HEAT ENERGY HARVESTING SYSTEM USING THERMOELECTRIC

GENERATOR

ABSTARCT

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 advantages. Thermo Electric Power Generator directly converts this
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.

In this proposed system we are taken an thermal energy from car engine, silencer,
motor etc..That can be convert into usable electricity using Thermo Electric
Generator (TEG) or PELTIER. Thermo Electric Generator are manufactured cells
with semiconductor materials. These semiconductor materials are absorb both heat
and cold. Based upon the efficiency of heat and cool the semiconductors are
generate electricity power respectively. Thus the electricity power stored by battery
INTRODUCTION

Recently, and due to the rising costs and less available sources of traditional
fuel reserves, mostly the fossil fuel, the conquest had begun looking for new and
preferably renewable energy sources. Among them, are the solar and wind energy
as most common. Other sources are of recent interest as well, as they contribute to
not only generating power, but also to increasing overall systems efficiency. The
thermoelectric generators (TEG) perfectly fit into this category .The TEGs are
solid-state devices engineered to generate electricity directly from heat, what is
known as Seebeck effect . The temperature gradient across the structure has to be
maintained to generate lucrative amount of electrical energy that can be used to
charge batteries for example or to support a load.

The output voltage of the TEG module highly depends on the temperature
gradient applied to the TEG module, in which larger temperature difference
generates more voltage. A voltage regulator is appended to the TEG module to
coordinate the generated voltage with the load, and to maximize the generated
power by applying a MPPT algorithm to the regulator. Boost converter is widely
used in such situations due to its simple construction and control, and it does offer
suitable boost ratio to the input voltage so that the output can be matched to a
standard battery voltages.
SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

The units of energy production can be developed in the various regions by

using thermoelectric modules. In these days the society face the energy crisis but
also the harmful effects of pollution. The thermoelectricity is a Green
Technology to generate electricity without any harmful effect. The educational
institutions, furnace regions, metro cities, industrial areas, universities and other
locations can be selected for the establishment of such energy centers where the
waste heat can be easily available and can be recycled after conversion to the same
system.

LITERATURE REVIEW

TOPIC : Waste heat energy harvesting using thermo electric generator

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 advantages. Thermo Electric Power Generator directly converts this
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 waste-heat 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. In this
paper, a background on the basic concepts of thermoelectric power generation is
presented and recent patents of thermoelectric power generation with their
important and relevant applications to waste-heat energy are reviewed and
discussed.

TOPIC : Energy Harvesting System Using Thermoelectric Generators and Heat

Pipes

ABSTRACT

Environmental Protection issues and the global energy crisis worldwide have
caused energy recovery techniques to come into play. One of the potential areas for
this energy recovery is engine exhaust as huge amount of energy is lost in form of
heat through exhaust gases. With appropriate recovery methods executed,
considerable increase in efficiency of engine is obtained. For this aim,
thermoelectric generators is proposed as the optimum solution as its solid state
working doesnt have any moving parts or gas emissions and directly converts
exhaust heat into electricity. Another promising technique to recover waste heat is
usage of heat pipes. Heat pipes being excellent thermal conductors combine phase
transition of fluid (typically water) to achieve efficient heat transfer. The present
study focuses on various advancements achieved in the heat recovery from engine
exhaust using thermoelectric generators and heat pipes and their combinations. The
results of various researches depict the enormous potential of such technologies in
saving non renewable energy sources and reducing environmental degradation.

TOPIC : Smart Power Generation From Waste Heat By Thermo Electric

Generator.

ABSTRACT

Generating electricity in present there is a shortage of fossil fuel, oil, gas,

etc. burning of these fuels causes environmental problem like radio activity
pollution, global warming etc. So that these (coal, oil, gas) are the limiting
resources hence resulting new technology is needed for electricity generation, by
using thermoelectric generators to generate power as a most promising technology
and environmental free and several advantages in production. Thermoelectric
generator can convert directly thermal (heat) energy into electrical energy. In this
TEG there are no moving parts and it can not be produce any waste during power
production hence it is consider as a green technology. Thermoelectric power
generator convert direct waste heat in to generate electricity By this it eliminated
emission so we can believe this green technology. Thermoelectric power
generation offer a potential application in the direct exchange of waste-heat energy
into electrical power where it is unnecessary to believe the cost of the thermal
energy input .This method will have an maximum outcome. 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. By using this energy is used to charge the mobile electronics.
TOPIC : Energy Harvesting From Human Body Using Thermoelectric Generator

ABSTRACT : A powerful approach to the characterization of cellular electrical

activity is electrical recording from cells or living tissues. In this paper, we propose
a new approach to feed implantable system, the system designed is an energy
harvesting circuit that supplies a power to battery of implantable medical devices
through wireless communication module. A thermoelectric generator is employed
to harvest energy from the human body. The major issue to overcome in the design
of a system that is aimed at being reduce the multiple surgeries.

TOPICS : Thermoelectric Power Generation using Waste Heat of Automobile

ABSTRACT :

In recent years, global warming and the limitations in use of energy resources
increase environmental issues of emissions. Also In industry, most of the expenses
are due to energy (both electrical and thermal), labour and materials. But out of
them energy would relate to the manageability of the cost or potential cost savings
and thus energy management will help in cost reduction. The possibilities of
thermoelectric systems contribution to green technologies, specifically for waste
heat recovery from industry exhausting flue gases. It results into extensive research
on green technologies producing electricity. As waste heat recovering techniques,
such as thermoelectric generator (TEG) is developed .Its implementation in
automobile industry is carried out in many ways. Previous research shows that
TEG as a waste heat harvesting method is useful. Due to distinct benefits of
Thermoelectric generators, they have become a promising alternative green
technology. Thermoelectric generator direct converts waste-heat energy into
electrical power where it is unnecessary to consider the cost of the thermal energy
input. The application of this technology can also improve the overall efficiency
the of energy conversion systems. Even though output of TEGs are low with
available techniques, feasible electricity generation is possible due to waste heat
emitted from the automobile (internal combustion engine operation ).

