Optimization and experimental validation of a natural convection space heater using the Peltier elements
In this paper an experimental analysis was done aiming at studying the possibility of applying Peltier thermoelectric modules for building heating, more precisely, the optimization of a heat exchanger was performed. The concept of the system was designed to work without freon and harmful impact on the environment. The paper aims to develop a detailed mathematical optimization model of the existing heat exchanger for space heating by natural convection. Based on the optimal model, the new aluminum heat exchanger was created. The experiment was designed so that the Peltier elements were positioned on the heat exchangers and the input current and temperatures were measured. Firstly, experimental measurements were performed for the existing commercial heat exchanger, and, then, measurements were repeated with a new optimal heat exchanger under the same conditions. The coefficient of performance of a space heating system using a Peltier thermoelectric generator has a low value if the system operates with natural convection and heat exchangers without optimal fin spacing. Optimizing the distance between the fins on the heat exchanger provides an increase in heat flow by convection almost up to ten times and the coefficient of performance increases more than three times. This work has mathematically and experimentally confirmed that there is optimal fin spacing for finned heat exchangers with natural convection.