HEAT TRANSFER ENHANCEMENT FROM COALPOT USING
POWER GENERATOR
BY
ADEBARI, TIFE GRACE EES/11/12/0123
DEMOLA, SHAKIRU ADEMIDE EES/15/16/0467
ADESANMI, AKINYEMI NATH EES/13/14/0298
“A BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (B.Eng.) PROJECT REPORT
SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING,
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, IBOGUN CAMPUS, IN PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF BACHELOR
OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING.”
“OLABISI ONABANJO UNIVERSITY
P.M.B. 2002, AGO-IWOYE, OGUN STATE
NIGERIA”
AUGUST, 2024
DECLARATION
We“hereby declare that this project titled ‘Heat Transfer from Waste using Radiator
Generator’ has been written by us and is a record of our research work, It has not been
presented in any previous application for any degree of this or any other university. All
citations and sources of information are clearly acknowledged by means of reference.”
_______________________ _____________________
ADESINA Timileyin Pearl Date
_______________________ _____________________
ADEBASO Shitu Ademola Date
_______________________ _____________________
OBISESAN Akinyemi Dave Date
ii
CERTIFICATION
This “is to certify that this project titled ‘Waste Heat Recovery from Cookstove using
Thermoelectric Generator’ meets the regulation governing the award of the degree of
Bachelor of Engineering in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of
Engineering, Ibogun Campus, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State and is
approved for its contributions to engineering knowledge and literary presentation.”
_______________________ _____________________
Dr. Collins N. NWAOKOCHA Date
Project Supervisor
_______________________ _____________________
Dr. Samson A. AASA Date
Project Coordinator
_______________________ _____________________
Dr. Collins N. NWAOKOCHA Date
Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering
_______________________ _____________________
Prof. David A. FADARE Date
External Examiner
iii
“ABSTRACT”
Thermoelectric “generators (TEGs) are solid-state devices that use the See-Beck effect to”
convert heat energy into electricity. Solar water heating technology is a developing field in
Nigeria, Because of Nigeria's inadequate power supply, additional energy sources are being
researched. This project encompasses designing and building a solar water heater using
domestic materials. The materials for the components were then chosen with design
calculations, machinability, market availability, reuse of waste materials and cost in mind.
This study measured the ambient air temperature and surface temperature of a cookstove,
determined the low and high-temperature sides of the TEG, and assessed the performance of
the TEG in harvesting energy from the cookstove. Average temperature difference for
Sugarcane, voltage, current, power, and energy were 62.67 oC, 1.80 V, 0.299 A, 0.657 W, and
55.50 J respectively. For Cassava stem, the average temperature difference, current, voltage,
power, and energy were 24.8 oC, 0.280 V, 0.325 A, 0.568 W, and 28.58 J. The results showed
that the collector with the tempered glass cover gave a highest temperature reading of 69.8°C
while the collector with plain glass cover gave a highest reading of 41.7°C.
iv
DEDICATION
This project work is dedicated to God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the Author and
Finisher of our faith who has always being with us. To our beloved parents and siblings for
their support throughout the program.
v
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to thank the Almighty God who has always guided us to work on the right
path in life. Without His grace, this project would not have become a reality.
Our sincere appreciation goes to our parents Mr. and Mrs. Adebari, Adesina, and Obisesan
whom we are greatly indebted to for bringing us up with love and affection.
We sincerely want to thank our Supervisor, Dr. Collins Nwaokocha, for his interest, patience,
and effort in guiding, directing, and correcting us, which has greatly improved our knowledge
and also assisted us in the completion of this research work.
We would also like to extend our gratitude to the Lecturers in the Department of Mechanical
Engineering for the knowledge imparted to us.
We are also thankful to our family members, friends, and loved ones for being supportive
morally, financially, and spiritually. We have no words to express our sincere appreciation,
but our hearts will forever be grateful for the favors received from everyone. Thanks, and
God bless.
vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION ii
CERTIFICATION iii
ABSTRACT iv
DEDICATION v
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS vii
LIST OT FIGURES x
LIST OF TABLES xi
NOMENCLATURE xii
LIST OF APPENDICES i
CHAPTER 1 1
INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY 2
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT 2
1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES 2
1.3.1 Aim 2
1.3.2 Objectives 2
1.4 SCOPE OF STUDY 3
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY 3
CHAPTER 2 4
LITERATURE REVIEW 4
2.1 COOKSTOVES 4
2.1.1 Traditional Cookstoves 5
2.1.2 Problems with Traditional Cookstoves 5
2.2 ENERGY AND ITS USES 6
vii
2.3 SOURCES OF ENERGY 7
2.4 BASICS OF WASTE HEAT RECOVERY Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.5 BASICS OF THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.5.1 Thermoelectric Modules Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.5.2 Thermoelectric Effects Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.8 ADVANTAGES OF TEG Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER 3 8
MATERIALS AND METHODS 8
3.1 MATERIAL SELECTION FOR TEG 8
3.2 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.3 CALCULATION OF THE HEAT TRANSFER TO THE TEG MODULE Error!
Bookmark not defined.
3.3.1 Convection Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.3.2 Conduction Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.3.3 Radiation 8
3.4 ESTIMATION OF ENERGY HARVESTED 8
3.5 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE STUDY Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER 4 10
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 10
4.1 HEAT SOURCE 10
4.2 HEAT RECOVERY BY CONDUCTION 10
4.3 WASTE HEAT HARVESTING Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.4 ENERGY HARVESTED FROM A COOKSTOVE (COAL) Error! Bookmark not
defined.
viii
4.5 ENERGY HARVESTED FROM A COOKSTOVE (SUGARCAN) Error! Bookmark
not defined.
4.6 ENERGY HARVESTED FROM A COOKSTOVE (LEAF) Error! Bookmark not
defined.
4.7 ENERGY HARVESTED FROM A COOKSTOVE (PEEL) Error! Bookmark not
defined.
4.8 ENERGY HARVESTED FROM A COOKSTOVE (COAL) Error! Bookmark not
defined.
4.9 COMPARISON OF RESULTS Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.9.1 COMPARISON OF THE FUELS Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.9.2 Energy Harvested From Cookstove with the Different Kinds of Fuels Error!
Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER 5 11
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 11
5.1 CONCLUSION 11
5.2 RECOMMENDATION 11
ix
LIST OT FIGURES
Figure 2.1: Percentage of the population 6
Figure 2.2: TEG Module Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 2.3: Schematic of the see Beck effect in an open circuit. Error! Bookmark not
defined.
Figure 3.1: Thermoelectric Generator Modules 8
Figure 3.2: Aluminium Heat Sink Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 3.3: Multimeter Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 3.4: Thermal Interface Material Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 3.5: Cookstove Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 3.6: An Infared Non-Contact Thermometer Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 4.1: Voltage against Temperature Difference (Fuel) 10
Figure 4.2: Voltage against Temperature Difference (Cane) Error! Bookmark not defined.
Figure 4.5: Voltage against Temperature Difference (Coal) Error! Bookmark not defined.
x
LIST OF TABLES
Table 4.1: Temperature measurements of Points from cook stove 10
Table 4.2: Average Results of the Energy Harvested (Coal) Error! Bookmark not defined.
Table 4.3: Average Results of the Energy Harvested from a Cookstove (Cane) Error!
Bookmark not defined.
Table 4.4: Average Results of the Energy Harvested from a Cookstove (Leaf) Error!
Bookmark not defined.
Table 4.5: Average Results of the Energy Harvested from a Cookstove (Peels) Error!
Bookmark not defined.
xi
NOMENCLATURE
o
C Degree Celsius
o
F Degree Fahrenheit
A Ampere
I Current
K Thermal Conductivity
J Joules
Mins Minutes
P Power
S Seebeck Coefficient
TEG Thermoelectric Generator
W Watts
GREEK SYMBOLS
∆ Change
K Thermal Conductivity
xii
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX PAGE
A Phone model with and battery capacity 40
B LONTOR rechargeable lamps 42
“CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION”
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
With the increasing trend of fuel costs over the last few decades and the growing worry about
global warming. The components of a basic solar water heater are a tank, a collector, and the
flow channel that moves the working fluid. According to historical accounts, the solar water
heater (SWH) was initially created in the Roman Empire in 200 BCE. A solar water heating
system is a practical way to transfer solar energy thermally. The efficiency of solar thermal
conversion is roughly 70%, which is higher than that of solar electric direct conversion,
which is only 17% efficient (Zhang et al, 2015; Giwa, et al, 2019; Jouhara et al, 2021).
