Republic of the Philippines

EULOGIO “AMANG” RODRIGUEZINSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Nagtahan, Sampaloc Manila
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
1
CHAPTER l

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

This chapter discusses the introduction and all the general knowledge about the topic. The

researchers gathered relevant information and sources upon and put it over in this chapter.

Introduction

In the recent technologies, the production of power focuses more on the renewable source of

energy as the nonrenewable energy resources are getting diminish. Thermoelectric materials with better

efficiency will play an important role as energy materials, namely, as materials for energy storage,

conversion, recovery, and transfer. In a global drive for clean energy sources to replace carbon-based

fossil fuels, new thermoelectric materials are now receiving appropriate attention and will find many

new applications in the future. The emerging and prospective areas of application of thermoelectric

materials include: automotive waste heat power generation, direct solar thermal energy conversion, and

superconducting electronics. All these areas require new and advanced thermoelectric materials

displaying better performance and chemical and thermal stability at the appropriate operating

temperatures and environmental safety levels

Thermoelectric power has been hailed as one of the solution that can take heat and convert it to

useable electricity. Since this energy conversion is done by electrons in solids, we can make full use of

solids. First, the thermoelectric device has no moving part, and is operated without maintenance.

Secondly, it produces no waste matter through conversion process. Thermoelectric devices are small in
 Republic of the Philippines
EULOGIO “AMANG” RODRIGUEZINSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Nagtahan, Sampaloc Manila
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

size and low in cost which makes it easier to experiment on their efficiency for power generation. The

efficiency can be used to compare with the efficiencies of other power generation devices and hence the

price can also be compared when there is a requirement for economic power generation. These devices

work on a simple effect proposed by Seebeck and hence would be easy to understand by undergraduates.

In a well-designed TEG the connection of TEMs, the converter topology and the control system

are important parts of the electrical power management system. However, the impact they have on the

entire system from efficiency-, weight- and cost point-of-view has never been studied for a large-scale

TEG operating under real conditions. The impact of the electrical arrangement of a TEG is especially

important in automotive applications, in which there are restrictions regarding the volume and weight

and where the heat source and cooling capacity are limited. It has to be mentioned that studying

thermoelectricity using temperature-controlled heater and/or cooler, emulates an unlimited heat- source

or sink, resulting in over-dimensioned power management system. Therefore, research on suitable

power conditioning systems for TEGs operating on vehicles under real conditions is on demand.
 Republic of the Philippines
EULOGIO “AMANG” RODRIGUEZINSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Nagtahan, Sampaloc Manila
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

A. Statement of the Problem

The most difficult aspect of designing a thermoelectric generator is the low efficiency of the

generator. Thermoelectric modules use the Seebeck effect, which necessitates a small temperature

difference between the hot and cold panels. The efficiency of the thermoelectric module improves

and we get rated output voltage if the temperature difference is maintained. To accomplish this, we

need to design a cooling system that includes a heat sink and a fan that acts as a heat exhauster and

aids in maintaining the temperature difference between the two sides of the thermoelectric module.

B. Objectives

This study aims to design, produce, and develop a thermoelectric device. It was also conducted

in order to find the best method and material to use.

1. Examine the materials that could be used to create a thermoelectric prototype.

2. To determine the efficiency of thermoelectric generator in charging vehicular batteries and risk

associated with the material that will be used in this design.

C. Conceptual Framework

The framework aids researchers in their review, study, investigation, and analysis. It helps the

researcher to track the project's progress from beginning to end. The graphic below display the detailed

process of developing the study and topic.

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EULOGIO “AMANG” RODRIGUEZINSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Nagtahan, Sampaloc Manila
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Fig.1 .1.

INPUT DESIGN OUTPUT

Gathering data related Design a thermal Working each piece

to the study conductive energy of machinery as
with requirement efficiently and
Assembly of relevant successfully
ideas Trial and error
Ensure that the
Looking for reference Testing the capacity research objective is
and efficiency of the achieved.
unit

Fig.1 .2.

DEPENDENT VARIABLE

Burning fuel inside the stove

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE creates a distribution of heat and
thermoelectric generators that are
Produce electricity from the installed within the stove use the
burning wood stove temperature differential across
Heat
their conductive components to
create an electric current this is
known as the seebeck effect and
allows heat from burning wood to
be transformed into usable
electricity.
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EULOGIO “AMANG” RODRIGUEZINSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Nagtahan, Sampaloc Manila
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

C. Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will redound to the benefit of the students considering that it can help

in understanding the basic knowledge and how thermoelectric power will be beneficial not only in the

environment but also in humankind. It is designed to deeper the knowledge of students who are

studying the concept of heat transfer and thermodynamics.

Aside from all of these, the study could also be highly significant and beneficial

Research and Innovation. This study would be beneficial for future researchers as it can serve as

their reference in improving their own studies or research in the future,

Future Researchers. The future researchers would also benefit from this. For the next coming

years, other researchers may have the same topic. This study would be useful for future researchers

because it can serve as their reference in improving their own studies in the future.

D. Scope and Delimitation of the Study

Scope:

The focus of this project is to create ideas, design, principles and problem-solving analysis to

demonstrate the purpose of this project, and explain to fully understand the concept of thermoelectricity.

And to ensure appropriate arrangements of the mechanism to make the design operability.
 Republic of the Philippines
EULOGIO “AMANG” RODRIGUEZINSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Nagtahan, Sampaloc Manila
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Delimitation

This project will only focus on the use of cold and hot temperatures to generate electricity, which is

an extremely necessary condition for this study.

