Abstract
A considerable stimulus in the study of applications of the large scale thermoelectric generator of low-grade heat is being afforded by the needs for the energy saving and the environmentally friendly energy resources. From the view point, the author has turned his attention to thermoelectric conversion of low-grade waste heat and its efficient use in the production of hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas can readily be produced by the electrolysis of water and the low voltage, high d. c. current output of a thermoelectric generator provides an ideal source of electric power. These considerations have resulted in the construction of a prototype laboratory scale solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) electrolysis plant combined with a 100W (e) thermoelectric generator powered by low grade waste heat. The system is currently being evaluated and preliminary results are reported in this paper.
