1. Thermoelectric Test Stand
Project Sponsor: Dr. Robert Stevens, Mechanical Engineering
P07441
Project Introduction & Background
A thermoelectric module (TE) is a device which utilizes a temperature difference across its surface to generate electrical power. Past and present research on the thermoelectrics has primarily focused on improving the performance of materials used in module construction. This project is charged with constructing a test stand to fully characterize current and future commercially available thermoelectric modules. Project P07441 is the first of two projects launched in Winter 2006 to serve as the foundation of RIT’s thermoelectric family of projects. Its creation stems from Dr. Robert Steven’s interest in Microscale heat transfer, the Mechanical Engineering Department’s desire to foster internal talent in this field, and RIT’s ongoing commitment to and support of sustainable technologies.
Project Goals
Construct a thermoelectric test stand capable of testing current and future TE.
Present a manual of the test stand’s construction
Develop a suitable testing procedure.
Test 5 commercially available thermoelectric modules
(Left to Right): Erik Herrmann, Crisson Jno-Charles, Emil Sandoz-Rosado, Clement Henry, Kevin Smith
Several concepts were drafted for the test stand. The final concept was based on a reference design by Hi-Z technologies. Our test stand improved upon their basic setup.
Engineering Specifications
Test stand can sustain 600°C operating temperature
Test stand can produce electric power curves (IV)
Test stand can produce sufficient flux for current and future TEs
Test stand can physically accommodate current and future TEs
Test stand operates on single phase 120V electrical power.
Custom Thermoelectric TiTAN TEG L31-04B Performance Curve
ANSYS was used to estimate the linearity of the temperature gradient along the centerline of the heating block. With a relatively linear temperature profile, surface temperature of the block may be predicted.
0.5 C
Thermocouple
+/- 0.5 C
231.0 C
231.5 C
Current & Voltage plotted for a test suite conducted on a Melcor TE
Special thanks to Rob Kraynik, Ryan Crittenden, Steve Kosciol, John Wellin, and Arctic Silver for donated components