Passive Evaporative – Cooled Thermoelectric Generator Integrated with Liquid Petroleum Gas stove

Abstract

The using of Liquefied Petroleum Gas ( LPG) stoves is widespread in Thailand, as these stoves release a significant amount of thermal energy during cooking. Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) can convert this waste heat into electrical energy to provide efficient cooling. This research aims to utilize the principles of an evaporative cooling system with low-cost evaporative pads, which offer higher cooling efficiency than natural cooling and operate continuously without relying on fans or pumps to avoid startup issues. The system was developed to work passively, integrating the evaporative cooling system with a TEG and a small LPG stove. During the testing phase, the system was operated continuously for 20 minutes. The results showed that the TEG, when used with the evaporative cooling system, demonstrated high efficiency, producing a maximum power output of 1.723 watts and achieving an energy conversion efficiency of 1.06% with a temperature differential of 38 degrees Celsius between the hot and cold sides. In comparison, the natural cooling system only achieved an efficiency of 0. 46% . These experimental results clearly indicate that the evaporative cooling technology can significantly enhance the efficiency of power generation, making it a viable solution for reclaiming waste thermal energy and improving energy utilization during the cooking process.