Analysis of a Thermoelectric Generator Utilizing High Temperature Waste Heat and a Method of an Optimum design

Abstract

As a conceptual design of a large scale thermoelectric generator, OTEC generating system using waste heat of a fuel cell plant and generating system utilizing heat of combustible solid waste were investigated in Japan. But a thermoelectric generating module which is the most costly item in a thermoelectric generator are produced for a use of a special application, like a generator in a space probe or a generator used in an isolated district. Thus the price of a thermoelectric generating system is guessed to be very high. In the case using waste heat there is a possibility that a thermoelectric generation is applied for commercial electricity generation. This paper analyzes dependency of dimensions of a thermoelectric generator on performance and economics of electricity generation by use of waste heat.