Development of Low-Cost Remote Controlled Generators based on BiTe Thermoelectric Modules

This paper presents a new thermogenerator based on moderate-temperature (up to 175°C) BiTe modules available on the open market. Despite this handicap relative to commercial thermogenerators based on high-temperature proprietary-technology PbBi modules (up to 560°C), this new design may become econo...

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Autores: Juanico, Luis Eduardo, Rinalde, Gustavo Fabián, Taglialavore, Eduardo Víctor, Molina, Marcelo Gustavo
Formato: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2013
País:Argentina
Recursos:Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas
Repositorio:CONICET Digital (CONICET)
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ri.conicet.gov.ar:11336/21271
Acesso em linha:http://hdl.handle.net/11336/21271
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palavra-chave:Bite Thermoelectric Modules
Thermoelectricity
Thermogenerator
Electrical Generators
Prototype
Thermalhydraulic Design
https://purl.org/becyt/ford/2.2
https://purl.org/becyt/ford/2
Descrição
Resumo:This paper presents a new thermogenerator based on moderate-temperature (up to 175°C) BiTe modules available on the open market. Despite this handicap relative to commercial thermogenerators based on high-temperature proprietary-technology PbBi modules (up to 560°C), this new design may become economically competitive due to its innovative thermal sink. Our thermal sink is based on a free-convection water loop built with standard tubing and household hot-water radiators, leading to a more practical, modular design. So, the specific cost of about 55,000 USD/kW obtained for this 120-W prototype is improved to 33,000 USD/kW for a 1-kW unit, which represents about half the price of commercial thermogenerators. Moreover, considering recently launched BiTe modules (that withstand up to 320°C), our proposition could have an even more favorable outlook.