Investigation of the factors affecting the electric energy production of thermoelectric generators by using geothermal energy

Geothermal energy is in the category of renewable energy sources and nowadays it is used in electricity generation as well. While traditional methods such as steam turbine-generator loop are used in generating electricity from geothermal, innovative methods such as semiconductor thermoelectric modules are also used. Thermoelectric modules are solid-state semiconductor circuit elements that can generate electricity depending on the temperature difference between their cold and hot surfaces. In this thesis, a prototype generator design which transforms the geothermal energy to electrical energy with the modules known as thermoelectric cooler (TEC) was realized. In the prototype realized in order to maintain the TEC surface temperatures at the desired temperature, copper plates which can be circulated fluidly were used, and the pressure and flow of these fluids were gradually changed to investigate the effects on electricity generation. The results from the tests showed that; The electrical energy produced by the TECs varies in direct proportion to the pressure and temperature of the hot and cold water circulating on the TEC surfaces.