' /'

J GOVERNMENT OF KERALA
DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
~
tr~,

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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TRIVANDRUM
CENTRE FOR INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CONSULTANCY
AND SPONSORED RESEARCH
ENGINEERING COLLEGE P.O.. THIRUVAN ANTHAPURA M -69501 6
01 /18-19 · 26.10.2018
Dute : ............... ....... .. •..
ITC & SR No. :............................ .
From

The Principal

To
Director
KSCSTE
Sasthra Bhav-,v ,

Sir

Sub: Subrmssion of r,· ;earch project proposal for Student Project : - reg

I am hereby fcrwarding the proposal received from one of our faculty members for
Student Project under KSCSTE - Student Project Scheme

The research proposal Thermoelectric Generator based energy harvester from

transformer · is submrtted by Prof. Vijayasree G, Asst. Professor, Department of Electrical
Engineering, College of Engineering Trivandrum for Students Project Scheme under Kerala
State Council for Sci~nce, Technology & Environment (KSCSTE). Necessary steps may
please be taken in this regard .

Thank you

Yours faithfully

/2V
Dr. Jlji C.V
Principal
f>R\NC\PA\..
C0\ll ti Of (fillilNElRINGTRl'JANORUM
l ltUIUYAUAll l KAPUR~..._ \ 6,

INSTITUTION CODE : 201. TELEGRAM - VASTU VIDYA FA X : 047 1-2S98370 TELE PHONE . OfFICE : 0.71 -25 15.572
PRINCIPA L: 04 11-25 1S5.SS PROFESSOR : 0471-2.Sl.560.S EMAIL . itcsr@l:et ac in / itcsr.cct@gmail com
KERALA STATE COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom Palace P.O, Thiruvananthapuram 695004

STUDENT PROJECT SCHEME-APPLICATION FORMAT

1To be submitted in 3 copies1
(All fields are mandatory. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Attach additional slieet wlierever necessary)

1. Title of the Research Proposal : Thennoelectric generator based energy harvester from
transformers

2. Broad area/field of classification: Distribution transformer, energy harvesting, electronics.

3 .Project Type(s) (Basic Research/Applied Research/Developmental/ Demonstration/

Others: Applied Research

4 Broad objectives of the project:

• To analyse the temperature of a distribution transformer and to identify the hotspots .

• To harvest electrical energy from thermal energy using thermo electric generator.

5. Precise objectives of the project (max.150 words):

The temperature distribution varies in different parts of the transformer, therefore using a software
like AN SYS it is possible to obtain temperature density plot of a transformer by modelling the
transformer in the simulation software. From the temperature density plot the machine hotspots are
located for fault and working conditions .The thermo electric generator will be implemented at the
hotspotand the thermal energy is converted to electric energy and by using a suitable boost converter,
this energy can be connected to a load.

6. Abstract (max.300 words):

A transformer is a static electrical device that transforms electrical energy between two or more
circuits through electromagnetic induction. Distribution transformers are step down transformers
Used for electric power distribution purpose and deliver electric power at a utilization voltage level
to the consumer end via energy metering system . Transformer operations lead to production of heat
energy which is generally not conducted to any useful form and is dissipated into the environment
without any potential gains. This heat can be transformed into potential energy source which can

be used to power subsystems or to energize the power grid. A FEM( Finite Element Method)of oil
immersed transformers is developed using AN SYS or MATLAB to investigate the temperature
distribution using the finite element technique due to heat generation in windings and core.
Continuous monitoring of this heat distribution provides useful infonnation on intensity and location
estimation for hottest spot temperature development. The heat energy dissipated from the hotspots
can be converted to electrical energy with the help ofThennoelectric generator through a phenomenon
called Seebeck Effect. A high gain booster circuit system is used to produce high voltage gain from the
low output TEG.

7. Methodology/ experimental design (attach as separate sheet) :

8. Applications/Socio-economic importance (The relevance, if any,
to the utilization and management of the natural resources of the State)

Energy is harvested which is converted to electric form and is used to supply loads , hence this can be
used to power a small unit.

