Development of Bio-material based Nanocomposite Thermoelectric Generator

Thermoelectric systems can produce electricity using temperature difference and heating/cooling effect using electricity. Thermoelectric systems are basically combination of p and n-type semiconductor materials. Thermoelectric systems have many advantages such as, environment friendly, no moving parts, silent in operation, and long service life. However, at this stage thermoelectric systems have very low efficiency so they are not popular in usage. Nevertheless, high performance thermoelectric systems can be prepared using nanotechnology. Scientists and engineers around the globe have reported high performance nanostructured thermoelectric materials. In addition to this, most of the thermoelectric materials are rare earth materials and they are not abundant. So, our work addresses two problems; (i) develop high performance nanocomposite thermoelectric generator (ii) use agriculture biomass to reduce the use of rare earth materials. The final outcome of this research can benefit many industries such as automotive, aviation, and energy.

Faculty Supervisor:

Shohel Mahmud

Student:

Partner:

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bangalore

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Guelph

Program: