Performance Comparison of Some Common Thermocouples for Waste Heat Utilization

Abstract

In the present scenario of energy crisis, conversion of waste heat into electricity with the help of thermoelectric devices is thought to be as an important resource of energy. This paper presents some results of the experimental research addressing the performance of some commonly available thermocouples: Cu-Fe, Cu-Al and Fe-Al. Coefficient of performance of these thermocouples was measured in a temperature range from room temperature to maximum operating temperature of 310ºC. The effect of static magnetic and electric field for its different orientations is also measured on the performance of these thermocouples. It is found that in normal conditions the coefficient of performance for Fe-Al thermocouple is better than other combinations. The effect of magnetic and electric field was favorable in parallel orientation as compared to other orientations.