Generation of energy through temperature difference

Authors

Keywords:

Seebeck effect, Solar energy, Thermoelectric energy, Renewable energy

Abstract

Solar energy is a renewable energy source that can be harnessed either directly or indirectly. One way to utilize solar energy indirectly is through the Seebeck effect, which involves generating an electrical potential difference from a temperature difference between two conductive or semiconductor materials. Based on the operational principle of this effect, the present study aims to develop a prototype for powering electronic devices using the energy generated from Peltier plates attached to a thermal box. In the conducted tests, it was possible to achieve up to 0.6W of electrical power at the charging terminals. This result is directly influenced by the low incidence of solar radiation and the number of Peltier plates used, suggesting that the generated power can be increased by incorporating more Peltier modules. The research aims to contribute to the understanding of thermoelectric technology in the indirect generation of solar energy, with implications for future advancements in renewable energy.

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Author Biographies

Martin Hideki Mensch Maruyama, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Graduating in Mechanical Engineering from the Federal University of Santa Maria.

Gustavo Alves da Silva Bezerra, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Undergraduate student of the Mechanical Engineering course at the University of Santa Maria, Cachoeira do Sul campus.

Iago Rathecke Ellwanger, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

He has an academic background from the Federal University of Santa Maria, Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Cristiano Frandalozo Maidana, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

He holds a Bachelor's degree (2008), Master's degree (2011) and Doctorate (2015) in Mechanical Engineering from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), with an emphasis on the analysis of thermal systems, application of the oxygen-enriched combustion process (OEC) and the development of multiple disc turbines for energy recovery. He was a professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) and the Integrated Regional University (URI). He is currently an Adjunct Professor at the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Campus Cachoeira do Sul, working in energy and renewable natural resources and projects in the internet of things area.

Charles Rech, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

He holds a PhD (Promec) and a Post-Doctorate (Promec) from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul: Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, BR.

Simone Ferigolo Venturini, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

PhD student in Production Engineering at the Federal University of Santa Maria in the Organizational Intelligence Research line. He has a degree in Production Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from La Salle Canoas University and a master's degree in Transport Phenomena from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul.

André Francisco Caldeira, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

Associate Professor (Electrical Engineering) at the Federal University of Santa Maria: Santa Maria, RS, BR.

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Published

2025-02-21

Issue

Vol. 3 (2025)

Section

Aplicações Tecnológicas

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