Marco Ranalli

Bio: Marco Ranalli is an academic researcher from Gentherm Incorporated. The author has contributed to research in topics: Thermoelectric effect & Thermoelectric generator. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 12 publications receiving 274 citations.

TEG On-Vehicle Performance and Model Validation and What It Means for Further TEG Development

Abstract: A high-temperature thermoelectric generator (TEG) was recently integrated into two passenger vehicles: a BMW X6 and a Lincoln MKT. This effort was the culmination of a recently completed Department of Energy (DOE)-sponsored thermoelectric (TE) waste heat recovery program for vehicles (award #DE-FC26-04NT42279). During this 7-year program, several generations of thermoelectric generators were modeled, designed, built, and tested at the couple, engine, and full-device level, as well as being modeled and integrated at the vehicle level. In this paper, we summarize the history of the development efforts and results achieved during the project, which is a motivation for ongoing research in this field. Results are presented and discussed for bench, engine dynamometer, and on-vehicle tests conducted on the current-generation TEG. On the test bench, over 700 W of power was produced. Over 600 W was produced in on-vehicle tests. Both steady-state and transient models were validated against the measured performance of these TEGs. The success of this work has led to a follow-on DOE-sponsored TE waste heat recovery program for passenger vehicles focused on addressing key technical and business-related topics that are meant to enable TEGs to be considered as a viable automotive product in the future.

Temperature control systems with thermoelectric devices

Abstract: Temperature control systems and methods can be designed for controlling the interior climate of a vehicle or other the climate of another desired region. The temperature control system for a vehicle can have a thermoelectric system providing heating and/or cooling, including supplemental heating and/or cooling. The thermoelectric system can transfer thermal energy between a working fluid, such as liquid coolant, and comfort air upon application of electric current of a selected polarity. The thermoelectric system can supplement or replace the heat provided from an internal combustion engine or other primary heat source. The thermoelectric system can also supplement or replace cold energy provided from a compressor-based refrigeration system or other primary cold energy source.

Thermally-conditioned beverage holders and bins

Abstract: A thermally-conditioned device comprising a receptacle (20) configured to receive an item, the receptacle comprising a wall, the wall comprising an exterior surface, wherein the receptacle comprises at least one thermally conductive material. The thermally-conditioned device further comprises a thermoelectric device (100) secured to the exterior surface of the wall of the receptacle, and a liquid-loop heat exchange system (150d) comprising a cold plate (260) adjacent the thermoelectric device, wherein the thermoelectric device is positioned between the wall of the receptacle and the cold plate, wherein the thermoelectric device is thermally conductive with both the receptacle and the cold plate.

Catalyst-thermoelectric generator integration

Abstract: A thermoelectric system is provided which includes at least one tubular conduit configured to be in thermal communication with at least one first fluid flowing through the at least one tubular coolant conduit in a first direction. A plurality of thermoelectric elements can be in thermal communication with the at least one tubular conduit. A heat exchanger in thermal communication with the plurality of thermoelectric elements is configured to be in thermal communication with at least one second fluid and to surround at least a portion of the tubular conduit and plurality of thermoelectric elements. The heat exchanger can include at least one coating configured to catalyze reactions of at least one portion of the second fluid.

Cartridge-based thermoelectric systems

Abstract: Cartridge-based thermoelectric assemblies and systems are provided which include at least one shunt configured to extend around a conduit, a plurality of thermoelectric elements in thermal communication and in electrical communication with the at least one shunt with at least a portion of the at least one shunt sandwiched between the at least one first thermoelectric element and the at least one second thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric elements are electrically isolated from the conduit. The thermoelectric assemblies and systems further include at least one heat exchanger in thermal communication with the at least one shunt and configured to be in thermal communication with a second fluid.

Nanotechnology in Textiles

Abstract: Increasing customer demand for durable and functional apparel manufactured in a sustainable manner has created an opportunity for nanomaterials to be integrated into textile substrates. Nanomoieties can induce stain repellence, wrinkle-freeness, static elimination, and electrical conductivity to fibers without compromising their comfort and flexibility. Nanomaterials also offer a wider application potential to create connected garments that can sense and respond to external stimuli via electrical, color, or physiological signals. This review discusses electronic and photonic nanotechnologies that are integrated with textiles and shows their applications in displays, sensing, and drug release within the context of performance, durability, and connectivity. Risk factors including nanotoxicity, nanomaterial release during washing, and environmental impact of nanotextiles based on life cycle assessments have been evaluated. This review also provides an analysis of nanotechnology consolidation in the textiles ...

Polymer composites for thermoelectric applications.

Abstract: This review covers recently reported polymer composites that show a thermoelectric (TE) effect and thus have potential application as thermoelectric generators and Peltier coolers. The growing need for CO2-minimizing energy sources and thermal management systems makes the development of new TE materials a key challenge for researchers across many fields, particularly in light of the scarcity or toxicity of traditional inorganic TE materials based on Te and Pb. Recent reports of composites with inorganic and organic additives in conjugated and insulating polymer matrices are covered, as well as the techniques needed to fully characterize their TE properties.

Maximum Power Point Tracking Converter Based on the Open-Circuit Voltage Method for Thermoelectric Generators

Abstract: Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) convert heat energy into electricity in a quantity dependent on the temperature difference across them and the electrical load applied. It is critical to track the optimum electrical operating point through the use of power electronic converters controlled by a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. The MPPT method based on the open-circuit voltage is arguably the most suitable for the linear electrical characteristic of TEGs. This paper presents an innovative way to perform the open-circuit voltage measure during the pseudonormal operation of the interfacing power electronic converter. The proposed MPPT technique is supported by theoretical analysis and used to control a synchronous Buck-Boost converter. The prototype MPPT converter is controlled by an inexpensive microcontroller, and a lead-acid battery is used to accumulate the harvested energy. Experimental results using commercial TEG devices prove that the converter accurately tracks the maximum power point during thermal transients. Precise measurements in the steady state show that the converter finds the maximum power point with a tracking efficiency of 99.85%.