A Review of Thermoelectric MEMS Devices for Micro-power Generation, Heating and Cooling Applications

Thermoelectric technology can be used to generate a small amount of electrical power, typically in the µW or mW range, if a temperature difference is maintained between two terminals of a thermoelectric module. Alternatively, a thermoelectric module can operate as a heat pump, providing heating or cooling of an object connected to one side of a thermoelectric module if a DC current is applied to the module’s input terminals. This chapter reviews the development of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based thermoelectric devices suitable for micro-power generation, heating and cooling applications. The chapter begins with a brief overview of thermoelectric technology, macro-thermoelectric module construction and operation. Micro-thermoelectric modules are introduced, and a review of recent developments in research, commercial development, and typical application of MEMS based micro-thermoelectric devices is made. The chapter draws conclusions on the development and potential application of MEMS based thermoelectric devices suitable for thermoelectric cooling, heating and micro-power generation

A Review of Thermoelectric MEMS Devices for Micro-power Generation, Heating and Cooling Applications

Thermoelectric technology can be used to generate a small amount of electrical power, typically in the µW or mW range, if a temperature difference is maintained between two terminals of a thermoelectric module. Alternatively, a thermoelectric module can operate as a heat pump, providing heating or cooling of an object connected to one side of a thermoelectric module if a DC current is applied to the module’s input terminals. This chapter reviews the development of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based thermoelectric devices suitable for micro-power generation, heating and cooling applications. The chapter begins with a brief overview of thermoelectric technology, macro-thermoelectric module construction and operation. Micro-thermoelectric modules are introduced, and a review of recent developments in research, commercial development, and typical application of MEMS based micro-thermoelectric devices is made. The chapter draws conclusions on the development and potential application of MEMS based thermoelectric devices suitable for thermoelectric cooling, heating and micro-power generation

A Novel 3D TCAD simulation of a Thermoelectric Module configured for Thermoelectric Power Generation

This paper documents the novel design, modelling and 3D simulation of a single thermoelectric couple using the Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) semiconductor simulation software package by Synopsys. Preliminary simulation results are presented for thermoelectric power generation, and successfully demonstrate the basic thermoelectric effects, and how the application of a temperature gradient to a thermoelectric couple results in a small amount of electrical power being generated at a load resistor. The TCAD simulation model will enable further investigation in the future into different material structures, thermoelectric couple and module design, and the improvement in efficiency and thermoelectric module performance

Minimum DC link Voltages for the Generator Bridge Converter of a SCIG Based Variable Speed Wind Turbine with Fully Rated Converters

Squirrel Cage Induction Generator (SCIG) based variable speed wind turbine with Fully Rated Converters (FRC) is a popular choice in the industry for the modern multi mega-watt wind turbines. Typical FRC system uses a fixed DC link voltage that allows operation in all steady state and dynamic operating conditions while allowing the modulation index of the PWM scheme to vary. However, the analysis made in this paper shows that at steady state, in the maximum power point tracking region where the turbine is operated at variable speeds with generator controlled using Rotor Flux Oriented Control (R-FOC), it is possible to operate the Generator Bridge (GB) converter with significantly lower DC link voltages than the fixed value used, by maintaining maximum modulation index in the PWM scheme. This paper presents a methodology of determining the minimum DC link voltages for such a system supported by simulation results showing the successful operation of a GB converter with minimum DC link voltages in the maximum power point tracking region

Empirical model for quasi direct current interruption with a convoluted arc

This contribution considers various aspects of a quasi direct current, convoluted arc produced by a magnetic field (B-field) connected in parallel with an RLC circuit that have not been considered in combination. These aspects are the arc current limitation due to the arc convolution, changes in arc resistance due to the B-field and material ablation, and the relative significance of the RLC circuit in producing an artificial current zero. As a result, it has been possible to produce an empirical equation for predicting the current interruption capability in terms of the B-field magnitude and RLC components

A Novel 3D TCAD simulation of a Thermoelectric Module configured for Thermoelectric Power Generation

This paper documents the novel design, modelling and 3D simulation of a single thermoelectric couple using the Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) semiconductor simulation software package by Synopsys. Preliminary simulation results are presented for thermoelectric power generation, and successfully demonstrate the basic thermoelectric effects, and how the application of a temperature gradient to a thermoelectric couple results in a small amount of electrical power being generated at a load resistor. The TCAD simulation model will enable further investigation in the future into different material structures, thermoelectric couple and module design, and the improvement in efficiency and thermoelectric module performance