E. Assumptions/Hypothesis

Possible application of thermoelectric generator requires optimizing heat exchangers and

defining adequate thermoelectric materials to improve efficiency. Thermoelectric power has

demonstrated the capacity to transform heat energy directly into electric power through the Seebeck

effect. Due to the unique advantages they present, thermoelectric systems have hailed during past

decade as a promising alternative source of energy among other technologies for green power

production. In this research, thermoelectric device output prediction is the main principle both for

determining the future use of this new technology and for determining the key design parameters of

thermoelectric generators and systems.

In addition to thermoelectric performance, we have to be observants into a material's

mechanical strength and thermal stability, which are crucial in real applications but have been long

ignored. Researchers should strived more into fabricating thermoelectric devices with high

efficiency from the new materials, including the design of new device structures and evaluation

protocols of device performance/stability.

 Republic of the Philippines
EULOGIO “AMANG” RODRIGUEZINSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Nagtahan, Sampaloc Manila
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter concludes the comprehensive review of the literature related to the topic.

CONCEPTUAL LITERATURE

Thermoelectric Generator, also known as TEG is a device that works on the principle of Seebeek

effect. The TEG module consists of two semiconductor materials, also known as the Seebeek cells or

thermo elements. The TEG module can be used for the generation of electric power, in case of dearth of

power. The efficiency of the thermo elements depends on the value of load resistance and the property

of semiconducting material. The TEG module consists of two semiconductor materials, also known as

the Seebeck cells or thermo elements. This module has semiconductor thermo elements that are

connected electrically in series in order to elevate the resulting voltage and due to the temperature

difference between the walls of the plate; the energy that is captured from thermally excited electrons. A

single thermocouple comprises of two thermo elements namely ptype and n-type elements. The themo-

elements of the n-type and p-type semiconductors are connected thermally in parallel and electrically in

series.
 Republic of the Philippines
EULOGIO “AMANG” RODRIGUEZINSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Nagtahan, Sampaloc Manila
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

RESEARCH LITERATURE

Thermoelectric technology started its history in the 17th century and has been developing over the

years. Later on, many discussions were carried out with many disadvantages of the thermoelectric

generation (TEG) technology. Although there are a lot of disadvantages found, the power generation

based on the TEG technology has been use in several areas. In renewable Energy technology, power

generation based on the Photovoltaic cell has been used predominantly (Department of Electrical and

Electronics Engineering, K.S.Rangasamy College of Technology, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu,

India.)

Thermoelectric generators use the Seebeck effect to produce electrical power from a temperature

difference caused by heat energy flow.(M. Rahman, R. Shuttleworth)

The study for the search of renewable sources of energy has been one of a major concern

worldwide as a replacement to the high demand for fossil fuels. The researcher ventured in harvesting

heat energy and converting it into useful electric energy. This was made possible with the use of

Seebeck effect. Thermo-electric generators (TEGs) are semiconductor-based devices that harvest heat to

produce electricity. (Albert Patrick David)

Concept of thermoelectric (TE) energy makes it unique because of reversible energy conversion,

e.g. from thermal to electrical and vice-versa. Seebeck and Peltier effects are base of all TE energy

applications. Thermoelectricity has wide range of applications due to reversible energy conversion. In

recent years, with technology development and global warming issues TE devices come into use in
 Republic of the Philippines
EULOGIO “AMANG” RODRIGUEZINSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Nagtahan, Sampaloc Manila
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
various applications because of its eco-friendly feature and distinct advantages. (S. Patidar, N. Bisht, P.

More, R. Abolhassani)

Inclusion, an experimental investigation is performed on an advanced battery thermal

management system for emerging electric vehicles. The developed battery thermal management system

is a combination of thermoelectric cooling, forced air cooling, and liquid cooling. The liquid coolant has

indirect contact with the battery and acts as the medium to remove the heat generated from the battery

during operation. Forced air assisted heat removal is performed from the condenser side of the

thermoelectric liquid casing. (Y. LYU, A.R.M Siddique, S.H Majid M. Biglarbegian, S.A Gadsden

S. Mahmud)

RELEVANCE TO THE PRESENT STUDY

The study for the search of renewable sources of energy has been a major concern worldwide as

a replacement to the high demand for fossil fuels. The researcher ventured in harvesting heat energy and

converting it into electric energy. The patent search that we conducted improved and help our study a

lot and gives us idea on how we are going to execute and gather enough data for our research. Also as

we conducted a lot of research online or through a published book we have come up to a possible and

safe source of heating and cooling with safety measures to be considered. It gives us ideas of possible

outcomes of our chosen research , the risk associated in conducting it.

 Republic of the Philippines
EULOGIO “AMANG” RODRIGUEZINSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Nagtahan, Sampaloc Manila
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Chapter 3

A. Research Methodology

The purpose of this study is to design, produce, and develop thermoelectric devices by

examining materials that can be used to fabricate thermoelectric prototypes and determine the efficiency

of thermoelectric generators in vehicle battery charging. This research project assists students by

understanding the basics and how thermoelectric power can benefit not only the environment but also

humans. It is designed to deepen the knowledge of students who are studying heat transfer and

thermodynamic concepts. The research project focuses on on-board battery charging stations using

thermoelectric generators. Researchers collect data and analyze how thermoelectricity is used to charge

vehicle batteries through research-related online resources. After collecting the data, the study concluded

that it could be used as a replacement for car battery charging by using both heat and cold energy.

B. Evaluation Method
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EULOGIO “AMANG” RODRIGUEZINSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Nagtahan, Sampaloc Manila
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING