Estudo do módulo termoelétrico e análise da utilização de gerador termoelétrico em automóveis

Abstract

The thermoelectric generator (TEG) transforms thermal energy into electrical energy by using the thermoelectric effect. The main thermoelectric effects are the conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy, Seebeck effect, and the conversion of electrical energy into termal energy, Perltier effect. The generation of electrical energy by the use of TEG has gained more interest and investment due that it doesn’t emit carbon dioxide, doesn’t have moving parts, doesn’t produce noise and presentes small dimensions. The TEGs are used to produce electric energy by reusing the heat waste of internal combustion engine exhaust gas, by solar concentration system and by cogeneration. The TEG is formed by a thermocouple, or by multiple thermocouples connected electrically in series and thermally in parallel, whose generated voltage is directly proportional to the temperature difference between the hot junction and the cold junction. This research aims to study the thermoelectric module, to study the feasibility of using thermoelectric modules as power generators in automobiles and the state of the art. This paper presents the theoretical basis for better understanding of the thermoelectric module operation by a mathematical model that is validated by the experimental data from Dutra e Melo (2014). In the experimental test from Dutra e Melo (2014) the thermoelectric modules takes advantage of the exhaust gases thermal energy waste and provides electric power equal to 3,57 W to a load of 1,2 Ω, when it’s subjected to a temperature difference of 133,6 °C. Thus, the TEG is able to assume 5,24 % of the automobile electric load and thereby increase fuel efficiency.