Integrated Thermoelectric Generator and Application to Self-Powered Heating Systems

Self-powered space and water heating systems operate entirely on fuel combustion with no need for externally generated electricity. Excess power can be used to charge batteries or be fed into the household grid to provide electricity for other electrical loads. Self-powered heating systems have the potential for high overall energy efficiency and can be more reliable in providing heat during extreme weather conditions. They are also attractive for remote communities where connection to the grid is not cost effective. To realize this concept, we must develop a reliable, low maintenance and cost-effective means to generate electricity and integrate it into fuel-fired heating units. In the present work, we investigated combustion-heated thermoelectric generation and its application to self-powered heating systems. A thermoelectric module with a power generation capacity of 550 W was integrated into a gas-fired furnace. The tin-telluride-based thermoelectric module has a radial configuration. The effects of heat transfer conditions were studied in order to maximize electric power output. The performance of the thermoelectric device was examined at various operating conditions. We have shown that the technology is attractive and offers the potential for practical applications