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Analysis and Design of a Silicide-Tetrahedrite Thermoelectric Generator Concept Suitable for Large-Scale Industrial Waste Heat Recovery

Author

Listed:
  • F. P. Brito

    (Mechanical Engineering and Resource Sustainability Center (MEtRICs), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Campus Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • João Silva Peixoto

    (Mechanical Engineering and Resource Sustainability Center (MEtRICs), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Campus Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • Jorge Martins

    (Mechanical Engineering and Resource Sustainability Center (MEtRICs), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Campus Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • António P. Gonçalves

    (Center for Nuclear Sciences and Technologies (C2TN), Department of Nuclear Sciences and Engineering, Instituto Superior Tecnico, University of Lisbon, Estrada Nacional 10, km 139.7, 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal)

  • Loucas Louca

    (Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, 1 Panepistimiou Ave, 2109 Aglantzia, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus)

  • Nikolaos Vlachos

    (Alter Eco Solutions Ltd., C Thermaikou 2, Strovolos, Nicosia 2043, Cyprus)

  • Theodora Kyratsi

    (Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, 1 Panepistimiou Ave, 2109 Aglantzia, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus)

Abstract

Industrial Waste Heat Recovery (IWHR) is one of the areas with strong potential for energy efficiency and emissions reductions in industry. Thermoelectric (TE) generators (TEGs) are among the few technologies that are intrinsically modular and can convert heat directly into electricity without moving parts, so they are nearly maintenance-free and can work unattended for long periods of time. However, most existing TEGs are only suitable for small-scale niche applications because they typically display a cost per unit power and a conversion efficiency that is not competitive with competing technologies, and they also tend to rely on rare and/or toxic materials. Moreover, their geometric configuration, manufacturing methods and heat exchangers are often not suitable for large-scale applications. The present analysis aims to tackle several of these challenges. A module incorporating constructive solutions suitable for upscaling, namely, using larger than usual TE elements (up to 24 mm in diameter) made from affordable p-tetrahedrite and n-magnesium silicide materials, was assessed with a multiphysics tool for conditions typical of IWHR. Geometric configurations optimized for efficiency, power per pair and power density, as well as an efficiency/power balanced solution, were extracted from these simulations. A balanced solution provided 0.62 kWe/m 2 with a 3.9% efficiency. Good prospects for large-scale IWHR with TEGs are anticipated if these figures could be replicated in a real-world application and implemented with constructive solutions suitable for large-scale systems.

Suggested Citation

  • F. P. Brito & João Silva Peixoto & Jorge Martins & António P. Gonçalves & Loucas Louca & Nikolaos Vlachos & Theodora Kyratsi, 2021. "Analysis and Design of a Silicide-Tetrahedrite Thermoelectric Generator Concept Suitable for Large-Scale Industrial Waste Heat Recovery," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-21, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:18:p:5655-:d:631704
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ana Sofia Moita & Pedro Pontes & Lourenço Martins & Miguel Coelho & Oscar Carvalho & F. P. Brito & António Luís N. Moreira, 2022. "Complex Fluid Flow in Microchannels and Heat Pipes with Enhanced Surfaces for Advanced Heat Conversion and Recovery Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-20, February.
    2. Abhijit Date & Oranit Traisak & Matthew Ward & Eliza Rupakheti & Eric Hu & Hamid Khayyam, 2022. "Experimental and Theoretical Study on Mechanical Performance of a Sustainable Method to Simultaneously Generate Power and Fresh Water," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-15, October.
    3. Carolina Clasen Sousa & Jorge Martins & Óscar Carvalho & Miguel Coelho & Ana Sofia Moita & Francisco P. Brito, 2022. "Assessment of an Exhaust Thermoelectric Generator Incorporating Thermal Control Applied to a Heavy Duty Vehicle," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-19, June.

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