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Characterization System for Heat-Energy to Electric-Energy Conversion from Concrete by Means of a Thermoelectric
Luis C Félix-Herrán1, Alejandro García-Juárez2, Luis Arturo García-Delgado2
1Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Blvd. Enrique Mazón López 965, Hermosillo 83000, Sonora, Mexico.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 10, 2022
Summary
This study demonstrates a prototype for characterizing thermoelectric modules (TEMs) in concrete structures. The system measures energy conversion, proving TEMs can generate electricity from solar-induced temperature gradients in buildings.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Energy Conversion
- Sustainable Building Technologies
Background:
- Thermoelectric modules (TEMs) offer potential for waste heat recovery and direct solar energy conversion.
- Integrating TEMs into building materials like concrete could enable passive energy generation.
- Characterizing TEM performance within realistic construction scenarios is crucial for practical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and validate a prototype system for characterizing thermoelectric modules (TEMs) embedded in concrete.
- To investigate the electrical energy conversion performance of a TEC1-12710 TEM under simulated solar-induced temperature gradients.
- To assess the feasibility of using concrete-integrated TEMs for power generation in buildings.
Main Methods:
- Developed an experimental setup to embed a commercial TEM (TEC1-12710) within a concrete slab.
- Emulated solar-induced temperature gradients using an electrical heater and a thermoelectric cooler.
- Measured key electrical parameters: open-circuit voltage, loaded circuit voltage, and load current.
- Utilized digital PI controllers to maintain precise temperature differences across the TEM.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated the operation of a TEM embedded in a concrete slab.
- Quantified the electrical energy output of the TEM under controlled, simulated environmental conditions.
- Validated the prototype's capability to characterize TEM performance under varying temperature gradients.
Conclusions:
- The prototype effectively characterizes thermoelectric modules integrated into concrete structures.
- Thermoelectric modules show potential for generating electrical energy from solar heat absorbed by concrete.
- This approach offers a pathway towards developing self-powered building components.
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