Application of the thermoelectric method of heat conversion in gas turbine

Abstract

The work is devoted to the problem of waste heat recovery of exhaust gases of gas turbine (GT). Theemphasis in the work is on the use of non-machine methods of heat recovery, namely, thermoelectric.The thermoelectric method makes it possible to convert waste heat into electrical energy without theneed for mechanical energy supply, which opens up a wide potential for improving GT redundancysystems and increasing their electrical efficiency. The article presents the main parameterscharacterizing the operation of thermoelectric generators (efficiency, specific power). The mainstructural elements of a thermoelectric generator are described. An overview of approaches to the useof thermoelectric generators in GT structures is presented. The main approaches and problems relatedto the integration of the TAG in the GT are identified. The most common approach is to integratethe TAG into the exhaust system. At the same time, the main limitation for the use of thermoelectricgenerators in existing GT designs is the low Q-factor of ZT thermoelectric materials, as well as thermalstresses resulting from cyclic loads. The authors investigated the potential of the introduction of theTAG in the design of GT of various capacities. It is revealed that the use of thermoelectric generatorsis advisable in small-sized GT, since this provides a greater increase in electrical efficiency. Based onthe results of the work, the concept of using TEG as part of microturbine was formed.