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TEG-Tester

Linseis Thermoelectric Generator and Peltier-Element Tester

Description

On point

In recent years, there is an increasing demand of renewable energy technologies as well as the optimization of the alternative fossil resources to the upper limit. Thermoelectricity provides the opportunity to convert thermal energy directly into electricity and represents one way to harness yet unused waste heat, for example from various industrial processes, the exhaust gas system of vehicles or even from body heat.

The Linseis TEG Tester is a measurement system for temperature dependent conversion efficiency evaluations for thermoelectric generators (TEGs). Due to the temperature setting point, a gradient is applied across the thermoelectric device and the heat flow through the reference block into and out of the TEG is measured.

The generated voltage and current is scanned on different points, in less than 10 msec, to get the I-V curves or operate the TEG under a dynamic load. Hence it is possible to calculate the efficiency and track the maximum power point using the perturb and observe method.

Applications:

  • Performance testing of thermoelectric modules
  • Evaluation of maximum power generation and conversion efficiency
  • Long-term lifespan testing under load and thermal cycling

Features:

  • With a dynamic Load
  • Constant current / constant voltage
  • I-V Curve scanning / IC Tracing
  • Maximum power point tracking (MPPT)
  • Automatic mechanical load with pressure compensation
  • Different modes of operation (CC, CV, FOC, MPPT, P&O)

 

Principle

A sample is positioned between a hot and a cold meter bar, where the hot meter bar is connected to a regulated heating stage and the cold meter bar is connected to a thermostatically controlled, liquid cooled heat sink. The contact pressure on the sample can be automatically adjusted with an integrated electric actor (in terms of pressure stability over temperature). The sample dimension (thickness) can either be entered manually or can be measured (and controlled) using an integrated LVDT sensor.

The heat flux through the sample, as well as the hot side and cold side temperatures at the top and bottom of the module, are continuously monitored using several temperature sensors which are located in a known distance inside of each of the meter bars. The thermoelectric conversion efficiency η of the investigated TEG can be obtained by setting the thermal power input in relation to the generated electrical power output.

Where Pel is the generated electrical power output in Watt and QTEG is the thermal power input, also in Watt. As the  electrical Power “V” times “I” varies with the load which it drives, the maximum output power (Maximum Power Point) can be determined using a variable load resistance within the device.

Sectional view of the TEG-Tester Setup 

 

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Specifications

Model TEG-Tester
Sample size: Round: ø 20 mm, 25 mm, 40 mm, 60 mm
Rectangular: 20 mm x 20 mm, 25 mm x 25 mm,
40 mm x 40 mm
Other sizes on request
Sample thickness: up to 25 mm
Thickness accuracy: +/- 0.10 % at 50% stroke
+/- 0.25 % at 100% stroke
Temperature range: RT to 300°C (on hot side) / -20 °C up to 300 °C
Temperature accuracy: 0.1°C
Voltage range: 0 – 12 V
Voltage accuracy: 0.3 %
Voltage resolution: 1.6 µV
Current range: 0-3 A (DC)
Current accuracy: 0.3 %
Current resolution: 1 µA
Power Dissipation: up to 36 W
Reference block materials: Aluminium, brass, copper (others on request)
Temperature sensors: Thermocouple Type T
Clamping force: 2 kN up to 5 kN(electric actuator)
Heating power: 1.0 kW
Intracooler
Cooling capacity: 1.0 kW (10°C) / 0.5 kW (-20°C)
Pump capacity: 27 l/min / 0.7 bar
Tank capacity: 3.8 l up to 7.5 l
Refrigerant used: R449 fluid

Detailed view of the Meter Bar

 

Thermoelectric module sandwiched between two meter bars.

Software

The all new Rhodium Software greatly enhances your workflow as the intuitive data handling only requires minimum parameter input. AutoEval offers a valuable guidance for the user when evaluating standard processes such as thermal impedance or thermal conductivity determination.

Linseis LFA 500 Software

  • Software packages are compatible with latest Windows operating system
  • Set up menu entries
  • Software controlled heating, cooling or dwell time segments
  • Evaluation of maximum power generation and conversion efficiency
  • Long-term lifespan testing under load and thermal cycling
  • Software controlled thickness determination, force/pressure adjustment
  • Easy data export (measurement report)
  • All specific measuring parameters (User, Lab, Sample, Company, etc.)
  • Optional password and user levels
  • Multiple language versions such as English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, etc. (user selectable)

Applications

Application: Temperature dependent Maximum Power Point tracking of a TEG (MonTE)

Linseis TEG Tester: Application Temperature dependent Maximum Power Point tracking of a TEG (MonTE)

Electrical characterization plots (V-I and P-I curves from open circuit VOC to short circuit ISC) of a standard Bi2Te3 thermoelectric module (monTE) for different temperature gradients from ΔT = 20K to 100K.

Application: Temperature dependent Maximum Power Point tracking of a TEG (QM-127-
1.4-6.0MS)

Linseis TEG Tester: Application Temperature dependent Maximum Power Point tracking of a TEG (QM-127- 1.4-6.0MS)

Electrical characterization plots (V-I and P-I curves from open circuit VOC to short circuit ISC) of a standard Bi2Te3 thermoelectric module (QM-127-1.4-6.0MS) for different temperature gradients from ΔT = 20K to 140K.

Downloads

Overview

TEG Tester Product
B
rochure (PDF)

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