The utilization of waste heat from cookstoves through the implementation of thermoelectric generators using ZrNiSn and FeVSb thermoelectric materials arranged in series and parallel configurations

Abstract This study presents a design for a cook stove that incorporates thermoelectric generator (TEG) modules. The cylindrical design of the cookstove facilitates the theoretical assessment of heat losses due to convection and radiation that take place during cooking. The outer layer dissipates a total of 549.71 W of heat, with convection contributing 284.83 W and radiation contributing 264.88 W. This study examines the potential integration of three TEG modules into cookstoves. While the possibility of incorporating more TEG modules exists to enhance power output, the decision to limit it to three is made to maintain cost efficiency. ZrNiSn and FeVSb thermoelectric materials are recommended for the TEG module because of their wide temperature range applications and outstanding compatibility. The temperature of the cookstove’s combustion chamber is determined using Ansys Fluent software. A two-dimensional computational model of the combustion chamber has been developed and modeled in Fluent software. A discrete phase model (DPM), species transport model (STM), and mixing model are all incorporated in Fluent for modelling wood combustion. The simulation of the combustion chamber indicates a temperature of 500 °C, which can be harnessed by TEGs to convert waste heat into electricity. Two arrangements for the TEG setup have been presented and proposed: one in a series configuration and the other in a parallel configuration. We have analysed and described in depth their performance, output voltage, and current characteristics to enable the utilisation of this waste heat for electricity generation. Studies and theoretical analyses suggest that TEGs arranged in series can be utilised in scenarios where the voltage demand is higher, whereas TEGs arranged in parallel can be used in cases where the voltage demand is lower. The total output voltage in this series configuration measures 11.7 V, while the output power has been measured at 15 W. The values in a parallel setup are 3.9 V and 15 W, respectively. The efficiency of a TEG is a crucial factor influencing its performance; therefore, evaluating TEG efficiency is vital. The TEG efficiency has been ascertained to be 9.62%. In isolated or rural areas where electrical outages are common, the proposed cookstove design will be exceedingly advantageous.