Theoretical and Experimental Study on Thermoelectric Generators Using Liquid-To-Liquid Flow Ducts at a Temperature Range Between 10ºC and 100ºC

Date of Award

4-2020

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

First Advisor

Dr. HoSung Lee

Second Advisor

Dr. Muralidhar Ghantasala

Third Advisor

Dr. Christopher Cho

Keywords

Thermoelectrics, thermoelectric generators, 50% ethylene glycol, effective material properties, experimental validation

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Abstract Only

Restricted to Campus until

4-30-2030

Abstract

Thermoelectrics is a developing field. Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) convert temperature difference (even low-grade heat) between the two sides into electricity. The prime objective of this research is to develop and experimentally validate a theoretical design of thermoelectric devices using liquid-liquid configuration. This research also aims to study, understand and demonstrate the effect of change in the properties of the working fluids such as temperature difference between two working fluids, mass flow rate, Nusselt number, Reynolds number, etc. using low-grade heat, which can be considered anything approximately between 30℃ - 150℃. This research aims to demonstrate that optimized Thermoelectric Generator liquid-liquid configuration has the potential, in terms of output and efficiency, to compete with other configurations or mechanisms that harvest low-grade waste heat energy. A laboratory test setup consisting of a two-channel loop heat exchanger is used for the study. A mixture of 50% ethylene glycol with water flows through two separate loops, one hot side loop and one cold side loop to create a temperature difference between the two sides of the Thermoelectric Generator/s.

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