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D. Samson, M. Kluge, Th. Becker, U. Schmid:
"Optimization of a Heat Storage Device for an Aircraft Specific Thermoelectric Power Generator";
Talk: 8^th European Conference on Thermoelectrics (ECT 2010), Como, I; 09-22-2010 - 09-24-2010; in: "Proceedings", (2010).

A novel approach for the realization of an energy
harvesting aircraft-specific thermoelectric generator module was
presented in [1]: A thermoelectric generator (TEG) is connected
to the inner surface of the outer hull of an aircraft on one side
and to a heat storage device on the other side, thus creating an
artificial temperature gradient. The latter component is filled
with a phase change material like water offering high heat
capacity and hence, a high DT and energy output at the TEG to
power wireless health monitoring devices for maintenance
applications. To implement the idea some engineering challenges
have to be solved: the complete energy harvesting unit requires
an easy installation. Furthermore, the phase change containment
has to be airworthy (i.e. against shocks), reliable for 30 years (i.e.
against corrosion) and optimized in shape (i.e. thermally isolated
to the outside, but thermally conductive towards the TEG).
To meet these requirements, a spring system serving as
connector and as shock absorber is applied as well as reliable
1.4571 steel. For further optimization numerical simulations are
performed enabling in combination with experimental results the
precise forecast with respect to the energy output of the
generator module depending on layout parameters and
manufacturing issues. Furthermore, the important weight-topower
ratio for the design is considered: the thermal isolation
based on a double-walled vacuum system is less favourable than
simple PU foam. The possibilities to further improve the
conversion efficiency using a custom-built TEG designed
especially for this application are discussed.

Autonomous wireless sensor, thermoelectric energy harvesting, phase change material, PCM containment, heat storage optimization