Prospects of Waste Heat Recovery and Power Generation Using Thermoelectric Generators

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are small solid state devices that generate electricity directly from heat. They have the potential to be applied in waste heat recovery systems and be used as a primary heat engine as a generator. Two case studies are discussed showing the potential power generation from the exhaust gases of a car engine and an open loop gas turbine power plant. It was determined that it is possible to generate 1.4 kW of electricity from a car exhaust heat recovery system if the engine produces 150 kW. It was also determined that it is possible to generate 5.9MW of electricity from a 500MW gas turbine power plant waste heat recovery system. A design is proposed to show how TEGs could be used as a primary power source but TEGs must improve their power per unit cost before they become a viable alternative to petrol generators.