A 160-Watt Experimental Thermoelectric Power Plant for Telephone Microwave Equipment

A field experiment is described which has operated since July, 1964, using commercially available thermoelectric generators to provide power to a transmitter-receiver bay of telephone microwave equipment. The generators are operated at a nominal power level of 160 watts. The purpose of the experiment is to gain experience with thermoelectric generators operating under actual field conditions and to evaluate their potential as primary power sources for systems operating in remote areas. The design approach is presented together with a description of the test site. Data are presented concerning the operating characteristics of the power plant with details of environmental effects on generator operation. The cost of providing primary thermoelectric power at a remote site is shown with a comparison to primary diesel, primary battery, and commercial ac power. Conclusions are drawn regarding the economic and technical feasibility of primary thermoelectric power for systems operating in remote areas.