Analysis of Thermoelectric Generators Thermally Connected in Serial and Parallel Combinations

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are solid-state devices that convert thermal energy (heat flow) into electric energy. TEGs parameters are strongly influenced by established temperature gradient (ΔT) between junctions. Investigation on TEGs parameters connected thermally in serial and parallel combinations has been given in this work. Wasted energy (in the form of heat) on output transistors of 100W power amplifier (PA) in AB-class was used as a heat source. To achieve ΔT it is necessary to dissipate excess heat on generator cold side. Therefore, module cold side consists of heat sink with built-in cooling fan. Experimental results show that highest ΔT is achieved when TEGs are connected thermally in series (due the increase of their thermal resistance). That is the most desirable case, but the problem occurs due the inability of temperature control in the setup, so the maximal generated power was not calculated. Single-stage TEG provide better results over thermally parallel combination of TEGs. Obtained results show only 2.23% of successfully converted energy.