9. Details of investigator (s)

i. Name & Designation of Principal Investigator (Pl) : Vijaysree G
Assistant Professor
a. Department & College of Pl: Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department
College of Engineering Trivandrum

b. Category of the college (Govt.I Aided/Private): Government

ii . Name of Co-investigator (s)

111 . Name of Student Jnvestigator(s) Ashna Felix , Devika A, Cecil Sebastian , Sahla Jasmin KP

a.. College, course of study, department, semester, year of study:

College of Engineering Trivandrum , Bachelor of Technology ,

Electrical and Electronics Department , Semester 7, fourth year

b.Current number of back log papers:

NIL, NIL, NIL, NIL

l O. Particulars of the facilities that will be provided by the institution where this
project will be implemented : ANSYS software .

1I . Whether assistance from any external agency/ institution is required to complete the project? If yes, give
details: Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB)

12. Whether the scheme was submitted to any other organization for financial
support, If so, the names of the institutions and their decisions may be
indicated. NO
13. Whether nt pres~nt receiving support from any other orgnnisntion other than your present department? If
so. full pnrticulnn; of these muy be gi\'cn : NO

14. Details of projl-ct-s sanctioned by KSCSTE under this scheme during current financial year to: NO

15. Budget Details: Estimntcd expenditure (Brie.fly specify all budget heads)

SI No. Budget Hend Amount

1. Consumables
TEG moduk (8) 35000
lGBT module
Arduino
Hnrdwnre
Software purchas~
2. Travel 2000
3. Rcscun·h Literature & Documentation 2000
4. Othcn; 1000
TOTAL 40000

Documents to be utt11ched with the application:

I. Dctuikd hit, dntu of Pl. C'o-invcstigmor und student invcstigutor to be uttuchcd
 ENDORSEMENT

I have scrutinized the project proposal titled " . .. Thermo Electric Energy Harvester From
Transformers" and found that the project is feasible and can be completed by the student(s) in the
stipulated time frame . I hereby endorse that no financial assistance was received previously for the
project from KSCSTE. Further, I shall provide all the guidance & support needed for the successful
completion of the project.

Name, Official Address (with Department), Telephone Number, email id and mobile
number of Principal Investigator:
'I t.:1AYAS'R£L-G
Ass, <;TAN, ? 1<0~£.s.;;o~ C..'V1 E.C.De'P1'112'\t,,') ~Jll T,
~CN"T · COLL E:.<nc or E.NGII\\ £.£..RI NG) , ""tR\VANDRun .
. T\-\[RU\IA!'1~J-r1-\ A '\\1 RAn . '1 J.tq 6 qIt 01-("t~ - "°D'ttj"SY-"P Q>cd" tzl.> · ·f'\A. ·
Signature of Pnnc1pal Investigator: ~

Place: <"f'vp,.,-,.
Date: 26· 10 , 2..o I '3

DECLARATION BY HEAD OF THE INSTITUTION

Certified that basic facilities and such other administrative facilities as per the terms
and conditions of the grant for undertaking the proposed project are available at our
institution and the same will be extended to the investigator(s).

Signature of the Head of Institution

Name & ~alitliiAL
CO LlEr.E Of £N GI NHRlfJG T111\fli NPP 11 \~
TH IRUV ~NA N! I-IAPU RA,vl · i 6.
I
METHODOLOGY

1. Analysis of thermal characteristics at different parts of the

transformer
Transformer is a static device that transfers electrical energy between two or
more circuits through electromagnetic induction. Hotspot temperature is one of
the most important parameter of transformer. There is a large amount of heat
loss during the working of transformer, which is different at different loading
conditions and damage conditions. We can observe the temperature distribution
across various parts of a transformer from temperature density plot in ANSYS
software.
In this study, the thermal field was analyzed, based on tracking the heat
generation from active parts down to the ambient. And then it is examined at
specific transfonner in a 2nd simulation basing on Finite Element Method
(FEM) technique to determine the temperature distribution for a three phase
transformer using ANSYS/MATLAB package. A comprehensive temperature
characteristics report is obtained from this study.

lnsulatioo-<il

1
Winding

Cort

Grotnd

Fig. 3. Nonn.,I condition remperanirc demiry plor for validAlion

2. Identification of machine hotspots

.,. - -- "'
---
- - I 00 ' C'

.- - .- -
.
- (11HSTl
pa
-- ,.

