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Improving transient performance of thermoelectric generator by integrating phase change material

Huang, Kuo, Yan, Yuying, Wang, Guohua, Li, Bo (2021) Improving transient performance of thermoelectric generator by integrating phase change material. Energy, 219 (119648). Article Number 119648. ISSN 0360-5442. (doi:10.1016/j.energy.2020.119648) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:87680)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided. (Contact us about this Publication)
Official URL:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2020.119648

Abstract

Thermoelectric generator (TEG) based on Seebeck effect, which is well regarded as an effective way for waste heat recovery, has stepped into vision of automotive researchers in the past decades in terms of electricity generation from vehicle exhaust gases. Various driving conditions of the vehicles and fluctuating temperature of the exhaust gases are crucial factors that obstruct the development of automotive TEG. In this study, a novel concept of integrating phase change material (PCM) with TEG for improving transient performance and total efficiency is presented. PCM, as a commonly utilized material for thermal energy storage, reduces the impact of exhaust gas temperature fluctuations on the automotive TEG, thereby improving the efficiency under various driving conditions. According to the thermal properties of the exhaust gases, Pentaerythritol (PE) is selected as the appropriate PCM for the automotive TEG, because of the suitable temperature range for phase transition and extremely low rate of volume change during the phase transition (due to its solid-solid phase change). Experiments are conducted to explore the feasibility of PE integrating with TEG and the capability of improving transient performance of TEG. Results showed that the improvement of open circuit voltage and power output are 0.7% and 1.16%, respectively. The present study provided a guideline for the design and further research of PCM integrated automotive TEG.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.119648
Uncontrolled keywords: Thermoelectric generator (TEG); Phase change material (PCM); Transient performance enhancement; Pentaerythritol (PE); Experimental investigation
Subjects: T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery > Control engineering
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences > School of Engineering and Digital Arts
Depositing User: Amy Boaler
Date Deposited: 20 Apr 2021 08:38 UTC
Last Modified: 07 Jun 2021 11:16 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/87680 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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