Thermoelectric Conversion System based on Geothermal and Solar Heat

Abstract

Geothermal and solar heat are attractive and environmentally clean energy sources for future power systems where solid state generators may become more important. In this paper, a generator model for such a novel conversion system is presented. Benefits and constraints are shown using a thermoelectric generator for solid state power conversion. For system efficiency improvement and power maximization, both thermoelectric materials and dimensions of thermoelectric generators have to be optimized. Heat losses of the thermoelectric generator can partially be recovered for building heating or water heating. Therefore, meaningful system assemblies exist to deal with the relatively low conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric generator. However, there are different limits in addition to thermoelectric materials which need to be taken into account in the generator design process