2008-2 THROUGH 2008-3

NERANJAN DHARMADASAJAMES BROWN

P09451: Thermo-Electric Module for Large Scale

Systems

Introduction

Thermoelectrics are very simple solid state devices with two basic modes of operation.

• The Peltier Effect, involves the application of current through the module, absorbing heat from one side of the device and emitting from the other side.

• Conversely, the Seebeck Effect can be used for power generation purposes. When a temperature gradient is applied across a TE module an electric current is produced.

Previous Projects

P07442

P08451

Mission Statement

The focus of this project will be to make improvements to last year's power module unit design, perform more extensive testing and address some issues that surfaces from the preliminary testing done last year. This year‘s team will develop a second generation prototype power module that would more closely simulate a power unit that might be deployed on the exhaust stream of a Dresser-Rand Vectra or other turbine. This unit may include the use of air cooling to simulate a power unit serving both as a power generator as well as a recuperator. The team will make improvements in temperature sensor locations to better monitor heat spreading and understand multidimensional conduction which is currently not accounted for in the modeling. The team will also design and implement strategies for max power tracking and the handling of module array mismatch due to differing temperature gradients.

Customer Needs

Test Stand IssuesGUI and data

processingTemperature

measurementsSwapping T.E. modulesMax point tracking

(power)Pressure lossesLack of sensors for

multidimensional heat transfer

Test Stand Improvements

More fin optionsDesign for power

requirementsDesign for specific

operating conditionsDesign for

recuperative heating system

Additional “zones”

Staffing Requirements

Team Member Responsibilities

Team LeaderNeranjan Dharmadasa

Coordinate efforts to complete project, logistics, running meetings, purchasing, resource management and assistance to other team members as required.

Chief EngineerJames Brown

Lead the engineering effort and ensure the final project goals are met by facilitating communication among team as well as carry out mechanical design.

ME-Heat Transfer This student will focus on thermal resistance modeling and heat spreader design for the TE module.

ME-Thermal Modeler This student is responsible for understanding theory behind TE modules and the thermal modeling of their resistances.

EE-Electrical System Designer This student will assist in characterization of voltage current relationships for TE modules and test systems.

Work Breakdown Structure

Team Member Week 1 Week 2 Week 3

Neranjan DharmadasaTeam Leader

Set up meeting times, assign tasks, establish team values and norms

Ensure access to necessary resources, create specifications, conduct idea generation exercises

Continue project management exercises for concept selection, arrive at final project plan

James BrownChief Engineer

Familiarize team with current test stand and issues, lay out engineering objectives

Prioritize objectives, introduce team to stakeholders, concept generation

Assist Team Leader with final project plan and team with concept selection

ME- Heat Transfer Thoroughly examine EDGE and become familiarized with the past project

Study existing test stand and work closely with Graduate Assistant, concept generation

Update team with concept discussion and make selection

ME- Thermal ModelerThoroughly examine EDGE and become familiarized with the past project

Study existing test stand and work closely with Graduate Assistant, concept generation

Update team with concept discussion and make selection

EE- Electrical Systems Designer

Thoroughly examine EDGE and become familiarized with the past project

Gain understanding of project issues and begin concept generation

Update team with concept discussion and make selection

Team Values and Norms

PunctualityOrganizedDevoted/CommittedProfessional and EthicalThorough AccurateMeet GuidelinesMeet Deliverables on Time

Required Resources

Current lab test standMachine shopTime with Graduate AssistanceTime with Faculty Guide, Dr. StevensTime with Dresser-Rand contacts

Staffing requirements will be met throughout course of project

Estimated budget will be provided

Existing test stand can be used and improved for this year’s project

Assumptions

Budget: $ 7500Technical Expertise: Familiarizing students

with TE modules and the current systemTime: All deliverables must be performed within

the allotted 22 week timeframeResources: Time required on machine shop

towards building phase of project.Obtaining TE modules that operate under higher temperatures

Platform: The project must build upon the existing module and test stand

Safety

Constraints

Intellectual Property

Project will be open source, open architecture.

Any information on Dresser-Rand products will be kept confidential

Currently established patents will be researched and taken into consideration with progress of project.

Issues and Risks

Availability of off the shelf TE modules

Delivery of parts on time

Parts exceeding budget

Data inaccessibility or loss

Outstanding Items

Deliverables over the course of the project are to be determined

Target specifications are yet to be established