TY - JOUR
TI - Preliminary design and modelling of a gas-fired thermoelectric generator
AU - Klimanek Adam
AU - Kostowski Wojciech J
AU - Burda Grzegorz
AU - Bargiel Paweł
AU - Szlęk Andrzej
AU - Górny Krzysztof
JN - Thermal Science
PY - 2016
VL - 20
IS - 4
SP - 1233
EP - 1244
PT - Article
AB - The paper discusses modelling of coupled heat transfer and electricity  generation in a thermoelectric generator designed for reliable island-mode  power supply. The considered generator is a new concept of a low power supply  (50 W) whose aim is to provide electricity for remote gas pressure reduction  stations with the purpose to maintain the control and automation equipment.  This equipment contributes to the system safety and minimizes the risk of  unintended methane emissions. The thermoelectric generator is designed for  reliable and maintenance-free operation and power supply. Natural gas is  burned in a partially premixed burner and the flue gas heats the hot side of  the thermoelectric generator. The combustion air cools the cold side of the  thermoelectric generator, providing the temperature difference required for  electricity generation occurring based on the Seebeck effect. The flow of air  and flue gas through the system is driven by chimney draft. The developed  model couples the heat transfer on the hot and the cold side, as well as the  generation of electrical energy inside the thermoelectric modules. The model  takes into account convection and conduction in the gas flow conduits and in  finned heat exchangers of the cold and hot sides. The analysis demonstrates  the relevance of design and operational parameters on the boundary  temperatures of the thermoelectric modules. The obtained results will be used  in further (ongoing) phase leading to the design and construction of a  prototype electricity generator dedicated for island-mode supply.