Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Modeling and Development of Thermoelectric Device Technologies for Novel Mechanical Systems

Headings, Leon Mark

Abstract Details

2011, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Mechanical Engineering.

There is a growing need for advanced energy technologies for alternative and efficient electricity generation as well as the efficient use of energy. The central goal of this research was to develop thermoelectric (TE) device technologies which address the limitations of current TE materials and devices in order to capitalize on the inherent benefits of solid-state TEs. These benefits include reliability, low maintenance, controllability, and high power density. Specifically, this research focused on developing technologies surrounding a multi-fuel combustion-powered thermoelectric generator, a building-integrated thermoelectric heat pump, and a methodology for the frequency domain modeling of thermoelectric devices.

The first focus of this research is the development of a multi-fuel combustion-powered thermoelectric generator to exploit the reliability and high power density of thermoelectrics. A baseline prototype was constructed which demonstrated the use of a novel fuel atomizer with diesel fuel and Bi2Te3 thermoelectric modules. In subsequent prototypes, catalytic combustion was incorporated to improve heat transfer to the TE. These catalytic combustion prototypes were tested with propane and demonstrated more than twice the heat transfer effectiveness of the baseline. Thermal characterization of the prototype at 500 °C was used to model its performance with an advanced PbTe module which yielded a peak net power of 8.08 W. Modeling of stacked PbTe/Bi2Te3 modules produced a peak net TE efficiency of 9.07% for a net device efficiency of 3.26%. The models and analysis provided insight into energy flows within the device and identified key areas of focus for future development. The analysis also suggests that device efficiencies of 9%-10% may be achievable using current TE materials and device technologies.

The second focus of this research is on the development of a framework for replacing conventional heating and cooling systems with distributed, continuously and electrically controlled, building-integrated thermoelectric (BITE) heat pumps. The coefficient of performance of thermoelectric heat pumps increases as the temperature difference across them decreases and as the amplitude of temperature oscillations decreases. As a result, this research examines how thermal insulation and mass elements can be integrated with thermoelectrics as part of active multi-layer structures in order to minimize net energy consumption.

In order to develop BITE systems, a finite volume model was developed to model the dynamic thermal response of active multi-layer wall structures subjected to arbitrary boundary conditions (interior and exterior temperatures and interior heat loads) and control inputs. This numerical model was experimentally validated, then used to model the effects of various wall parameters on system performance. These simulation results provide direction for the ongoing development of BITE systems.

Finally, the third focus of this research is on the development of a frequency domain model for the periodic response of thermoelectric devices and structures. In this research, an effective TE transmission matrix was developed by assuming that the TE is driven by a sinusoidal current. This allows the TE to be modeled as part of multilayer structures or devices where adjacent layers or heat exchangers are modeled using traditional transmission matrix techniques.

Gregory Washington, PhD (Advisor)
Yann Guezennec, PhD (Committee Member)
Joseph Heremans, PhD (Committee Member)
Giorgio Rizzoni, PhD (Committee Member)
Junmin Wang, PhD (Committee Chair)
203 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Headings, L. M. (2011). Modeling and Development of Thermoelectric Device Technologies for Novel Mechanical Systems [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1325258051

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Headings, Leon. Modeling and Development of Thermoelectric Device Technologies for Novel Mechanical Systems. 2011. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1325258051.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Headings, Leon. "Modeling and Development of Thermoelectric Device Technologies for Novel Mechanical Systems." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1325258051

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)