Thermoelectric generation : A viable solution for industrial waste heat recovery

The process industry is continuously looking for viable technologies to increase the energy
efficiency of their production processes. Thermoelectric generation (TEG) is a technology which is
economically viable, while providing attractive features such as: scalability, low impact on production
process, low maintenance costs and foremost a robust solid state system. Particularly in areas of high
temperature waste heat, thermoelectric generation outperforms technologies such as steam generators,
organic Rankine cycle or others. TEG offers energy saving solutions in production process areas that
are not accessible for other technologies.

Figuur 1 : Waste heat recovery through thermoelectric generation in a steel casting line

A novel concept for a thermoelectric generator

Up to today, the manufacturing costs of thermoelectric materials and modules were too high to
justify large scale application. Recently RGS Development has developed an advanced thermoelectric
module that meets the industry requirements.
Thermoelectric generation is a long known concept which uses the so called Seebeck effect. A
thermoelectric module is built from a number of semi-conductor components, electrically connected in
series. Loaded under heat a module generates electrical power. RGS applies this principle for
industrial waste heat recovery. The hot side of a module is exposed to a heat source. A portion of the
heat is converted to electricity, the remaining heat leaves the thermoelectric module via the cold side
in the form of hot water.
The RGS novel thermoelectric generator module is assembled by simply stacking thermoelectric
strips, which are manufactured with RGS’ unique casting process. In its turn, thermoelectric generator
modules are assembled into a thermoelectric panel of required dimensions.

Water cooling

Thermoelectric module

Thermoelectric panel

Figuur 2 : RGS novel thermoelectric module assembled to a thermoelectric panel

The concept provides a solution for an economical technology to increase energy efficiency in
industrial applications, with the following performance indications:
 5-10% conversion into electricity
 90-95% conversion into hot water
 2-3 kW / m2 electricity output
 3-4 years estimated unsubsidized payback period

The RGS thermoelectric generator is designed for use in temperature zones of 700°C - 1200°, and can
be exposed to heat radiation from e.g.
- burner/furnace area’s ( e.g. in incinerators, power generation plants, chemical refraction
processes ), or
- hot solid bodies ( e.g. steel , aluminium or glass ).

Introduction roadmap

The product development of the RGS thermoelectric module has progressed to an industrialization
stage. Initial scale manufacturing will be available in the first quarter of 2016. RGS offers feasibility
studies and pilot projects, including engineering- and manufacturing small scale applications in an
industrial process environment. The next stage will be to realize larger scale demonstration projects, in
collaboration with integration partners to cover the infrastructural and integration services.

RGS Development: general introduction ( www.rgsdevelopment.nl)

RGS Development is a technology company, specialized in development and manufacturing of

materials and components with unique properties. RGS Development operates an industrial scale
manufacturing platform, utilized for the production of silicon alloy nano-powders and netshape
components. RGS Development concentrates on the application of these materials and components in
energy conversion related markets, with a focus on thermoelectric generation (TEG) and Li-ion
batteries. The company is privately owned and located in the Amsterdam area.

Figuur 3 RGS Development manufacturing facilities

For more information : www.rgsdevelopment.nl

Or contact : Maarten den Heijer denheijer@rgsdevelopment.nl