-
- ♦
- -
I
-
(C) HST3 (dJ HSH

F11 -' T~tom:w:r IC1JlPCf&IUC~ ~•'Y plot lfiWli for each HST~
Continuous monitoring of transformer heat distribution could provide useful
information on intensity and location estimation for hottest spot temperature
(HST) development. Changes of heat dissipation at the inner and outer
transformer body tank were analyzed. The results show that the continuous
presence of HST increases oil temperatures as well as inner and outer tank
surface temperatures.

3. Harvesting Electrical energy through Thermo-Electric Generator

A Thermo-Electric generator (TEG), also called a Seebeck generator, is
a solid state device that converts heat flux (temperature differences) directly
into electrical energy through a phenomenon called the Seebeck effect.
Magnitude of voltage generated is proportional to temperature difference and
depends on the type of conducting material. TEGs are fixed at the hotspots of
transformers and thus the dissipated heat is converted to electrical energy.
Amount of energy harvested depends on type and number of TEGs used,
hotspot temperature, ambient temperature, fault conditions in transformer etc.
HIii Aburttl (Co ld Sift)

[l1'11icat 1nu111or
(Ctramlcl
Hut R11tc11011101 S~•I

4. Design of a booster system for TEG output

Output ofTEG may not be sufficient to meet the power requirement of the load.
So a suitable Boost converter is designed to step up the output of TEG to
required voltage level.
The booster system has a high gain DC-DC boost converter, that has the
coupled inductor with voltage multiplier produces a high voltage gain from very
low input voltages of Thermo Electric Generator (TEG).
A two-stage cascade Boost converter topology is used to fulfil the requirement
of wide input voltage range, which consists of input stage and output stage.

5. Use the boosted electrical energy to power suitable loads.

Output of TEG is boosted to suitable value using a boost converter. Design of
boost converter depends on load requirements. Generated energy can be used
for lighting purposes or for supporting other auxiliary supplies.
 i' I
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BIO;i>~TA
I

1. Name and full correspondence addr~ss : vdA Y~SREE G

Assistant rofessor,
I Departme t of Electrical Engineering,
1 Cdllege o Engineering Trivandrum i
I :
2. Email(s) and contact number(s) : vijayasree@cet.ac. in 9495940470
I I
I .
3. Institution : Co Hege 01Engine~ring TrivandrJm
I
4. Date of Birth : 29/08/1969

5. Gender (M/FIT) :F
•• '
I • I

6. Academic Qualification (Undergr~dbate On-Wa!rds) 1

I:
SI.No. Degree Year Subject University/Institution % of marks

.Tech 1994 . E1.f rir an9rum irst C:lass

I I I I.

! I I

.Tech ,, :s1_1~rstlM~of r1 • irst Class

echnolbgy; '
.a atcovil .
I
: ' : I it
I '
7. Work experience (in chronological order). !

SJ.No. Positions Held Name of the Institute From

■ Assistant Professor
- ~
r
Kerala State Elect :icity Board

- o_epah rnerit ot Il:I'-ctrib

Techokal E9Jc! t 911 : '
j al 1
I I I i
1
....
1111
!O •
'' I
. I, I I I ,•• ·.

8. Subjects Offered ;
;( I' ..I ;' I I I I I :,· I

f I !, - I I !. . . ! . . .~ I
1. Power Semiconductor Dri~~s I : ' : ;1 '

1 ir1 · I ' · 'J 1

1
2. Application of Power Electrenics in P
'o1~f system 1 '
'
.I
3. Switched Mode Power Converters . , I] 1
•

I '! I I
4. Signals and Systems I· ,1. I I

j r,
I
I I

I L.
i
 BIODATA
1. Name : Ashna Felix
2. Father's Name : Felix Alex John
3. Date of Birth : 22- January- 1998
4. Gender : Female
5. Nationality : Indian
6. Address : Aashyana
Mundakkal East
Kallam
PIN:691001
7. Mobile Number : 9746483965
8. Educational Qualifications:

SI.No Qualification Board From To Percentage

1 B.Tech in EEE KTU 2015 Till Now 81.35% till
semester 6
2 12th CBSE 2014 2015 93.8%
3 10th ICSE 2012 2013 92.5%
BIODATA
1.Name : Cecil Sebastian

