Design and Analysis of an Innovative Portable Water-Cooled Thermoelectric Generator Apparatus

Abstract

Thermoelectric generator technology can be utilized as a renewable energy source and has untapped potential. Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) have been used by industry experts to make some thermodynamic processes slightly more efficient. However, TEGs can be operated in a manner that allows for greater energy production at a higher efficiency and in a stand-alone setting. This paper presents design and analysis of an innovative portable water-cooled thermoelectric generator apparatus. The apparatus can create clean energy using optimal heat transfer through the device. To reduce the amount of power lost to internal heat resistance, the device is cooled by a large body of water. Solar irradiation is the primary heat source for the TEGs and is absorbed using copper foil and high emissive paint. The temperature differential predicted during device operation was modeled using ANSYS. The ANSYS heat transfer model revealed that heat absorption and subsequent transfer to a body of water was possible without exceeding the operating parameters of the TEGs. Experimental results revealed that a 120°C temperature difference across the TEGs produced 12.5 V of electricity. Analysis of the water-cooled TEG prototype performance revealed that power production is possible, and the design has numerous applications.