ThermoPipe concept

We propose a new design for cylindrical thermoelectric module. The module consists of ring-shaped thermoelectric elements, inner and outer tubes which serve both as a heat exchanger and a substrate for the elements. Calculations of the electrical power output and the conversion efficiency reveals that the module has advantages of output power per heat exchange surface area at optimized ratio of inner/outer tube diameters. Considering the practical advantages of easy assembly and mechanical strength, this new module has a potential for thermoelectric applications.