Pasinpong Souppornsingh.. Experimental investigation on thermoelectric power generation using temperature difference through glazed window. Doctoral Degree(Energy Engineering Technology). King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok. Central Library. : King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, 2023.
Experimental investigation on thermoelectric power generation using temperature difference through glazed window
Abstract:
This thesis reports extensive field investigation on thermoelectric power
generation using natural diurnal temperature difference between ambient and indoor
space through glazed windows (TEGW) of residences located in hot and humid
countries. To this end, two small south facing glazed windows with 5mm green tinted glass located at the first floor of a residential house in Nonthaburi province (Thailand) were used. The first is a small south facing windows 0.45 m.x1.05 m. with dimensions of 3 m.x3.3 m.x2.6 m. and 25.74 m3 volume located equipped with a split-type air conditioning 12,000 BTU/h was used. The second with dimensions of 0.76 m.x1.0 m. was in another room of dimensions of 3.6 m.x6.6 m.x2.6 m. and 61.78 m3 volume equipped with a split-type air conditioning 21,500 BTU/h. Three thermoelectric (TE) modules (MT2-1,6-127) 40 mm.x40 mm. were installed at three positions near the top, middle and bottom at the inner side of the glass window. The experiments were conducted for different conditions with close and open curtain, non- and air-conditioned space, and thermoelectric modules connected series/or parallel array. Experimental results indicated that the generated voltage followed well the ambient conditions: The higher the incident solar radiation, the higher is the temperature difference between the hot and cold sides of TE modules and the higher the amount of voltage generated. With open curtain, the middle TE module generates a maximum voltage of about 0.6 mV whereas with close curtain, the top TE module generates the maximum voltage of about 0.5 mV. It was observed that the use of air-conditioner improved the performance of TEGW considerably as it leads to create higher temperature difference between ambient and the indoor space and subsequently higher temperature difference between the hot and cold sides of TE modules. The maximum voltage varied between 1-2 mV. In addition, the top TE module generates the maximum current when curtain is closed whereas the middle TE module produces the maximum when curtain is open. When connecting the circuit in parallel, whether opening the curtain or closing the curtain, the voltage value was relatively similar, about 25 mV. Therefore, it is well demonstrated that the proposed concept offers a new simple alternative to harvest ambient diurnal heat which deserve consideration for application in glazed homes and offices.