Freezing and overheating risk, space requirement, limited effectiveness in certain climatic
conditions and high upfront cost. This research aims to address the multifaceted challenges
associated with the development and deployment of solar thermal water heaters. Although, a
thermocouple comes to mind first when discussing thermal energy is not connected to a
thermocouple. This is because each gadget serves a distinct purpose. (Aridi et al., 2021;
Zhang and Zhao, 2015).
Typically, a solar-powered water heater project tries to produce hot water using clean solar
energy. Depending on a number of variables, including system design, installation quality,
climatic conditions, and user behavior, a project's anticipated outcome may differ. It's also
simple to use. One disadvantage of this method is it’s low efficiency in generating electricity,
which is around 5 to 10% of total heat energy (Champier et al., 2010).
Industrial “waste heat is energy created in industrial operations that is not put to use and is
either squandered or released into the environment. Waste heat is mostly caused by heat loss
transmitted by conduction, convection, and radiation from industrial goods, equipment, and
processes, as well as heat removed from combustion” operations (Sarode and Wankhade
2020).
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
Thermoelectric “generators (TEGs) are solid-state devices that use the See-Beck effect to”
directly transform heat energy to electricity. This technology is gaining popularity because of
its ability to deliver efficient and sustainable power generation in a variety of applications.
TEGs have several applications, ranging from waste heat recovery to powering distant
sensors and spacecraft (Aridi et al., 2021; Kandi et al, 2023).
TEGs are based on the See Beck effect and thermoelectric effect. When there is a temperature
difference across a thermoelectric material, the see Beck effect produces an electromotive
force (EMF). When the ends are joined, the EMF forces an electric current through the
material, resulting in electricity generation. TEG efficiency is determined by the materials
employed, the temperature differential, and the generator design (Mal et al., 2015).
1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES
1.3.1 Aim
To measure the average temperature difference of a cookstove using different kinds of fuels.
1.3.2 Objectives
i. To measure the hottest point on the cookstove place the TEG
ii. To determine the low and high-temperature sides of the TEG and the energy harvested.
iii. To assess the performance of the TEG in harvesting energy from the cookstove.
2
1.4 SCOPE OF STUDY
This project's scope is to use different pellets to recover waste heat energy from cookstoves.
Waste heat recovery research provides the potential to enhance energy efficiency, minimize
environmental impact, and provide novel solutions to a variety of problems.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study of waste heat recovery is vital because it has the potential to address several major
economic, environmental, and energy-related challenges. The process of catching and using
heat that is generally lost as a result of many industrial processes and energy systems is
referred to as waste heat recovery. The electricity provided by the TEG module will be
utilized to power LED bulbs and other basic devices. And, because of Nigeria's erratic power
supply, there is a need to establish an alternate source of electricity to supplement household
energy usage and demand.
3
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 COOKSTOVES
Cookstoves generate heat for cooking using a variety of energy sources, with the type of
energy determining efficiency, environmental effect, and convenience. Transferring
thermal sun energy is made easier with the help of a solar water heating system. The
efficiency of solar thermal conversion is about 70%, whereas the efficiency of solar
electric direct conversion is only about 17%. Due to its ease of use and quick maintenance,
solar water heaters consequently play an important role in both domestic and industrial
applications. The thermal performance of solar water heaters has been the subject of much
research. The use of a passive strategy improved convective heat transfer. When used to
solar thermal water heaters, these techniques produced a significant improvement in total
thermal efficiency. The solar water heater is depicted in Figure 2.1 (Solar, 2023).
Figure 2.1: Solar heater components (Solar, 2023)
4
In some regions, biogas stoves created from organic waste by anaerobic digestion provide a
renewable and environmentally friendly choice. Healthier and more effective cookstoves are
being promoted, particularly in places where traditional biomass stoves are widespread.
Cleaner cookstove technologies seek to minimize indoor air pollution, reduce environmental
impact, and boost energy efficiency. Cleaner cooking methods are essential for long-term
energy savings and enhanced public health.
2.1.1 Traditional Cookstoves
Traditional cookstoves, which have been in use for generations, are simple and frequently
crude stoves used in rural and low-income communities, particularly in developing countries.
Within this collector, a network of black tubes is used to circulate water or another fluid. The
light heats the black outside of the tubes while the fluid inside the tube, which is typically
warm within the panel, is heated by the panel. These stoves burn biomass fuels such as wood,
crop leftovers, charcoal, or animal dung, which can contribute to deforestation,
environmental degradation, and climate change.
