives. The
first is to recover the waste heat, the second objective is to generate
electricity with little negative effects to the environment. To reduce the
negative environmental effects to the lowest level, the proposed system
is suggested be positioned at a location where the waste heat recovery
can be conveniently achieved. For example, the system should be
installed within or near a steam power plant so that the heat capacity of
the cooling
water from the condenser will not encounter major losses. The system
includes three major components: the heat exchanger, the thermal
chimney and the wind turbines. In addition, auxiliary systems such as
water pump system and air fan system are also required.

Page 10

PRINCIPAL OF THERMOELECTRIC MODEL

OR PILTEOR PLATE

Thermoelectric power generation is based on a

phenomenon called Seebeck effect discovered by
Thomas Seebeck in 1821.
When a temperature difference is established between the
hot and cold junctions of two dissimilar materials (metals
or semiconductors) a voltage is generated, i.e., Seebeck
voltage. This was because the metals responded
differently to the temperature difference, creating a
current loop and a magnetic field

CONSTRUCTION
AND
WORKING
THERMOELECTRIC MODEL

OF

Page 11

THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATOR

Thermoelectric Power Generator (TEG) is a solid state device which
converts Heat Energy into Electrical Energy. All the exciting
conventional power generators convert Thermal Energy into
Mechanical Energy then to Electrical Energy. So here no mechanical
work (no moving parts). So it produce less noise and no pollution
when compare to conventional power generators. TEG is working by
Thermo Electric Effect (see beck) effect.

When TEG held between temperature gradients (Hot end, Cold end) it
produce some voltage this voltage is called seebeck voltage.TEG has
Modules which is semiconductors (p,n). Here electrons acting as a
thermoelectric power fluid (working medium). Pair of p-type
semiconductor and n-type semiconductor is called as a Module. These
semiconductors highly doped by pollutants in order to increase the
Electric conductivity.TEG has shield it avoid modules damaging due to
high temperature. The efficiency of TEG and voltage generated by TEG
is directly proportional to semiconductor material and temperature
gradients. So selections of semiconductor based on electric
conductivity of the material and try to increase the temperature
difference value. This semiconductor is coupled by copper electrode.
Increasing no of modules and no of stages and coupling no of TEG

Page 12

increase overall efficiency and voltage output. Exciting efficiency of

TEG is 4.2% to 6%. When using stages it increases the efficiency to7%.

THERMOELECTRIC EFFECT
Thermoelectric coolers (TEC or Peltier) create a temperature
differential on each side. One side gets hot and the other side gets
cool. Therefore, they can be used to either warm something up or cool
something down, depending on which side you use. You can also take
advantage of a temperature differential to generate electricity.
This Peltier works very well as long as you remove the heat from the
hot side. After turning on the device, the hot side will heat quickly, the
cold side will cool quickly. If you do not remove the heat from the hot
side (with a heat sink or other device), the Peltier will quickly reach
stasis and do nothing. We recommend using an old computer CPU
heatsink or other block of metal to pull heat from the hot side. We were
able to use a computer power supply and CPU heatsink to make the
cold side so uncomfortable we could not hold our finger to it.

Page 13

A thermoelectric cooling (TEC) module is a semiconductor-based

electronic component that functions as a small heat pump. By applying
DC power source to a TEC, heat will be transferred from one side of the
module to the other. It creates a cold and hot side. They are widely
used in industrial areas, for example, computer CPU, CCDs, portable
refrigerators, medical instruments, and so on.
There are 127 couples in single module; 40mm x 40mm size module is
a single stage module which is designed for cooling and heating up to
90C applications.
Also Known as Thermoelectric cooling modules, Thermoelectric
modules, Peltier modules, Thermoelectric cooling module.

THERMO EFFECENCY
1. THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATOR
PERFORMANCE CALCULATION
Efficiency is an important consideration in any transducer. Transducer
efficiency is defined as the ratio of the power output in the desired
form to the total power input. Mathematically, if P represents the total
power input and Q represents the power output in the desired form,
then the efficiency E, as a ratio between 0 and 1, is given by:
E = Q/P
If E% represents the efficiency as a percentage, then:
E% = 100Q/P

The performance of the Thermo Electric Calculation

where
Z - Is the thermoelectric material figure-of-merit
- is the Seebeck Coefficient
K - Total thermo electric conductivity
R - Is the electric resistivity
This figure of merit can be multiply by average absolute temperature of
hot and cold plates of the thermoelectric module

Here
Page 14

TH- Temperature at Hot end

TL- Temperature at cold end Seebeck coefficient
V is voltage difference
T is Temperature Difference

