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C6: Novel applications
Thermoelectric (TE) power generation has many advantages including no moving parts, high reliability, low maintenance and straightforward integration with heat recovery systems and fuel-fired heating equipment. In this research, cascade TE modules were integrated to a gas-fired boiler to convert a portion of combustion heat to electricity while meeting space and water heating needs for buildings. The cascade TE module consists of calcium manganese oxide (CMO) for hot side and Bi2Te3 for cold side. A TE integrated heating system was investigated, in which the electricity generated by assemblies of the cascade TE modules could power the electrical auxiliary components of the heating system. Thus, the heating system operate entirely on fuel combustion and provide the consumer with heating system reliability and a reduction in electric power consumption. The performance of the cascade TE modules was studied under various operating conditions. The cascade TE module can operate continuously at a hot side temperature of 600°C and intermittently at temperatures as high as 800°C without degrading the module. A mathematic model for the integrated energy system was established and simulations were carried out to show the influence of various parameters on power output and efficiency.
