Thermoelectric Generator

The project is about utilizing the wasted or exhaust heat energy from boilers,exhaust pipes,chimneys or any other source and convert it into useable electrical energy for commercial or household use.  The theory behind this concept is based on Seebeck effect which produces voltages&nbsp

Project Title

Thermoelectric Generator

Project Area of Specialization

Internet of Things

Project Summary

The project is about utilizing the wasted or exhaust heat energy from boilers,exhaust pipes,chimneys or any other source and convert it into useable electrical energy for commercial or household use. 

The theory behind this concept is based on Seebeck effect which produces voltages upon difference of temperature between two dissimalar metals. The two dissimilar metal form a p-n junction and conducts once they are given enough heat to form the barrier between the two. 

Project Objectives

The objective of this project is to effeciently and economically convert exhaust heat into clean and useable electrical energy and to introduce this new type of renewable energy in the market. 

Project Implementation Method

The project is based on the idea of Seebeck effect. The Seebeck effect is an effect which produces potential difference between two dissimilar metals when they are exposed to temperature difference. 

We created this condition by attaching one side of our module to the hot side and the other side to an heat sink and a fan. This makes one side hot and the other side at nearly room temperature. We also attached temperature sensors in our heat sinks to monitor and control the temperature at our 'cold' side. This is because since there is a lot of heat involved, the side which is attached to the heat sink gradually increases in temperature resulting in reduced temperature difference and hence producing less voltages. As a result, the sensors are used along with a microcontroller to control the speed of our fan so it can maintain the temperature at a constant level. This makes our system more effecient and less prone to any heat damages to our  modules. 

Benefits of the Project

There are several benefits of our project:

1) We can charge a battery just by utilizing the heat energy from the exhaust pipe of vehicles. 

2) We can also use our cooking stove and charge our cell phone batteries from its heat.

3) It can be used in hybrid cars to improve their effeciency.

4) Industries can utilize the exhaust in their manufacturing, melting, or any other procedures which produces a lot of heat and convert it into electricity to enhance their power generation. 

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

Conversion Circuit:

The circuit which converts the heat into electriciity comprises of heat source, modules, along with heat sinks and fans. Each module can produce upto 22w of power at a temperature difference of about 300 degree Centigrade.

Feedback Control System:

This circuit is used for controlling the temperature of the 'cold' side of the modules. It has NTC temperature sensors attached to the heat sinks and a microcontroller which reads their value and controls the speed of the fan to maintain the temperature at a constant level. 

Charge Controller:

This circuit is used for charging the battery at the specified voltages and protects the battery from overcharging or undercharging of the battery. The technique used for this is MPPT technique which charges the battery at the maximum power available from the modules. 

Display: 

The displaying circuit shows the voltages of the modules and current of the load if any is connected. These can be used to track output power from the modules. 

K-type Thermocouple:

Although not a direct part of the project, this circuit was used to display the readings of a high range k-type thermocouple to check temperature readings of different materials.  

Final Deliverable of the Project

Hardware System

Type of Industry

Energy , Manufacturing

Technologies

Clean Tech

Sustainable Development Goals

Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and Communities

Required Resources

If you need this project, please contact me on contact@adikhanofficial.com