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ENERGIX-Stort program energi

Three-dimensional thermoelectric modules

Alternative title: Tre-dimensjonale termoelektriske moduler

Awarded: NOK 11.5 mill.

Project Number:

282390

Project Period:

2018 - 2021

Funding received from:

Organisation:

The main idea of the project was to develop a new modular thermoelectric power system (TEPS) for energy recovery from ships. The project has improved the different components (TE power modules, TE power units (TEPU) and heat exchangers) in a typical TE power system (TEPS). Three generations of prototypes of the TEPS have been tested successfully, and the project has developed a new system design that increases the total TE power system efficiency with more than 20%. At the same time the project has reduced the total TEPS cost, resulting in a substantial reduction in the cost per watt system(approx. 40% reduction)). The results from the project have made TE power systems even more attractive for waste heat recovery from ships, and TEGma is experiencing increased commercial interest for its TEPS.

The project has improved the efficiency of a Thermoelectric Power System (TEPS) with more than 20%. At the same time the project has reduced the total TEPS cost, resulting in a substantial reduction (~40%) in the cost per watt system. These results have two major effects: - Since the cost per watt installed system is reduced the TE power systems are financially more attractive within e.g. shipping, increasing the amount of installed systems. This will also help open up new markets were the value per kWh is lower than for shipping, e.g. land based waste incineration. - Since the TEPS efficiency has increased, the total TEPS size will be increased (larger efficiency result in higher power production). This have several positive effects including increased commercial attractiveness and an increased reduction in potential emission of harmful gases (higher power production from TEPS means lowered fuel consumption from the ship).

The main idea of the project is to develop a new scheme for producing zinc antimonide (ZnSb) based TE modules based on thin film processing using magnetron sputtering. Bulk samples will be produced by running the sputtering process for a long time, thus growing the "film" towards a normal TEM thickness. The main advantages of this method are linked to: i) Simplicity: All steps in the processing can be performed with the same equipment, without transferring parts between processing units. This reduces the risk of contamination (oxidation in air etc.), it removes cost and time intensive steps as wafering, and it reduces the cost connected to installation and maintenance of a number of advanced units. ii) Performance: ZnSb has much higher efficiency than state-of-the-art commercial modules available for typical waste heat recovery from shipping (e.g. the best commercial bismuth telluride modules have a power density of approximately 7 kW/m2 (Tcold: 30 °C, Twarm: 300 °C), while ZnSb modules based on TEGmas module design have a power density of 13 kW/m2 at the same operating conditions). The thin film design (with intermediate ductile layers) in combination with a more easily reproducible and consistent production route, will give increased structural integrity and a prolonged device lifetime. Thin film thermoelectrics have been studied for some time, but only as thin films ? e.g. being used for sensors. The idea of extending the processing technique towards bulk has not been described before. This has high international news value; if successful, this may become a game-changer for the whole field world-wide.

Publications from Cristin

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Funding scheme:

ENERGIX-Stort program energi