ICT2014 Abstracts

Heat loss from the hot surface can be usefully converted into electricity via thermoelectric. This research work aims to prepare biomass pellets and utilize them for an updraft gasifier integrated with thermoelectric generator. Eucalyptus barks and shells of golden shower seed pods were used to produce biomass pellets using Persea kurzii kosterm and tapioca flour with water as binding agents. Influences of binding agent concentration in water (20% and 40%) and mass mixing ratio of biomass material : binding agent (1:1-2:1) on properties of the biomass pellets were investigated. The prepared pellets were used to test the updraft gasifier integrated with thermoelectric generator. Influences of volume (10 and 20 L) and flow rate of cooling water (0.1-0.2 m³/hr) for the thermoelectric module on performance of the updraft gasifier integrated with thermoelectric generator were also discussed.

The study results indicated that binding agent concentration in water and mass mixing ratio of biomass material : binding agent had strong influence on characteristics of the biomass pellets. The pellets prepared at higher binding agent concentration and mass mixing ratio had less fissures on the surface, higher density, and superior mechanical properties (i.e., maximum force, maximum stress and yield strength) compared to those of the pellets prepared at lower binding agent concentration and mass mixing ratio (p<0.05). Decreasing volume and increasing flow rate of the cooling water for the thermoelectric module resulted in the higher thermal efficiency of the thermoelectric. Thermal efficiency of the thermoelectric was in the ranges of 1.00-1.20%. The maximum power (0.056-0.057W) was obtained at the cooling water flow rate of 0.2 m³/hr whilst the minimum power (0.032-0.044 W) was obtained at the cooling water flow rate of 0.15 m³/hr.