Thermoelectric Generator: Power Generation Using Temperature Difference for Use in Home Applications

Energy conversion using waste heat recovering techniques especially thermo-electric generator (TEG) technologies has developed during recent years. It’s utilization in the alternative energy industry is attempted from many aspects. Previous research shows that TEG as a waste heat harvesting method is feasible.

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. This was made possible with the use of Seebeck effect. Thermo-electric generators (TEGs) are semiconductor-based devices that harvest heat to produce electricity. The researcher devised a generator which uses alternative source of energy that can be used to harness and store electricity. The energy that will be stored can be used in different applications such as to power and recharge mobile devices.

The basic model of this study (prototype) as a Thermo-electric generator will consist of an aluminum heat sink and a thermo-electric cooler IC (Peltier device) that will be used as a generator. The two sides of the Peltier device is cold and hot side that will give the temperature difference which are used to generate electricity.