20-05-2013, 02:39 PM
Producing Light from Stoves using a Thermoelectric Generator
Producing Light from Stoves.pdf (Size: 722.51 KB / Downloads: 96)
Theory of Operation
• Electrons on the hot side of a material are more energized than on the
cold side. These electrons will flow from the hot side to the cold side.
If a complete circuit can be made, electricity will flow continuously.
• Semiconductor materials are the most efficient, and are combined in
pairs of “p type” and “n type”. The electrons flow from hot to cold in
the “n type,” While the electron holes flow from hot to cold in the “p
type.” This allows them to be combined electrically in series.
Module Selection
• A high temperature bismuth telluride module has
been selected due to its high efficiency and high
operating temperature
• 4% efficiency
• 5.9 Watts @ max power
• $10 in large quantity (10,000+)
Cold Sink Selection
• The cold sink is the second most important component
of the system.
• The cold sink must dissipate a large amount of heat
coming through the module(~150W), and remain at a
low temperature.
• Fan cooling may be necessary where maximum power
or compactness are desired.