Energy Harvesting Through Thermoelectric Generators

Pp: 32-66 (35)

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Abstract

Thermoelectric generator (TEG) converts waste heat energy from automobiles into valuable electrical power and has no moving parts compared to conventional thermoelectric motors. The functioning of TEG is dependent on the design and the material used. TEGs are classified as small and medium power outputs. Small power outputs are in the range between 5 μW to 1W, and high power outputs are higher than 1W in a TEG. Thermoelectric power generators offer fast, economical storage methods for wearable and mobile applications. Macro heat waste application is recovered through in-house, industrial and solid waste. Moreover, an immense amount of waste fuel, such as recycling and power plants, is emitted from the industry; this can be utilized in a useful manner by TEGs. This chapter discusses the TEG study of the fundamental operating principles, TEG products, micro applications and energy generation techniques.

Keywords: Applications, Energy storage, Heat engines, Power generation, Thermoelectric generator, Waste heat recovery.

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