Thermoelectric Technology as Renewable Energy Source for Power Generation and Heating & Cooling Systems

This paper will review the latest research and current status of thermoelectric power generation, and will also demonstrate, using electronic design, semiconductor simulation and practical laboratory experimentation,the application of thermoelectric technology for use in energy harvesting and scavenging systems. Ongoing research and advances in thermoelectric materials and manufacturing techniques, enables the technology to make a greater contribution to address the growing requirement for low-power energy sources typically used in energy harvesting and scavenging systems. The concept of using thermoelectric technology to generate electrical power from waste heat in a system has been considered for some time, although the technology is often overlooked in discussions surrounding renewable energy sources. This paper will discuss how the natural environment presents a number of opportunities to utilise this technology as a renewable energy source, including the use of thermoelectric technology to generate electrical power from naturally occurring geothermal heat. The paper covers basic thermoelectric theory, construction and operation of thermoelectric devices; the main advantages and disadvantages; and highlights several current and new applications for thermoelectric power generation. The application of this technology for use in energy harvesting systems is discussed, along with suitable electronic signal conditioning techniques; boost converters; DC to DC converters; and the storage of electrical energy in supercapacitors. This discussion then leads to the design, construction and testing of a thermoelectric energy harvesting system, with typical test results for thermoelectric power generation presented. The paper then focuses on current research into improving the power generation properties of thermoelectric modules, and a novel approach using semiconductor simulation techniques is presented. A novel three dimensional model of a thermoelectric device has been created using the Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) semiconductor simulation package, with typical simulation results for thermoelectric power generation presente

Integration of High-Power Light Emitting Diodes (LED's) and High-Resolution Colour Camera into Endoscopes for Medical Applications

The increasing number of minimally invasive procedures is likely to increase the demand for long lasting,easy to use, efficient and reliable endoscopes. In addition to this there is an urgent need for a portable, lightweight endoscope using LED technology to be used in the field in disaster and war zones, and for training medical students. A compact and low-cost endoscope would be highly sought after by surgeons all over the world. It is the desired outcome of this work to develop a low-cost, portable system to fulfil these needs. Not only will a low-cost instrument find usage in the medical field it can also be applied to many others including engineering, the built environment, aerospace and many others when access for visual inspection is difficult. The portability of the device and its lack of reliance on a connection to a mains power source means that it can be applied virtually anywhere in the field thus making minimally-invasive surgery possible in otherwise impossible regions. This should lead to speedier procedures which are not only good for the patient but also have better economic viability. Because it is proposed to use LED’s in the design to replace bulky, inefficient and expensive light sources which have colour-mixing features, the endoscope will also have enhanced capability as a light source. Added to this, endoscope will also incorporate a miniature camera, it then becomes possible to transmit images over a wireless network (local or global) for assisted remote diagnosis

Plenary lecture 1: thermoelectric technology as renewable energy source for power generation and heating & cooling systems

This paper will review the latest research and current status of thermoelectric power generation, and will also demonstrate, using electronic design, semiconductor simulation and practical laboratory experimentation, the application of thermoelectric technology for use in energy harvesting and scavenging systems. Ongoing research and advances in thermoelectric materials and manufacturing techniques, enables the technology to make a greater contribution to address the growing requirement for low-power energy sources typically used in energy harvesting and scavenging systems. The concept of using thermoelectric technology to generate electrical power from waste heat in a system has been considered for some time, although the technology is often overlooked in discussions surrounding renewable energy sources. This paper will discuss how the natural environment presents a number of opportunities to utilise this technology as a renewable energy source, including the use of thermoelectric technology to generate electrical power from naturally occurring geothermal heat. The paper covers basic thermoelectric theory, construction and operation of thermoelectric devices; the main advantages and disadvantages; and highlights several current and new applications for thermoelectric power generation. The application of this technology for use in energy harvesting systems is discussed, along with suitable electronic signal conditioning techniques; boost converters; DC to DC converters; and the storage of electrical energy in supercapacitors. This discussion then leads to the design, construction and testing of a thermoelectric energy harvesting system, with typical test results for thermoelectric power generation presented. The paper then focuses on current research into improving the power generation properties of thermoelectric modules, and a novel approach using semiconductor simulation techniques is presented. A novel three dimensional model of a thermoelectric device has been created using the Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) semiconductor simulation package, with typical simulation results for thermoelectric power generation presented