Characterization of Thermoelectric Generators for Cathodic Protection of Pipelines of the City Heating

In the scientific article, the design of an experimental thermoelectric power source for the cathodic protection station of the heat network pipeline from electrochemical corrosion is proposed, which allows utilizing low-potential heat with subsequent direct conversion to electricity in thermoelectric converters consisting of two metals different in their thermionic properties, using the effect of thermoelectricity. Thermoelectricity is the phenomenon of direct conversion of heat into electricity in conductors, as well as the reverse phenomenon of direct heating and cooling of junctions of two conductors by passing current. The transition of thermal energy into electrical energy occurs in thermoelectric converters. A thermoelectric transducer is a pair of conductors made of different materials connected at one end. Thermoelectric converters are used to produce electricity by directly converting heat into electricity. When the thermoelectric module connected to the electrical circuit is heated, electricity is generated. At the same time, the generated electric current can be used as an Autonomous power supply to the cathodic protection station. The technique of the experiment, as well as experimental studies with subsequent analysis of the main characteristics of the thermoelectric generator, was conducted. As a result, the optimal design of the thermoelectric generator for the cathodic protection station was chosen.