Furthermore, traditional cookstoves are inefficient at converting fuel into usable heat,
resulting in severe energy loss and resource waste. To address these issues, organizations and
governments are promoting cleaner and more efficient cookstove technologies. Improved
cookstoves that use cleaner fuels or combustion procedures can help minimize indoor air
pollution, increase fuel efficiency, and increase safety. Cleaner cookstoves can improve
health, minimize environmental impact, and increase energy efficiency.
2.1.2 Problems with Traditional Cookstoves
Traditional cookstoves, which range from small open fires to big brick-and-mortar types, are
inefficient at turning energy into heat for cooking, necessitating up to 2 tons of biomass fuel
per family (WHO and UNDP, 2009). This fuel usage contributes to deforestation and
5
increases the amount of time mothers and children spend looking for firewood. Traditional
cookstoves can contribute to indoor air pollution, health issues, and global warming
(Keatinge & Donaldson, 2024).
Figure 2.2: Percentage of the population
2.2 ENERGY AND ITS USES
In physics, energy is defined as the quantitative quality that must be delivered to a body or
physical system to perform work on it or heat it. Energy is a conserved quantity, leading us to
the law of energy conservation. This law asserts that energy can be changed into different
forms but cannot be created or destroyed.
Energy is defined as a physical system's ability to perform work; that is, a system has energy
when it can do work. In other words, whenever work is performed, energy is transmitted or
converted. However, the presence of energy in a system does not always imply that it is
available to conduct work (Demirel, 2012).
6
2.3 SOURCES OF ENERGY
Energy does not exist in nature in the form that humans can use. They are both main and
secondary sources of energy. The energy that the Earth absorbs from the sun in the form of
heat and light is the ultimate source of practically all of our energy sources.
7
CHAPTER 3
MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1 MATERIAL
FIG 3.1: Thermoelectric Generator Modules
3.2 Radiation
Radiation is the transmission of heat by electromagnetic waves, most notably infrared
radiation. Radiation, unlike conduction and convection, does not require a material medium
and can take place in a vacuum. The rate of radiative heat transfer can be described by the
Stefan-Boltzmann Law by the equation (3.3) given below, where Q is the heat transfer rate, ε
is the emissivity of the surface, σ is the Stefan-Boltzmann constant, A is the surface area, T₁
and T₂ are the absolute temperatures of the two objects.
𝑄 = 𝜀 ∗ 𝜎 ∗ 𝐴 ∗ (𝑇₁⁴ − 𝑇₂⁴) 3.1
Temperature gradients are created in thermoelectric devices by radiation, where one side is
heated by a heat source and the other is exposed to colder surroundings. This temperature
difference is critical for power-generating efficiency.
3.3 ESTIMATION OF THERMAL ENERGY
Equations (3.2) The following formula provides the thermal energy needed to heat 20 liters of
water:
8
𝑄𝑠𝑡 = (m Cw ( To – Ti )) /3600. 3.3
In this case, 𝑄𝑠𝑡 is the total thermal energy in kWh needed to increase the temperature of the
water in its entirety from the entrance temperature (Ti) to the target outflow temperature.
9
CHAPTER 4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 HEAT
The information needed for the SWH's performance analysis is displayed below. Four distinct
days were chosen to conduct the four sets of studies. The first two occurred in the latter part
of a cloudy week, and the second in the sunny week.
Table 4.1: Temperature measurements of Points from cook stove (using charcoal as fuel)
- Time (mins) Point 1(Top) Point 2(Left) Point 3(Right)
1st Reading (T℃) 40 34.7 110.1 52.1
2nd Reading (T℃) 60 456.0 126.7 69.6
3rd Reading (T℃) 70 580 235.5 72.5
Mean - 327.6 347.4 98.1
4.2 HEAT RECOVERY BY CONDUCTION
Different testing was carried out using an infrared noncontact thermometer on the cookstove
to clarify what part of the cookstove chamber conducts heat the most.
1.7
1.6
VOLTAGE (V)
1.5
1.4
1.3
1.2
1.1
1
100 150 200 250 300 350
TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE (OC)
FIG 4.1: Voltage against Temperature Difference (Local Charcoal as Fuel)
10
CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 CONCLUSION
Waste heat The cost of the materials, market availability, machinability, and design
calculations were then taken into account while choosing the materials for the components.
Following a test of the system, the following outcomes were noted. The maximum outlet
temperature measured is critical for broad adoption. Waste heat recovery cannot be fully
realized without advances in thermoelectric and materials science.
