Experimental results confirming improved efficiency of thermoelectric power generation systems with alternate thermodynamic cycles

Results are presented of a design verification study demonstrating the system efficiency increase in thermoelectric power generation systems that utilize heat content extracted from heated circulating fluids. Devices with electrical outputs ranging from 1 to 5 watts are described. Test results for these devices are compared to the theoretical best values for conventional thermoelectric power generation systems having a single fixed hot side temperature and a single fixed cold side temperature, by extracting heat from a hot side working fluid. Demonstrated efficiency gains are factors of two to four greater than the theoretical best efficiencies of conventional systems.