ENERGY HARVESTING USING THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS � CASE STUDY

Abstract

Nowadays, there is increased interest in valuing energies that are often unused. This phenomenon is called energy harvesting. Thermoelectric generators are often used to �harvest� thermal energy and to transform it into electrical energy. In the preliminary study presented in this paper have the purpose to use thermoelectric elements to capitalize thermal energy release outdoor by the air conditioning equipment. The results of experimental research showed a mean temperature difference (?t) of 50�C between the hot and cold sources. The energy which can be generated with this temperature gradient, according to technical data of a specified thermoelectric module, is around 1W and it can be raised by installing more modules.