driven by a power supply. In this case, a blower need a
4.5 W power to drive, that is to say, this experimental
setup is a system unable to run by itself. Fortunately,
there are still some methods, such as increasing TE
modules in series, expanding heat sink surface, which
could make the system work so effectively that it would
self-power or even generate additional power.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Measured
Predicted
Fig. 4. Comparison between measurement and theoretical power model
of TE generator.
By using Eqs. (5), (7) and (8), the conversion, thermal
and overall efficiencies were 2.01%, 20.5% and 25.79%,
respectively. The conversion efficiency of this TE
generator is only a few percent (2%). However, the
conversion efficiency is not a prime consideration, when
the waste heat utilized here is assumed to be no-cost.
C
ONCLUSION
An experimental TE generator suitable for electricity
production in a rice husk gasifier stove has been
presented. The comparison between a theoretic model
and an experiment system proved the reasonability of this
model. The results showed that the TE modules produced
up to 3.9 W. The thermal and overall efficiencies of the
TE-RSG were 20.5% and 25.79% respectively. Further
work is planned to conduct a system level optimization
study. Areas of concern will be energy efficiency and
system power capacity. Cooling technologies such as
liquid cooling and heat pipes operating in a more
effective manner will also be examined for their potential
for TE generator waste heat power recovery.
A
CKNOWLEDGMENT
The help provided by Mr. Parinya Nuwaboot and
Miss Buangurn Snepim for setting up the experiment is
deeply acknowledged.
R
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2013 International Conference on Alternative Energy in Developing Countries and Emerging Economies
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