Experimental Results Analysis of the Energy Conversion Efficiency of Thermoelectric Generators

Thermoelectric generators can be used for conversion of heat to electricity wherever a temperature difference exists. Such differences of temperatures are available in many applications, often without being used. In the case of photovoltaic panels the temperature difference is in the order of 50 ºC. This study experimentally examines the performance of two commercial thermoelectric generators. The resistance, open circuit voltage and short circuit current are measured. The maximum power output and the overall conversion efficiency are calculated and the results of the two generators compared. Infrared thermographic pictures are taken in order to evaluate the temperature distribution over the generator induced by the experimental setup. It is shown that the power output as well as the conversion efficiency at temperature difference smaller than 50 ºC is very low and therefore the implementation of thermoelectric generators in combination with photovoltaic panels might not be economic.