Experiments and a simplified theoretical model for a water-cooled, stove-powered thermoelectric generator

A water-cooled, stove-powered thermoelectric generator was designed and tested to provide electricity in off-grid areas and under emergency conditions. An Ω-shaped heat collector, which facilitates the compact incorporation of 20 thermoelectric modules and works under the radiation heat transfer mode, was proposed. A power load test was performed and compared with previous studies, thereby indicating that a standardization is required for future studies. Different aspects for evaluating the performance of a stove-powered thermoelectric generator were discussed, and appropriate parameters to qualify a stove-powered thermoelectric generator were suggested. Thermoelectric efficiency was measured and compared with a theoretical prediction. A simplified theoretical model, which was verified with experimental data, was developed to explore the temperature distribution inside the thermoelectric module and the power generation performance of the entire stove-powered thermoelectric generator. Special efforts were exerted to reveal the influences of thermal grease, ceramic substrate, and thermal contact on the effective temperature difference. •A novel heat collector based on radiation heat transfer was proposed.•Over 50 W electric power can be outputted at a constant voltage of 12 V.•The thermoelectric efficiency of the present thermoelectric generator is 3.66%.•A model was developed to predict temperature distribution and power generation.