TEG-Tester
Linseis Thermoelectric Generator and Peltier-Element Tester
Description
On point
In recent years, there has been a growing need for renewable energy technologies and the optimization of alternative fossil resources up to their maximum potential. Thermoelectricity offers a direct means to convert thermal energy into electricity, presenting a promising way to utilize previously untapped waste heat sources. These sources include heat generated by various industrial processes, vehicle exhaust systems, and even the human body’s heat.
The Linseis TEG Tester is a specialized measurement system designed for assessing the efficiency of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) under varying temperatures. By setting temperature points, it introduces a thermal gradient across the thermoelectric device and precisely measures the heat flow through the reference block, both into and out of the TEG.
This system scans the generated voltage and current at multiple points, accomplishing this in under 10 milliseconds, to construct I-V curves or subject the TEG to dynamic loading conditions. This enables the calculation of efficiency and facilitates tracking the maximum power point through the perturb and observe method.
Applications:
- Testing the Performance of Thermoelectric Modules
- Assessing Maximum Power Generation and Conversion Efficiency
- Conducting Long-Term Lifespan Testing Under Load and Thermal Cycling
Features:
- Dynamic Load Capability
- Options for Constant Current or Constant Voltage
- I-V Curve Scanning and IC Tracing
- Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)
- Automatic Mechanical Load with Pressure Compensation
- Multiple Modes of Operation, including Constant Current (CC), Constant Voltage (CV), Field-Oriented Control (FOC), MPPT, and Perturb and Observe (P&O)
Principle
A sample is positioned between two meter bars, one hot and the other cold. The hot meter bar is linked to a regulated heating stage, while the cold meter bar is connected to a thermostatically controlled, liquid-cooled heat sink. The contact pressure on the sample can be automatically adjusted with an integrated electric actuator to ensure pressure stability over varying temperatures. The sample’s thickness can either be manually input or can be measured and controlled through an integrated LVDT sensor.
Continuous monitoring of the heat flux passing through the sample, as well as the temperatures at the top and bottom of both the hot and cold sides of the module, is achieved using multiple temperature sensors placed at known distances within each meter bar. To determine the thermoelectric conversion efficiency (η) of the tested TEG, the thermal power input (QTEG) is related to the generated electrical power output (Pel).
Where Pel represents the generated electrical power output in watts and QTEG signifies the thermal power input, also in watts. Since the electrical power (V times I) varies with the load it drives, the device can determine the maximum output power (Maximum Power Point) by employing a variable load resistance.
Sectional view of the TEG-Tester Setup
Specifications
Detailed view of the Meter Bar
| Model | TEG Tester |
|---|---|
| Sample size: | 40 x 40 mm square , 25 x 25mm * |
| Sample thickness: | 0.01 to 8mm (up to 20mm) |
| Thickness accuracy: | +/- 0.10 % at 50% stroke +/- 0.25 % at 100% stroke |
| Temperature range: | RT to 300°C (on hot side) |
| Temperature accuracy: | 0.1°C |
| Voltage range: | 0 – 12 V |
| Voltage accuracy: | 0.3 % |
| Voltage resolution: | 2.4 µV |
| Current range: | 0-25 A (DC) |
| Current accuracy: | 0.3 % |
| Current resolution: | 1 µA |
| Power Dissipation: | up to 250 W |
| Reference block materials: | Aluminium (others on request) |
| Temperature sensors: | Thermocouple Type T |
| Clamping force: | 2 kN (electric actuator) |
| Heating power: | 1.6 kW |
| Cooling capacity: | 1.2 kW (15°C) / 1 kW (0°C) |
| Pump capacity: | 25 l/min / 2,5 bar |
| Tank capacity: | 3.8 l |
| Refrigerant used: | R507 fluid |
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Software
Introducing the Rhodium Software, a cutting-edge solution that significantly streamlines your workflow. This user-friendly software requires only minimal parameter input, simplifying data handling. AutoEval is a valuable feature that guides users through the evaluation of standard processes, including thermal impedance and thermal conductivity determination.
Key Features of Linseis LFA 500 Software:
- Compatibility with the latest Windows operating systems.
- Convenient setup menu entries.
- Software-controlled management of heating, cooling, or dwell time segments.
- Capability to evaluate maximum power generation and conversion efficiency.
- Support for long-term lifespan testing under load and thermal cycling.
- Software-controlled thickness determination and force/pressure adjustment.
- Effortless data export for creating measurement reports.
- Customizable specific measuring parameters (User, Lab, Sample, Company, etc.).
- Optional password protection and user access levels.
- Multiple language versions, including English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and more, with user-selectable preferences.
Applications
Application: Temperature dependent Maximum Power Point tracking of a TEG (MonTE)
Generating electrical characterization plots for a standard Bi2Te3 thermoelectric module (monTE) involves the creation of V-I and P-I curves, spanning from open circuit VOC to short circuit ISC. These curves are established at various temperature gradients, ranging from ΔT = 20K to 100K.
Application: Temperature dependent Maximum Power Point tracking of a TEG (QM-127- 1.4-6.0MS)
Creating electrical characterization plots for a standard Bi2Te3 thermoelectric module (QM-127-1.4-6.0MS) involves generating V-I and P-I curves that span from open circuit VOC to short circuit ISC. These plots are established at various temperature gradients, ranging from ΔT = 20K to 140K.
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