COMPONENTS USED

1. Heat Energy Equipments.

2. ThermoElectric Generator
3. Charging Circuit
4. Battery

Heat Energy Equipments

An engine or motor is a machine designed to convert one form

of energy into mechanical energy. Heat engines burn a fuel to create heat, which is
then used to create a force. Electric motors convert electrical energy
into mechanical motion; pneumatic motors use compressed air and clockwork
motors in wind-up toys use elastic energy. In biological systems, molecular
motors, like myosins in muscles, use chemical energy to create forces and
eventually motion.
 A muffler (silencer in many non-US English speaking countries) is a device
for decreasing the amount of noise emitted by the exhaust of an internal
combustion engine.

THERMO ELECTIC GENERATOR

Thermoelectric cooling uses the Peltier effect to create a heat flux between
the junctions of two different types of materials. A Peltier sensor is a solid-state
active component which transfers heat from one side to other side, while
consumption of electrical energy, depending on the direction of the current. They
can be used either for heating or for cooling, although in practice the main
application is cooling. It can also be used as a temperature controller that either
heats or cools.
 A Peltier thermoelectric module consists of an array of Bismuth Telluride
semiconductor pellets that have been doped so that one type of charge carrier
either positive or negative carries the majority of current. The pairs of P/N pellets
are configured so that they are connected electrically in series, but thermally in
parallel. Metalized ceramic substrates provide the platform for the pellets and the
small conductive tabs that connect them. When DC voltage is applied to the
module, the positive and negative charge carriers in the pellet array absorb heat
energy from one substrate surface and release it to the substrate at the opposite
side. The surface where heat energy is absorbed becomes cold, the opposite surface
where heat energy is released, becomes hot. Reversing the polarity will result in
reversed hot and cold sides.

CHARGING CIRCUIT
The charging protocol depends on the size and type of the battery being charged.
Some battery types have high tolerance for overcharging (i.e., continued charging
after the battery has been fully charged) and can be recharged by connection to a
constant voltage source or a constant current source, depending on battery type.
Simple chargers of this type must be manually disconnected at the end of the
charge cycle, and some battery types absolutely require, or may use a timer to cut
off charging current at some fixed time, approximately when charging is complete.
Other battery types cannot withstand over-charging, being damaged (reduced
capacity, reduced lifetime) or overheating or even exploding. The charger may
have temperature or voltage sensing circuits and a microprocessor controller to
safely adjust the charging current and voltage, determine the state of charge, and
cut off at the end of charge.

BATTERY

Batteries are a collection of one or more cells whose chemical reactions

create a flow of electrons in a circuit. All batteries are made up of three basic
components: an anode (the - side), a cathode (the + side), and some kind of
electrolyte (a substance that chemically reacts with the anode and cathode)
 12V battery has a rectangular prism shape with rounded edges and a
polarized snap connector at the top. A zinccarbon (6F22) battery is a dry cell
battery that delivers a potential of 1.5 volts between a zinc metal electrode and a
carbon rod from an electrochemical reaction between zinc and manganese dioxide
mediated by a suitable electrolyte.

METHODOLOGY

TEG modules are designed to provide DC power to a wide range of devices

with high reliability and are particularly useful in remote areas where grid power is
not readily available. TEGs utilize unique construction techniques to survive a high
number of thermal cycles and temperature up to 200C. When heat is applied to the
hot side of a TEG, electricity is produced. Almost any heat source can be used to
generate electricity, such as solar heat, geothermal heat and even body heat. In
addition the efficiency of any device or machine that generates heat as a by-
product can be drastically improved by recovering the energy lost as heat.

WORKING

TEG consists of one hot side and one cold side. The hot side with higher
temperature, will drive electrons in the n-type leg toward the cold side with lower
temperature, which cross the metallic interconnect, and pass into the p-type leg,
thus developing a current through the circuit as sown in Fig.4.1. Holes in the ptype
leg will then follow in the direction of the current. The current can then be used to
power a load.

If temperature difference is kept constant, then the diffusion of charge carriers will
form a constant heat current, hence a constant electrical current. If the rate of
diffusion carriers were equal, there would be no net change in charge within the TE
leg.

APPLICATION

Thermoelectric Generators are basically used in where the power production

is less.
In automobile vehicle produce heat that can be used for generating
electricity by using TEG.
Recharge the battery where ever waste heat is obtained.
Self charging battery by fixing the TEG at radiator or two wheeler silencers
pipe
CONCLUSION

The output from thermoelectric modules that using candle as a heat source.
The experiment was use single TEC1-12706 modules in between aluminium plates
and aluminium heat sink. By using multi meter that connected in parallel with TEG
output, the output voltage is obtained. However, the output current is too small
which is 0.003mA. The TEC module output voltage is not consistent, after a few
second, the voltage start to drop due to decrease in temperature different between
two sides because when current start to flow in TEC circuit, the heat from hot side
will be transferred to the cool side by current.

REFERENCE

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applications," Applied Thermal Engineering, vol. 23, pp. 913-935, 2003.
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