Development of low-cost remote controlled generators based on BiTe thermoelectric modules

JUANICO; RINALDE G F; TAGLIALAVORE, E.

Aalborg

Congreso; ICT 2012 International Congress on Thermoelectric; 2012

Aalborg Universitet

This paper presents a new thermogenerator based on moderate-temperature (up to 175°C) modules of BiTe available in the open market. Despite this handicap relative to commercial thermogenerators based on high-temperature owner-technology PbBi modules (560°C), this new design could achieve a good economic competitiveness due to its innovative thermal sink. This is based on a free-convection water loop built on standard tubing and household hot-water radiators. This way a more practical modular design is obtained. So, the specific cost of about 55,000 U$D/kW obtained for this 120W prototype could be noticeably improved to 33,000 U$D/kW for a 1kW unit, which represents about half the price of commercial thermogenerators. Moreover, this technology would have a more favorable outlook considering the new BiTe modules (up to 320°C) recently launched.