Search

Computer methods for the description of the anisotropic thermoelement (AT) properties with regard to all necessary model approximations have been elaborated. Configurations of eddy thermoelectric currents in the anisotropic thermoele-ment caused by current contacts have been found. The pro-perties of the AT with regard to temperature dependences of material properties, contact resistances and current contacts have been determined for concrete cases. Optimal dimensions of current contacts have been found. The optimization of AT construction allowed to increase its efficiency by 15%.

Background: Assessment of heat exchange processes in the human body is based on temperature and heat flux measurements. Today, there is no instrument for measuring the heat flux density from the eye. Purpose: To investigate the heat flux density from the ocular surface in healthy individuals using the developed thermoelectric device. Materials and Methods: The thermoelectric device for the measurement of heat flux from the eye has been developed within the framework of the partnership agreement between the Institute of Thermoelectricity and the Filatov Institute. Thirty-two healthy individuals (64 eyes) were under observation. Participants were divided into three age groups. They underwent a bilateral eye examination which included measurements of intraocular pressure, temperature of the external corneal surface, and heat flux density from the eye. Results: Mean room temperature during examination sessions was 21.3 ± 0.8 °C. In addition, mean temperature of the external ocular surface and mean heat flux density from the human eye were 34.6 ± 0.7°C and 7.7 ± 1.3 mW/cm2, respectively. We found that the heat flux density from the eye decreased with age in healthy subjects. Conclusion: The first ever thermoelectric device for real-time measuring of the heat flux density from the human eye was developed. The developed device was used to measure the heat flux density from the eye in healthy subjects, and to demonstrate the relationships of this characteristic with the temperature of the external ocular surface and subject age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, the Institute of Thermoelectricity has created BiTe-based modules with an efficiency of ~7% in the temperature range of 30°C to 300°C, with legs that employed homogeneous thermoelectric materials. Herein, we present the results of development of such modules with legs made of inhomogeneous materials. Based on the theory of optimal control and object-oriented computer technology, programs to determine the requirements for material properties in the inhomogeneous legs were created. It was established that introduction of inhomogeneity in the form of continuous and step changes in three-segment n- and p-type legs yields almost identical efficiency increases of about 15%. Use of two segments reduces this value of 10% to 12%. Modules with two-segment legs encapsulated in thin-walled metal cases filled with inert gas have been built, yielding improved efficiency of 7.8% to 8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical thermoelectricity is based on the use of the Seebeck and Thomson effects that occur in the near-contact areas between n- and p-type materials. A conceptually different approach to thermoelectric power converter design that is based on the law of thermoelectric induction of currents is also known. The efficiency of this approach has already been demonstrated by its first applications. More than 10 basically new types of thermoelements were discovered with properties that cannot be achieved by thermocouple power converters. Therefore, further development of this concept is of practical interest. This paper provides a classification and theory for solving the inverse problems of thermoelectricity that form the basis for devising new thermoelement types. Computer methods for their solution for anisotropic and inhomogeneous media are elaborated. Regularities related to thermoelectric current excitation in anisotropic and inhomogeneous media are established. The possibility of obtaining eddy currents of a particular configuration through control of the temperature field and material parameters for the creation of new thermo- element types is demonstrated for three-dimensional (3D) models of anisotropic and inhomogeneous media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) in heating systems enables autonomous supply of power to automatic safety devices, creation of optimized gas mixtures, and automation and precise temperature control of exhaust gas and heat carriers. It is particularly important to make heating systems independent of the district electric grid. Results of research and development efforts on a TEG for supplying power to electric devices of self-contained heating and boiler systems are presented. A TEG physical model is proposed, and results of computer simulation and optimization of its basic power and design parameters are given. Two TEG design variants (single and double sided) are considered. Their advantages and shortcomings are discussed. On the basis of theoretical calculations, a prototype TEG for a 10.5-kW boiler is built. At water heating system temperatures from 35°C to 80°C, the TEG electric power is 50 W to 65 W, which is used to supply a circulation pump for forced liquid heat carrier delivery (30 W to 40 W) and a fan for removal of fuel combustion products from the boiler’s smoke chamber (5 W to 7 W). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fundamental consideration of the law of thermoelectric induction is presented. The concept of similarity between the law of thermoelectric induction in electricity and Faraday’s law in electrical engineering is considered. Theoretical foundations for the use of the law of thermoelectric induction are discussed. Computer methods for the discovery of new thermoelement types different from thermocouples are described. New types of thermoelectric power converters are considered, and their advantages over thermocouples are demonstrated. Further progress in thermoelectricity due to the use of the law of thermoelectric induction is predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]