A study of commercial thermoelectric generation in a processing plant of combustible solid waste

This paper presents the applicability of a commercially available thermoelectric generator for waste heat recovery in a processing plant of combustible solid waste. Oil heat transfer medium is utilized for heating the commercially available thermoelectric generator employed in this study so that the generator can be operated at a much lower pressure than that using water. Low pressure operation is not only reliable, but it should also be safe and have low maintenance cost. Each generator provides more than 500 W and achieves a relatively high efficiency with a temperature of 220°C hot oil and around 30°C cold water. The result of the survey of a fitted position of a thermoelectric generator to a processing plant of combustible solid waste is summarized in this paper. Generator economics and goals of a thermoelectric generator to produce power at similar rates to those of a steam turbine are also summarized in order to discuss the applicability of a commercially available thermoelectric generator