Field test of a geothermal thermoelectric generator without moving parts on the Hot Dry Rock field of Timanfaya National Park

Although in the last years thermoelectric generators have arisen as a solution to boost geothermal power generation, tests on field are still scarce. The vast majority of available studies focus computational simulations or laboratory experiments, mainly with active heat exchangers that require pumps fans, and, consequently, present moving parts and auxiliary consumption. paper demonstrates for first time suitability generator (GTEG) passive phase change exchangers, therefore, without nor consumption, shallow Hot Dry Rock (HDR) Timanfaya National Park (Canary Islands, Spain), where 173 °C air anomalies can be found. device has been operation maintenance 2 now, producing more than 520 kWh energy. In terms since installed is turn composed two prototypes 10 6 modules, it confirmed installing modules leads lower generation per module, although total higher. fact, prototype generated maximum 20.9 W (2.09 module) temperature difference between sources 158 °C, while obtained 16.67 (2.78 under same conditions. These results open door large-scale exploitation thanks intrinsic advantages modularity, reliability, robustness, minimal environmental impact developed device.