Modeling of Roof-Mountable Thermoelectric Generators

Abstract

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are used for the direct conversion of heat energy into electricity. Given that there is an extreme concentration of heat present on house roofs, the application of TEGs on these locations is feasible. This study involves the modeling of thermoelectric generators on house roofs through the use of simulations and an actual prototype. Simulations were done using the matrix laboratory (MATLAB) platform. The mathematical model of the system was created based on the factors that affect the generation capability of the TEG prototype module. The prototype was tested and observed at various locations having different environmental conditions, and other parameters like roof type, height, and solar irradiance were observed at every location. The equation being modeled is Vp=c*(Th–Tc); where c is the elevation constant, and (Th–Tc) is the difference in temperatures between the hot side and the cold side of the TEG. The accuracy and precision of the prototype were measured using the prediction method of the root mean square error (RMSE), and the computed RMSEs are 0.01143, 0.03063, and 0.01975 for plains, areas near the shore, and highlands, respectively.