Energy harvesting with micro scale hydrodynamic cavitation-thermoelectric generation coupling

In this study, energy harvesting with micro scale hydrodynamic cavitation-thermoelectric generation coupling is investigated. For this, three micro orifices with different geometrical dimensions are fabricated. The hydraulic diameter of the micro orifices are 66.6 μm, 75.2 μm, and 80 μm, while their length is the same (2000μm). Two different working fluids, namely water and Perfluoropentane droplet-water suspension, are utilized for cavitating flows in the fabricated micro orifices. The flow patterns at different upstream pressures are recorded using the high-speed camera system, and the experimental results are analyzed and compared. Thereafter, energy harvesting perspectives of cavitating flows are considered. The released heat from collapsing bubbles and the subsequent temperature rise on the end wall of the microchannel, which can be used as the source for the power generation, is calculated over time. Finally, a miniature energy harvesting system with cavitation system and thermoelectric generator coupling is presented. The maximum power corresponding to two different thermoelectric generators is estimated for with both working fluids and is compared with the required power to run miniature daily used electronics components.