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Design Optimization and Performance Evaluation of Thermoelectric Systems for Efficient Air Conditioning and Solar Power Generation

Mohankumar, Thiraj
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1979-7780
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1733842084926624

Abstract Details

2024, MS, University of Cincinnati, Engineering and Applied Science: Mechanical Engineering.
This thesis provides comprehensive insights into the optimization of thermoelectric (TE) systems for small scale energy generation and efficient air cooling and heating proposing new strategies that pave the way for more sustainable and efficient TE applications. The first project examines thermoelectric room air cooling and heating, focusing on a novel design model that optimize the coefficient of performance (COP) and cooling power, with extensive experimental verification based on Abhishek Saini's previous theoretical work [1]. This study focuses on air-to-air heat transfer configuration using a dual-sided TE cooling system with cost-effective design approach integrating commercially available TE modules with efficient heat exchangers and counterflow air streams. System-level evaluations validate the results, showing temperature differences, ?T, and COP across different currents and flow rates. A maximum cooling COP of 4.4 and a heating COP of about 6.5 at optimized current levels for the commercial TE modules were obtained and the analysis shows that parasitic thermal and electrical losses significantly reduced COP and temperature drop by over 50 %. Further optimization on cooling and heating, considering convection heat transfer, interface thermal conductance, and geometric factors like TE leg thickness and module fill factor, suggest potential to triple the temperature difference, increase COP by 1.5 times, and double performance through design adjustments. The second project explores a thermal analysis and simulation study on the impact of sidewall air cooling on the power output and efficiency of solar thermoelectric generators (STEGs) featuring a novel V-shaped TE design, previously introduced by Xinjie Li [2]. This V-shape TE design enables elimination of additional electrodes in the module to reduce electrical resistance and enhance voltage generation. The V-shaped legs not only act as TE elements, but also as heat sinks with sidewall air convection. The study examines the performance of the STEG under varying wind speeds and sidewall insulation in the presence of concentrated solar irradiation. A combination of experiment and finite element simulation was employed to analyze the heat transfer and TE power generation performance in detail. It was observed that while sidewall cooling effectively lowers temperatures on the cold side, it can also diminish the temperature gradient across the TE legs, consequently reducing power output and efficiency. The study further explores the influence of partial thermal insulation of TE couples on power output during forced air convection. Ultimately, the results indicate that this V-shaped STEG can achieve a power density of 230 µW/cm² under natural conditions. Enhanced efficiency may be possible according to our simulation up to between 2.8% and 4.8% with the utilization of advanced materials and optimized dimensions of TE legs.
Je-Hyeong Bahk, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Kishan Bellur, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Sarah Watzman, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Raj Manglik, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
134 p.
Engineering
TEAC; Heat Pumps; Air Cooling and Heating; Thermoelectric Power Generation; Thermal Modeling

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Mohankumar, T. (2024). Design Optimization and Performance Evaluation of Thermoelectric Systems for Efficient Air Conditioning and Solar Power Generation [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1733842084926624

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Mohankumar, Thiraj. Design Optimization and Performance Evaluation of Thermoelectric Systems for Efficient Air Conditioning and Solar Power Generation. 2024. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1733842084926624.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Mohankumar, Thiraj. "Design Optimization and Performance Evaluation of Thermoelectric Systems for Efficient Air Conditioning and Solar Power Generation." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2024. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1733842084926624

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1733842084926624
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This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.