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Comparative Analysis and Integrated Methodology for the Electrical Design and Performance Evaluation of Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) in Energy Harvesting Applications

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  • Oswaldo Hideo Ando Junior

    (Research Group on Energy & Energy Sustainability (GPEnSE), Academic Unit of Cabo de Santo Agostinho (UACSA), Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife 52171-900, Brazil
    Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Energy & Sustainability (PPGIES), Federal University of Latin American Integration—UNILA, Foz do Iguaçu 85870-650, Brazil
    Postgraduate Program in Energy Systems Engineering (PPGESE), Academic Unit of Cabo de Santo Agostinho (UACSA), Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife 52171-900, Brazil
    Postgraduate Program in Phisics Engineering (PPGENGFIS), Academic Unit of Cabo de Santo Agostinho (UACSA), Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife 52171-900, Brazil)

  • Eder Andrade da Silva

    (Research Group on Energy & Energy Sustainability (GPEnSE), Academic Unit of Cabo de Santo Agostinho (UACSA), Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife 52171-900, Brazil
    Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Energy & Sustainability (PPGIES), Federal University of Latin American Integration—UNILA, Foz do Iguaçu 85870-650, Brazil)

  • Emerson Rodrigues de Lira

    (Postgraduate Program in Phisics Engineering (PPGENGFIS), Academic Unit of Cabo de Santo Agostinho (UACSA), Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife 52171-900, Brazil)

  • Sergio Vladimir Barreiro Degiorgi

    (Postgraduate Program in Phisics Engineering (PPGENGFIS), Academic Unit of Cabo de Santo Agostinho (UACSA), Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife 52171-900, Brazil)

  • João Paulo Pereira do Carmo

    (Group of Metamaterials Microwaves and Optics (GMeta), Department of Electrical Engineering (SEL), University of São Paulo (USP), Butantã 05508-220, Brazil)

Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of the accuracy of different methodologies for the design and performance evaluation of thermoelectric generators (TEGs), using analytical, computational numerical, and experimental approaches. TEGs are promising devices for capturing waste energy in industrial processes, converting waste heat into electrical energy and contributing to energy sustainability. However, the efficiency of TEGs is a significant challenge due to their low conversion rates. To address this challenge, three different methodologies were developed and systematically compared. Analytical Model: Developed for the electrical design of thermoelectric micro generators, using theoretical performance data and industrial temperature gradients. This method offers a robust theoretical view but may not capture all practical variables. Computational model in Simulink/MATLAB: Created and validated to consider the variation of the Seebeck coefficient and the internal resistance of thermoelectric modules with temperature. This model provides an accurate simulation of operating conditions but depends on the accuracy of the input parameters. Experimental Multi-string Electrical Arrangement Prototype: This involved the design and construction of a prototype followed by experimental tests to validate its performance. This method provides valuable empirical data but can be limited by the complexity and cost of the experiments. The results show that each methodology has specific advantages and limitations, offering valuable insights for the development of more efficient TEG systems. The comparison of analytical, numerical, and experimental methods revealed differences in accuracy and efficiency, highlighting the importance of an integrated approach to TEG design. This study lays a solid foundation for future research and practical applications in the field of industrial residual energy harvesting.

Suggested Citation

  • Oswaldo Hideo Ando Junior & Eder Andrade da Silva & Emerson Rodrigues de Lira & Sergio Vladimir Barreiro Degiorgi & João Paulo Pereira do Carmo, 2024. "Comparative Analysis and Integrated Methodology for the Electrical Design and Performance Evaluation of Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) in Energy Harvesting Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-23, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:20:p:5176-:d:1500965
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kwan, Trevor Hocksun & Wu, Xiaofeng & Yao, Qinghe, 2018. "Multi-objective genetic optimization of the thermoelectric system for thermal management of proton exchange membrane fuel cells," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 217(C), pages 314-327.
    2. Ding, L.C. & Akbarzadeh, A. & Tan, L., 2018. "A review of power generation with thermoelectric system and its alternative with solar ponds," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P1), pages 799-812.
    3. Loise Rissini Kramer & Anderson Luis Oliveira Maran & Samara Silva de Souza & Oswaldo Hideo Ando Junior, 2019. "Analytical and Numerical Study for the Determination of a Thermoelectric Generator’s Internal Resistance," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-12, August.
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