Evaluation of Energy Efficiency of Thermoelectric Generator with Two-Phase Thermo-Syphon Heat Pipes and Nano-Particle Fluids

Abstract

This paper investigates the effects of heat pipes filled with water and nanoparticles (MgO) on electricity generation. The experimental setup comprises of two-phase thermo-syphon heat pipes filled with water or MgO nanoparticle-water suspension, thermoelectric generator (TEG) modules and heat sinks that use passive and active cooling systems. Concentrated solar radiation with heat pipes was used as a heat source for heating. Specially constructed heat sinks with coolant tunnels were used for cooling. Heating and cooling processes are needed to create a temperature difference to generate electrical energy. The constructed model represents the influence of basic parameters such as the tilt angle of heat pipes, working fluids, cooling process, etc. on the maximum power generated. Systems in the constructed setup were arranged with a specific angle to the incident angle of solar radiation. The experiment was carried out on August 5th, 2015, in the northern coast of Turkey, city of Samsun with latitude of 41 degrees 14' N. The results obtained show that the presented experimental setup can be used to evaluate thermoelectric energy potential of local areas or to investigate optimum cooling or heating processes.