Thermoelectric devices are considered for many applications including waste heat energy recovery, domestic appliances, solar thermoelectric generators, and biomedical sensors. The goal of this project was to review thermoelectric materials, test a thermoelectric module, and analyze the results. A 5W, 5V thermoelectric module manufactured by TEGProTM was tested to determine the open circuit voltage depending on the temperature gradient. The thermoelectric material in the module was an inorganic, bismuth tellurium (Bi2Te3) alloy. Th, Tc, and VOC were measured as Th increased. The maximum output voltage, current, and power are 10.8 V, 1 A, and 5.4 W, respectively. Abundant sources of waste heat make thermoelectric energy conversion devices ideal for low power and self-powering applications.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• van den Boogaard, Nils W.

Subject

• Energy
• Industry
• Sustainability

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050621-151022
• 23136

Advisor

• Daniello, Robert

Year

• 2021

Sponsor

• No Sponsor

Date created

• 2021-05-06

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright