Micro-electricity generation using solar thermal design and modelling thermosiphon applications from waste recycled materials
T.J. Abodunrin, Caleb Joseph Ofulue
Abstract
In this study, the abundant heat energy available from daily insolation in tropical climates is converted into DC current via a reversible thermoelectric effect. Recyclable components were employed in the construction of a simple solar-thermoelectric generator. The design used is based on the power tower method (without heliostats) of generating electricity from a steam-powered turbine. Recyclable waste materials such as soda can, insulation, support stand, (bottle tops) and plane mirrors were used. Integration of this TEG into a cogeneration system produced average steam temperature of 60 °C in 330 s, from concentrated Solar Power (CSP) from 720 plane mirrors over a land area of 4 m2. Steam emanating from the boiler was used to turn eight light weight bottle tops affixed to a rotor, under standard conditions of air mass of 1 atm. The thermo-electrical performance was determined from Z, figure of merit. Given that the electrical conductivity (σ), thermal conductivity (λ) and Seebeck coefficient of the thermo-power (S) of all materials used were assumed to be constant. The output energy directed through wires to a step-up transformer, generated an electromotive force which adequately lighted a 1.2 V light emitting diode.