Description: Thermoelectric coolers (TEC or Peltier) create a

temperature differential on each side. One side gets hot and the other
side gets cool. Therefore, they can be used to either warm something
up or cool something down, depending on which side you use. You can
also take advantage of a temperature differential to generate
electricity. The thermal tape listed below works very well to attach heat
sinks to the hot side.
This Peltier works very well as long as you remove the heat from the
hot side. After turning on the device, the hot side will heat quickly, the
cold side will cool quickly. If you do not remove the heat from the hot
side (with a heat sink or other device), the Peltier will quickly reach
stasis and do nothing. We recommend using an old computer CPU heat
sink or other block of metal to pull heat from the hot side. We were
able to use a computer power supply and CPU heat sink to make the
cold side so uncomfortable we could not hold our finger to it.
Note: It is imperative that a heat sink is used on the hot side of the
module. Running the module without one can cause damage to this
part. If its too hot to comfortably touch, youre in the danger zone!

SPECIFICATION

40 x 40 x 3.6mm

Model number: TEC1-12706

Voltage : 12V

Page 15

Umax (V) : 15.4V

QMax (W) : 92W

Internal resistance: 1.98 Ohm +/- 10%

Power Cord : 350mm

HS Code: 854150

Certification: RoHS

Type: Cooling Cells

Usage: Refrigerator/Warmer

lmax - 7A

Tmax - 69C

127 thermocouples

Max Operating Temp: 180C

Min Operating Temp: -50C

Operating Tips

Max. Operating Temperature: 138 Degree C

Do not exceed Imax or Vmax when operating module.

Please carry out moisture protection options (seeling) in final

application use.

Life expectancy: 200,000 hours

Failure rate based on long time tastings: 0.2%.

Limited by the second-law of thermodynamics, the ideal (absolute

maximum) efficiency of a thermoelectric power generator operating as a
reversible heat engine is Carnot efficiency. The maximum conversion
efficiency of an irreversible thermoelectric power generator can be
estimated using.
Page 16

ADVANTAGES

Easy maintenance:-They works electrically without any moving

parts so they are virtually maintenance free.

Environment friendly:-Thermoelectric generators produce no

pollution. Therefore they are eco-friendly generators.

Compact and less weight:-The overall thermoelectric cooling

system is much smaller and lighter than comparable mechanical
system.

High Reliability:- Thermoelectric modules exhibit very high

reliability due to their solid-state construction
Convenient power supply:-They operate directly from a DC

power source
They have very small size and weightless.
They have the capacity to operating at elevate temperatures.
The source for the power generation is Heat not light, so day and night
operation is possible.
They are mostly used for convert the waste heat so it is considered as
a Green Technology.
We can increase the overall efficiency of the system (4% to &7%).
They can be alternative power sources.
When compare to exciting conventional power system it require less
space, less operation cost and less maintenance

APPLICATION
AUTOMOTIVE THERMO ELECTRIC GENERATORAn attempt to harvest the waste heat energy produced by the car
engine. Thus, electricity produced can be used in the car to- glow car indicators
- run music system
- charge batteries
CANDLE OPERATED TABLE LAMP
ELECTRICITY FROM TEA CUP
ELECTRICITY FROM LAPTOP CHARGER
Page 17

 DESIGN OF HIGHLY EFFICIENT THERMO ELECTRIC GENERATOR

GLACIERS
SOLAR CELLSSolar cells use only the high frequency part of the radiation, while
the low frequency heat energy is wasted. Several patents about the
use of thermoelectric devices in tandem with solar cells have been
filed. The idea is to increase the efficiency of the combined
solar/thermoelectric system to convert the solar radiation into useful
electricity.

CONCLUSION

Include Fin Effect to increase cooling rate (cold end side temperature).
By reducing the temperature as we can increase the ( Th-Tc).
Using long fin and avoid accumulation of heat in between fins (Gape
between fins).
Coupling more TEG in SERIES connection to increase the voltage
generated by TEG.
Increase no of modules in TEG to increase power generation and
Increase the size to increase heat withstanding capacity.
By using multiple stages of TEGs both the high temperature with
standing TEG and low temperature with standing TEGs

FUTURE WORK
The current research on this system is based on several assumptions
such as the isentropic flow within the thermal chimney, where the heat
losses and friction losses are not considered. Air flow within the heat
exchangers also needs further investigation. A more detailed model and
more experimental data are needed for this system.

Page 18

REFERENCE
1. Internet
2. Proff. A.S MISHRA (guide line for this project .)
2. Book (heat mass and transfer, thermodynamic, )
3. Teacher
4. P P Pradyumnan& Swathkrishnan, Indian journal of pure & applied
physics, Vol.48, February 2010, pp.115-120
5. D. Flahaut, T. Mihara and R. Funahashi, N. Nabeshima, K. Lee, H. Ohta
and K. Koumoto, JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS 100, 084911 (2006)

Page 19