Design and Development of an IOT-Enabled System for Integrated Solar and Thermal Energy Conversion to Electric Power.

Abstract

In the era of globalization, energy demand has increased tremendously, with the International Energy Agency predicting a 45% rise over the next 20 years. To meet this demand and support global development, maximizing the use of natural energy sources, such as solar power, is essential. Thermoelectric power generation is an effective way to directly convert thermal energy into electrical energy. This technique, known for its lack of moving components, silence, scalability, and reliability, is a subject of ongoing research. Many thermoelectric systems are designed to harness waste heat from engines and natural sources like solar energy, solar ponds, and hot springs. Our project aims to generate electricity by burning solid waste, while monitoring the voltage, current, and temperature through an LCD display and IoT. The IoT integration allows for load control, optimizing energy output. Through this project, we aim to gather data on the quantitative relationship between the amount of solid waste burned and the resulting power output. By analyzing this data, we can determine how varying the quantity of waste input affects the voltage, current outputs in numerical terms, providing insights into the efficiency and scalability of waste-to-energy systems. This project presents a sustainable approach to waste management and energy production by converting waste heat into electricity through a Thermoelectric Power Generator (TEG). The TEG operates on the Seebeck effect, converting temperature differences into electrical power. Data collected during the project indicated a direct correlation between increased temperature and power output. For example, at 50°C, the TEG produced 0.11875 watts, while at 87.81°C, the output rose to 2.24 watts. The system includes an IoT-enabled monitoring setup, displaying voltage and current on an LCD and allowing remote control over power supply adjustments. This integration of waste disposal and power generation offers an innovative solution for energy demands, particularly in settings with significant waste generation. Through this project, waste-to-energy conversion is demonstrated as both a viable and scalable alternative energy source.