Thermoelectric generator for coastal facilities created

The energy plant is capable of generating electricity by utilising temperature differences in a body of water. There is no need to burn fossil fuels or build dams or masts to operate such a plant.

 

The principle of operation of the plant is based on lifting cold water and circulating it through the cold side of a thermoelectric generator. After the generator, the water is channelled into a channel where localised hydro shocks are generated. The energy from these hydro shocks is used to pulsate the warm water, similar to the operation of a diaphragm pump along the warm side of a thermoelectric generator.

 

‘The thermoelectric generator can be applied in a variety of applications. The device will be suitable for coastal power plant designs, which will be able to provide electricity to small coastal facilities, including residential houses, as well as find its place in heat recovery systems with incidental power generation,’ said I. I. Komarov, Vice-Rector for Science and Innovations at the National Research University MPEI. Komarov.

 

The operation of the new device is based on the principles of a self-supported water lifting mechanism using a ‘hydraulic ram’. With this use of oscillating flows, it is possible not only to abandon the electric pump for warm water circulation, but also to significantly improve the heat exchange processes between the hot and cold sides of the thermoelectric generator.