Project Details

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Mineral Processing Thermoelectric Power Generator - Team 1

Company: ZAP Engineering & Construction Services, Inc.

Major(s):
Primary: EGEE
Secondary: ME
Optional: EE

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

In mineral processing systems, heat is often a main driver in the chemical processes that are taking place. The heat being generated for the process is contained within mechanical equipment that serves as a way to transport and interact with the materials to attain the desired process results. The design of this equipment requires refractory linings to protect the steel casings of the equipment as well as to retain the heat within the system. This design philosophy creates an opportunity to capitalize on the required mineral processes and utilize the thermoelectric effect to generate electricity. The thermoelectric effect can generate electricity by direct conversion of temperature difference into electric voltage. By designing the refractory lining to accommodate a material on the hot face to heat up compared to the cold steel casing, it can provide a constant temperature differential during operation that can be used to generate electric energy. The systems in question are typically large scale that offer a lot of surface area to install upon. The project will explore the design of components, energy capacity produced and potential uses.