Development and Experimental Validation of a New Off-Grid Thermoelectric Fancoil for Domestic Heating

Conventional heating systems are based either on radiators or on fan coils and the heat transfer process is carried out by convection phenomena in both cases, but with some fundamental differences. Traditional radiators can be considered less efficient compared to fancoils due to the fact that their performance relies on natural convection, a less efficient heat transfer process than forced convection. However, in contrast to fan coils, conventional radiators can operate without the need for mains supply. In this paper, a new heating device based on thermoelectricity, that combines the advantages of both radiators and fancoils, is presented. This new system exploits the heat coming from the heating system to generate electricity, which is consumed in situ to power a fan, eliminating the need for a nearby wall outlet. For this purpose, a laboratory prototype has been built and experimental characterization has been carried out.