Team Members: Bryan McCormick (ME) Andy Freedman (ME) John Kreuder (ME) Ken McLoud (ME) Jon Holdsworth (EE) Gabriela Santa Cruz (IE) Thermoelectric Module for Large Scale Systems P / Background: Improvements in thermoelectric (TE) materials has made this technology increasingly attractive as a mean to recover energy from high temperature exhausts, such as Dresser-Rand ‘s turbo machinery, in the form of usable power. This is the fourth project in the thermoelectric family of projects. Mission Statement: The overall goal of this project family is to acquire an improved understanding of the workings of thermoelectric devices. This section aimed at creating an improved test stand that allows to experimentally test valuable aspects of thermoelectric modules with better accuracy and flexibility, allowing for more parameters to be explored. System Configuration and Functionality Measurements are made at critical locations Range of heat transfer fins Minimize thermal gradients across hot and cold module surfaces Interchangeability between air and water cooling configuration Cost and feasibility analysis report Assembly is quick More zones available for operation Operate at peak power Safety The operator is not at risk of injury while operating the test apparatus Fail safe for heater Concept Power Unit Major Project Outcomes: Acknowledgements: To our Advisor Dr. Robert Stevens, Our sponsor Dresser Rand, Paul Chilcott, Our Machining experts Rob Kraynik, Steve Kosciol, Dave Hathaway Scope : Implement air-cooling on cold side of thermo-electric array in addition to the water-cooling system. Be able to experimentally validate thermoelectric system models and enable more parameters to be explored. Improve user interface and data acquisition to allow greater ease of use of the test stand. Improve set-up procedures to reduce assembly times. Additional Information: Durability nterface and Automation Automated startup and shutdown Peak thermoelectric power indication Steady state indication Time to reach steady state Graphs of calculated values Real time feedback Automated post processing Automate all measurements System components and measurement equipment do not fail Reduce module failures during exchange and assembly Repeatability Experiments are operated many times under the same conditions yielding similar results Peak power indicator Steady State Indicator Better, more organized data output Improved Design that can operate with up to four zones Easier and faster assembly and set up Interchangeable fins Assembly designed to avoid thermoelectric breakages/failures More and more accurate temperature measurements Fixed thermocouples with decreased interference with measurement Customer Needs Interchangeable Water/Air Cooling System Piping Layout Data Acquisition System User Interface Improvements  Cross-flow air cooling  Ability to interchange air cooling and water cooling  Addition of 4th zone  Additional temperature measurements  Temperature measurements at inlet and outlet of each zone  Additional pressure measurements  Elimination of manual measurements  Consistent positive positioning of thermocouples  Additional tool clearance on components of power module  Safety shutoff sensor for heater  Multiple heat sinks Project Sponsor: Dresser-Rand Advisor: DR. Robert Stevens Picture goes here… Future Recommendations: Half system with only 1 cold side and modules on only one side of hot zone Additional flanges and bolts between zones to improve seals Permanent attachment of fin covers on cold side Find alternative to mosfets for automatic peak power seeking