Research Projects

This work aims to propose new concepts for the development of micro power generators based on micro combustor concept. The concept of electric power generation using thermoelectric generators mounted on a micro combustor (working on Seebeck effect) will be explored to convert the heat generated from the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels in micro-combustors. This work bears significance due to an increasing trend towards the development and miniaturization of various mechanical and electromechanical systems such as laptops, tablets, micro-airplanes and micro-pumps because they have been observed to improve the quality of our daily life. Due to higher power density of hydrocarbon fuels as compared to electrochemical batteries (20-50 times); it is possible to develop combustion based devices as attractive technological alternatives heavy weight electrochemical batteries for running these micro-elctromechanical systems. The critical issues are flame stabilization in micro combustors over a wide range of operating conditions, transferring the generated heat from stabilized flame to thermoelectric modules through solid walls of the combustor and maximization of the power generated from the system. The proposed research will involve developing a micro power generator through a series of experimental and numerical studies and improve overall conversion efficiency. The project deliverables will be as follows. 1. Understanding of flame stabilization in microcombustors 2. Optimization of microcombustors and thermal management system for maximum heat recovery for electrical power generation 3. Thermoelectric based micropower generator with overall conversion efficiency of ~6 – 10 % 4. Effect of various thermoelectric configurations on overall efficiency of micro power generator 5. Development of a prototype micro power generator with 1 – 20 W power output