Passive heat exchanger with no moving parts for thermoelectric generators. [in Spanish]

Number: pap. 1136

Author(s) : ARAIZ M., ARANGUREN P., CATALAN L., et al.

Summary

Thermoelectric generators (GTE) include heat exchangers to transfer heat between the thermoelectric modules (MTEs) and the heat source and heat sink (usually the ambient). The thermal resistance of these exchangers is key in the efficiency of the GTE, as determines the temperature difference between the ends of the MTEs, and how close it is to the source-to-sink temperature difference.

Most GTEs include either air-dissipation systems with finned plates and fans, or water systems driven by mechanical pumps and fan coolers. All of these require electric power to operate, thus reducing the net electricity production and the efficiency of the GTE. Furthermore, they present significant maintenance requirements.

This paper presents the design and development of a phase-change thermosiphon heat exchanger that offers similar performance than that of the cited systems, but presents no moving parts, providing up to 0.4 K/W of thermal resistance per MTE. A GTE with 6 MTEs endowed with this heat exchanger is able to achieve 15.5 W of electric power. This amount equals the net electricity production since the heat exchanger requires no power to operate.

Available documents

Format PDF

Pages: 6

Available

  • Public price

    20 €

  • Member price*

    15 €

* Best rate depending on membership category (see the detailed benefits of individual and corporate memberships).

Details

  • Original title: Passive heat exchanger with no moving parts for thermoelectric generators. [in Spanish]
  • Record ID : 30024117
  • Languages: Spanish
  • Source: CYTEF 2018. IX Congreso Ibérico y VII Congreso Iberoamericano de Ciencias y Técnicas del Frío, Valencia, España, 19-21 junio 2018.
  • Publication date: 2018/06/19

Links


See other articles from the proceedings (81)
See the conference proceedings