Performance Analysis of Thermoelectric Cooler — Thermoelectric Generator System for Heat Recovery Applications

This study investigates the thermal and electrical behaviour of an energetic system composed of a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) module, used as a heat source, and a thermoelectric generator (TEG) module. TEG device worked in this configuration as an energy conversion module for heat recovery and the use of heat released by TEC during its cooling. Under a temperature gradient between its external plates, the TEG module converts thermal energy into electrical energy. TEC-TEG system is cooled in two ways: by natural convection cooling with air circulation under free convection through aluminium heat sink fins and forced convection cooling with a system containing an externally powered cooler in direct contact with the heat sink. The mode of operation for the TEC-TEG system was tested under a gradually increased load resistance, from 3 Ω to 80 Ω. The main critical parameters were investigated and discussed: temperatures of thermoelectric modules, the temperature difference between TEG plates, output voltage, current, power and efficiency of thermoelectric conversion.