thermoelectric generator (Peltier tile)
The primary component of our product is the Peltier module, which is able to generate low voltages when supplied with a heat gradient. As long as one side of the tile remains at least 5ºC hotter/colder than the other side of the tile, then current will be produced. The amount of energy that the tile is able to produce depends on two factors:
1. Surface Area
2. Heat Gradient Intensity
Both of these factors carry great design constraints as adding more tiles significantly increase manufacturing costs and it is also not possible to drastically increase the heat gradient.​
Novel circuit implementation
Overview
In order to avoid the two constraints listed in the previous section, which would significantly increase the cost of the product, our team has been able to amplify the low voltage that is generated from the Peltier module with the development of a novel circuit. After an extensive research & development process and mathematical analyses, the team has finalized a unique circuit that is comprised of two main components, which are listed below.
Transformer
The first part of the circuit is a choke, which is used to transform the current from DC to AC. The Peltier module produces a low current that is DC, but in order for the current to be amplified, it must be converted to AC. This component is also located very close to the Peltier module in order to reduce voltage drop.
Amplifier
The second part of the circuit is a N-MOSFET channel transistor, which takes in the AC current and raises the voltage value by approximately 300%. The initial amplifier that our team utilized was very brittle and would not function properly as it could not handle the amount of current amplification that we were generating. As a result, we have done further research and material testing and determined that this specific amplifier chip works the best with our configuration.