Download P09454: Flow Visualization

P09451: Thermo-Electric
Module for Large Scale Systems
2008-2 THROUGH 2008-3
NERANJAN DHARMADASA
JAMES BROWN
Introduction
Thermoelectrics are very simple solid state devices
with two basic modes of operation.
•
The Peltier Effect, involves the application of
current through the module, absorbing heat
from one side of the device and emitting from
the other side.
•
Conversely, the Seebeck Effect can be used for
power generation purposes. When a
temperature gradient is applied across a TE
module an electric current is produced.
Previous Projects
P07442
P08451
Mission Statement
The focus of this project will be to make improvements to last year's
power module unit design, perform more extensive testing and address
some issues that surfaces from the preliminary testing done last year.
This year‘s team will develop a second generation prototype power
module that would more closely simulate a power unit that might be
deployed on the exhaust stream of a Dresser-Rand Vectra or other
turbine. This unit may include the use of air cooling to simulate a power
unit serving both as a power generator as well as a recuperator. The
team will make improvements in temperature sensor locations to better
monitor heat spreading and understand multidimensional conduction
which is currently not accounted for in the modeling. The team will also
design and implement strategies for max power tracking and the
handling of module array mismatch due to differing temperature
gradients.
Customer Needs
Test Stand Issues
 GUI and data processing
 Temperature
measurements
 Swapping T.E. modules
 Max point tracking
(power)
 Pressure losses
 Lack of sensors for
multidimensional heat
transfer
Test Stand
Improvements
 More fin options
 Design for power
requirements
 Design for specific
operating conditions
 Design for recuperative
heating system
 Additional “zones”
Staffing Requirements
Team Member
Responsibilities
Team Leader
Neranjan Dharmadasa
Coordinate efforts to complete project, logistics, running
meetings, purchasing, resource management and assistance to
other team members as required.
Chief Engineer
James Brown
Lead the engineering effort and ensure the final project goals
are met by facilitating communication among team as well as
carry out mechanical design.
ME-Heat Transfer
This student will focus on thermal resistance modeling and heat
spreader design for the TE module.
ME-Thermal Modeler
This student is responsible for understanding theory behind TE
modules and the thermal modeling of their resistances.
EE-Electrical System Designer
This student will assist in characterization of voltage current
relationships for TE modules and test systems.
Work Breakdown Structure
Team Member
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Neranjan Dharmadasa
Team Leader
Set up meeting times, assign
tasks, establish team values
and norms
Ensure access to necessary
resources, create
specifications, conduct idea
generation exercises
Continue project
management exercises for
concept selection, arrive at
final project plan
James Brown
Chief Engineer
Familiarize team with current
test stand and issues, lay out
engineering objectives
Prioritize objectives,
introduce team to
stakeholders, concept
generation
Assist Team Leader with
final project plan and team
with concept selection
ME- Heat Transfer
Thoroughly examine EDGE
and become familiarized with
the past project
Study existing test stand
and work closely with
Graduate Assistant, concept
generation
Update team with concept
discussion and make
selection
ME- Thermal Modeler
Thoroughly examine EDGE
and become familiarized with
the past project
Study existing test stand
and work closely with
Graduate Assistant, concept
generation
Update team with concept
discussion and make
selection
EE- Electrical Systems
Designer
Thoroughly examine EDGE
and become familiarized with
the past project
Gain understanding of
project issues and begin
concept generation
Update team with concept
discussion and make
selection
Team Values and Norms
 Punctuality
 Organized
 Devoted/Committed
 Professional and Ethical
 Thorough
 Accurate
 Meet Guidelines
 Meet Deliverables on Time
Required Resources
 Current lab test stand
 Machine shop
 Time with Graduate Assistance
 Time with Faculty Guide, Dr. Stevens
 Time with Dresser-Rand contacts
Assumptions
 Staffing requirements will be met throughout course
of project
 Estimated budget will be provided
 Existing test stand can be used and improved for this
year’s project
Constraints
 Budget: $ 7500
 Technical Expertise: Familiarizing students with TE
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
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modules and the current system
Time: All deliverables must be performed within the
allotted 22 week timeframe
Resources: Time required on machine shop towards
building phase of project.
Obtaining TE modules that operate under higher
temperatures
Platform: The project must build upon the existing
module and test stand
Safety
Intellectual Property
 Project will be open source, open architecture.
 Any information on Dresser-Rand products will be
kept confidential
 Currently established patents will be researched
and taken into consideration with progress of
project.
Issues and Risks
 Availability of off the shelf TE modules
 Delivery of parts on time
 Parts exceeding budget
 Data inaccessibility or loss
Outstanding Items
 Deliverables over the course of the project are to be
determined
 Target specifications are yet to be established