Thermoelectric Power Generation for Rural Communites in Nigeria Using Waste Heatfrom Palm Kernel Shell Pellets

Abstract

In this article, a thermoelectric power generation for rural

communities in Nigeria using waste heat from palm kernel shell

pellets was studied. To generate electrical power, a thermoelectric

generator (TEG) is attached between a heat source and a heat sink.

Because of the temperature gradient created between the heat

source and the heat sink, heat flows through the module and be

rejected to the surroundings through the heat sink. An experiment

was conducted using eight modules of TEG assembled and

connected to a 60amps battery with no current. 1kg of biomass

(palm kernel shell pellets) was measured and used as a heat source

during the experimental analysis. From the analysis, 1kg of

biomass (palm kernel shell pellets) was capable of generating the

required temperature gradient created between the heat source and

the heat sink, thus enabling heat to flow through the module and be

rejected to the surroundings through the heat sink. The eight

modules thermoelectric generator (TEG) generated 13.5V and

1022.65W power which can power simple electronic devices such

as phones, radios etc. in rural communities in Nigeria.