An analysis of Phase Change Material (PCM) for subterranean cooling of thermoelectric energy harvesting system at asphalt pavement

Zainurin, Fatin Nurul Husna (2022) An analysis of Phase Change Material (PCM) for subterranean cooling of thermoelectric energy harvesting system at asphalt pavement. Project Report. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

Thermoelectric generator (TEG) has offered a promising clean energy solution where it has persistently improved. In this project, a thermoelectric energy harvesting system (TEHs) that utilized the heat from the surface of asphalt pavement is studied. This thesis aimed to design a new TEHs with PCM as cold storage to retain subterranean cooling by simulation and experimentally. The design model consisted of asphalt base holder to hold the asphalt, top plate for heating, and bottom plate for cooling. The top plate is exposed on the asphalt surface to harvest heat from sunlight, and the bottom plate is submerged into the pavement. The bottom plate is then connected to the H-shape cooling element and a container filled with PCM with melting point of 30°C. Simulation and experiments were conducted to investigate the PCM’s effects at TEG’s output voltage. Furthermore, the best-selected model was used to study the charging capabilities of the TEHs on two 5F supercapacitors in series. From both simulations and experiments, it was discovered the new TEHs with PCM incorporation able to reach temperature difference (DT) 42°C with 1.5V open-circuit voltage. This gives an increment of over 170% more than a design without PCM incorporation. The 5F supercapacitors were successfully charged within 2 hours from 1.5V This project offers a new perspective for self-sustainable TEHs design that can be used for various purpose.

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