EXPERIMENTALLY VALIDATED STUDIES OF THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS INSTALLED ON A COMPRESSOR TEST BENCH
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59277/RRST-EE.2025.2.7Keywords:
Thermoelectric generators, Waste heat, Energy harvesting, Industrial compressor, Finite element analysis (FEA)Abstract
This paper presents preliminary experimental work on a twin-screw compressor, aiming to validate numerical studies and demonstrate the potential of thermoelectric energy harvesting. Considering two thermoelectric modules, the experimental validations are conducted in an industrially relevant environment on a test bench for industrial air and gas compressors. The digital twin was simulated using finite element analysis, provided with a heat sink, and a fully coupled heat transfer and electric field was solved to assess the thermoelectric effect. This allows for complete modeling of the Peltier-Seebeck-Thomson effects. The compressor vibrations are also introduced for structural analysis to ascertain that the bismuth telluride thermoelectric modules are safe to use under sinusoidal mechanical vibrations. The thermoelectric generators are screwed onto the hottest part of the compressor skid, specifically the multiplier gearbox cover, which is splashed with hot lubrication oil from within. After the thermal stabilization of the compressor, we obtained a constant series voltage of around 0.4 VDC from the two thermoelectric generators, and the series current was measured to a value of 115 mA.
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