Experimental Investigation on Thermoelectric Power Generation Using Diurnal Temperature Difference Through Glazed Windows

Harvesting ambient temperature is attractive for different purposes.In this paper, a pioneer study on thermoelectric power generation using natural diurnal temperature difference between ambient and indoor space through glazed windows (TEGW) is investigated experimentally.To this end, a small south facing window with 5 mm green tinted glass, 0.45 m wide and 1.05 m high located in a room of 25.74 m³ volume located at the first floor of a residential house in Nonthaburi province (Thailand) was used.Three thermoelectric (TE) modules (MT2-1, 6-127) 40×40 mm were installed at the inner side of the glass window at three positions near the top, middle and bottom.Tests were conducted with close and open curtain and air and non-air-conditioned spaces.Measured data demonstrated that the proposed concept is feasible as an electrical current could be generated: The hotter the day, the higher is the temperature difference between the hot and cold sides of TE modules and the higher the amount of current generated.When air conditioning is used, the temperature difference between the sides of TE modules increased and higher electrical voltage is generated varying between 0.5-1.9mV compared to 0.1-0.6 mV without air conditioning.Closing curtain did affect the generated electrical voltage significantly as it reduced the cooling of the inner side of TE modules due to reduced air circulation especially at the middle and top of window.Due to its simplicity, the proposed concept offers new perspectives for thermoelectric power generation development and its application in residences and buildings.