The adoption of sustainable energy technologies is greatly aided and encouraged by
governments and regulatory agencies. It is recommended that frameworks be created by
policymakers to facilitate the integration of waste heat recovery into national energy
strategies. The cost of the materials, market availability, machinability, and design
calculations were then taken into account while choosing the materials for the components.
Following a test of the system, the following outcomes were noted. The maximum outlet
temperature measured
5.2 RECOMMENDATION
Local charcoal's consistent The cost of the materials, market availability, machinability, and
design calculations were then taken into account while choosing the materials for the
components. Following a test of the system, the following outcomes were noted. The
maximum outlet temperature measured ought to be investigated. From Appendix B, the
average Ampere-hour for charging 30 rechargeable lamps was estimated to be 1.3 Ah with a
minimum value of 0.8 Ah and a maximum of 2.0 Ah.
11
When powered by electricity, the hot side can function as a hot plate to generate heat and the
cold side as a refrigerator for perishable goods. If pursued and strictly adhered to, this unit
has a vast future scope and great potential.
12
REFERENCES
Aridi, R., Faraj, J., Ali, S., Lemenand, T., & Khaled, M. (2021). Thermoelectric power
generators: state-of-the-art, heat recovery method, and challenges. Electricity
Development,, 2(3), 359-386.
Aridi, R., Faraj, J., Ali, S., Lesmenand, T., & Khaled, M. (2021). Thermoelectric power
generators: state-of-the-art, heat recovery method, and challenges. Electricity
Development,, 2(3), 359-386.
Fang, H Xia, J., Zhu, k., Su, Y. and Jiang Y.(2013). Industrial waste heat utilization for low-
temperature district heating. Journal of Technology and Development, 12(3), 27–34.
Giwa, S. O., Nwaokocha, C. N., Layeni, A. T., & Olaluwoye, O. O. (2019). Energy
Harvesting from Household Heat Sources Using a Thermoelectric Generator Module.
Nigerian Journal of Technological Development, 16(3), 127–134.
Jouhara, H., Żabnieńska-Góra, A., Khordehgah, N., Doraghi, Q., Ahmad, L., Norman, L.,
Axcell, B., Wrobel, L. & Dai, S. (2021). Thermoelectric generator (TEG) technologies
and applications. International Journal of Thermofluids, 9, 100063.
Kandi, R. P., Sudharmini, M. M., Suryan, A., & Nižetić, S. (2023). State of the art and future
prospects for TEG-PCM Systems: A Review. Energy for Sustainable
Development, 74:328-348.
Kumar, M., Kumar, S., & Tyagi, S. (2013). Design, development and technological
advancement in the biomass cookstoves: a review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy
Reviews, 16(3), 127–134.
Sarode, R. P. and Wankhade, P. (2020). Waste Heat Recovery using the Plate Heat Exchanger.
International Journal for Scientific Research & Development, Vol. 7(12): 205-207.
13
Appendix A
Phone Model and Battery Capacity
Phone and Model Current rating Voltage (v) Power (Wh)
(mAh)
BB 9650 1400 3.7 5.2
BB 9810 3150 3.7 4.7
Bontel 2005D 1000 3.8 4.5
Gensys 700 2730 3.8 15.2
Gionee M2 mini 4000 3.7 9.5
HTC sensenation 4000 3.7 9.1
Infinix X551 3200 3.7 6.66
Itel 2080 3000 3.7 7.77
Itel 2090 1800 3.7 6.66
Kismo 628T 2100 3.7 3.7
Malata N403 1800 3.7 3.7
Microsoft Lumia 430 1000 3.7 5.5
Microsoft Lumia 530 1000 3.7 2.34
Nokia 2700 800 2.7 6.88
Nokia 302 1020 3.7 4.25
Samsung Duos 1500 3.7 5.55
Techno T718 1200 3.7 4.44
Techno Y4 1800 3.8 6.84
AVERAGE 1676 3.728 5.9685
MINIMUM 700 3.7 2.6
MAXIMUM 4000 4.7 15.2
14
Appendix B
LONTOR Rechargable Lamps
Model Current Rating (mAh)
CTL-RL 010 800
CTL-RL 012 800
CTL-RL 076 1000
CTL-RL 077 1600
CTL-RL 080 1100
CTL-RL 082 1600
CTL-RL 628 1600
CTL-RL 636 1300
AVERAGE 1376.667
MINIMUM 800
MAXIMUM 2000
15
