Alternate thermoelectric thermodynamic cycles with improved power generation efficiencies

Abstract

Solid-state power generation has not seen broad application because energy conversion efficiency has been too low to justify the expense of such systems, or because competing technologies offer better efficiencies. Alternate thermodynamic cycles compatible with thermoelectric systems offer the promise of substantially higher efficiency for power extraction from hot fluid streams, such as in conditions associated with automotive exhaust, catalytic combustors, and co-cycle power generators. In this paper, several cycles are analyzed to determine their relative efficiencies. The source of thermal power (heat) and the available means of eliminating waste heat from the cold side are shown to strongly influence efficiency.