Recent development and thermoelectric application in rural country

Abstract

With rapid technological developments and increases in demand for energy, the use of fossil fuel is increasing, despite the associated environmental and other implications including global warming, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. As a result, researchers are investigating alternative and environmentally friendly energy resources. At the same time, some remote or rural areas lack sufficient or reliable electricity. One possible solution in rural Vietnam may be the use of thermoelectric generator modules for use for power generation. A simulated thermoelectric application was carried out using an electronic heater and cooling bath in modelling conjunction. The efficiency of the power generation depended primarily on the heat transfer passing through the devices, with a testing displaying a temperature gradient between the cooling and heating sides. The correlations of thermoelectric voltage and power generation in gradient temperatures were reported.