New Concept of Power Generation Using TEGs: Thermal Modeling, Parametric Analysis, and Case Study

Area of Science:

• Energy Harvesting
• Thermoelectric Generation
• Sustainable Energy Systems

Background:

• Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems generate waste heat.
• Solar irradiation is a readily available renewable energy source.
• Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) offer a solid-state solution for converting heat differences into electricity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an innovative concept for power generation using TEGs.
• To utilize waste heat from HVAC systems and solar irradiation.
• To perform parametric analysis and thermal modeling for optimal configuration.

Main Methods:

• One-dimensional steady-state heat diffusion equation with various boundary conditions.
• Parametric analysis of TEG power generation for different configurations.
• Thermal modeling of the proposed system under specific conditions.

Main Results:

• The optimal configuration involves a TEG module with hot and cold fluid exposure on opposite faces.
• A 40 × 40 cm² flat plate achieved 3.8 W of electrical power under 2000 W/m² solar radiation and 20 kW cooling load.
• The system demonstrates a 3-year payback period and reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 1 ton annually.

Conclusions:

• The proposed TEG system effectively harnesses HVAC exhaust and solar energy for power generation.
• The configuration is economically viable, offering monthly savings and a reasonable payback period.
• This approach presents a sustainable solution for reducing carbon footprint and energy costs.