We demonstrated the thermoelectric power generation system utilizing exhaust heat from generators. In this system, gas flow is disturbed, so the alternately arranged pin fins with high thermal conductivity were adopted as heat exchangers. Furthermore, the exhaust heat power generation data was measured and compared with the simulation model of the fuel cell system. As a result, in the 700 W class fuel cell, the measured data agreed well with the simulation model results, and it was found that 2.8 W power generation energy was obtained. Also, in the 10 kW class generator with four thermoelectric power generation units in tandem, 268.4 W power generation energy was estimated.

This Paper was Originally Published in Japanese in J. Thermoelec. Soc. Japan 14 (2018) 126–131.