Working on a prototype for a thermoelectric generator. While the core generation module is a seebeck effect based solid-state off-the-shelf components, my focus is on optimizing the thermal gradient for voltage and current control and continuous operation (night and day).
A few experiments planned around
- design of heat absorbers and heat sinks
- night and day operation using radiative cooling/paints & coatings
There is a worked example in 3.3 and Fig. 13-3 in the referenced article has the chart for various temperature differentials.
The TEG modules are 30mm x 30mm and arranged in a grid in series-parallel configuration (the referenced article also has this concept illustrated). The area question can be addressed after determining the number of modules, exact series-parallell configuration and spacing between the modules.
The volume question is a function of the heat sink geometry.
A few experiments planned around
- design of heat absorbers and heat sinks
- night and day operation using radiative cooling/paints & coatings