2.Father's Name : Sebastian K. G

3.Date of Birth : 16-july-1997

4.Gender : male

5.Nationality : Indian

6.Address : Ancels House

Alungal
Pulikkal P.O
Malappuram
Pin:673637

?.Mobile number : 9400684405

8.Educational Qualifications:

SI No Qualification From To Percentage

1 B.Tech in EEE 2015 Till now 76%

2 12" CBSE 2013 2015 92.8

3 10"' CBSE 2012 2013 95

 BIODATA
1. Name : Devika A
2. Father's Name : A Parameswaran
3. Date of Birth : 15- June- 1996
4. Gender : Female
5. Nationality : Indian
6. Address : Avinjikkad Mana
Thaikkattussery Post
Ollur
Thrissur
PIN:680306
7. Mobile Number : 9061659621
8. Educational Qualifications:

SI.No Qualification Board From To Percentage

1 B.Tech in EEE KTU 2015 Till Now 73.25% till
semester 6
2 12tn CBSE 2013 2014 93.4%
3 10tn CBSE 2011 2012 95%
 BIODATA
1. Name
: Sahla Jasmin K P
2. Father's Name : Moidu
3. Date of Birth : 14- May- 1996
4. Gender : Female
5. Nationality : Indian
6. Address : Koorimannil Pattayil (H)
Mattathur( P.0)
Othukkungal
Malappuram
PIN:676528
7. Mobile Number : 7034311863
8. Educational Qualifications:

SI.No Qualification Board From To Percentage

1 B.Tech in EEE KTU 2015 Till Now 85% till 6tn
semester
2 12tn Kerala 2013 2014 95.5%
State
Board
3 1oin Kerala 2011 2012 95%
State
Board
 l
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KERALA ST ATE COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom P.O, Thiruvananthapuram

STUDENT PROJECT
Name of the P.l .
y~~O-h;l.tt · C=,
Address of the 1nstitution

Title of the project proposal

File No./ Letter No.

Terms and Conditions

I. The scheme is constituted for the purpose of providing assistance in the form of grants to
students for scientific research work with particular relevance to the State of Kerala in the
economic and industrial development.

2 Grant will be released to the principal investigator after the completion of the project through
the Head of the institution.

3. The maximum duration of the project will be one year from the date of start of the project

4. This date of start of the project should be intimated by the Institution authorities/Principal
Investigator to the Council. It shall, in no case be later than one month after the receipt of the
intimation letter from KSCSTE.

5. On completion of the project,-one hard copy and a soft copy (as pdt) of the final project
report on the work done in the prescribed format should be sent to the Council along with the
utilization certificate (UC) and statement of expenditure (SE). The Utilization Certificate
and Statement of Expenditure should be countersigned by the HOI and shall re sulmitted as i:x:rlhe
rules of KSCSlE.

6. The institute will maintain separate audited accounts for the project.

7. The institute will not entrust the implementation of the work for which the grant is being
sanctioned to another institution nor will it divert the grant receipts to other institute as
assistance.

8. The council reserves the right to terminate the project at any stage if it is convinced that the
grant has not been properly utilized or appropriate progress is not being made. In addition ,
the Council may designate Scientist/Specialist or an Expert Panel to review the work oone.
I
9. If the Pl to whom the project has been sanctioned wishes to leave the Institution where the
project is based, the Institute/Pl will inform the same to the Council and in consultation with
Council, evolve steps to ensure successful completion of the project, before relieving the PI.

10. Investigators must acknowledge the Council in reports and technical/scientific papers
publishing based on the research work done under the project. Investigators are requested to
publish some of the research papers emerging out of the project work in leading Indian
Journals.

11. If the results of research are to be legally protected by way of patent/copy rights etc. the
results should not be published without action being taken to secure legal protection for the
research results.

12 The knowledge generated from the project will be the property of KSCSTE and should be
properly acknowledged. Transfer to technology generated shall be done in consultation with
the Council.

13. The Council may enforce additional guidelines for the operation of the student project from
time to time and the Institution/Investigators are required to observe such directions in the
conduct of the research work.

We agree to the terms and conditions stated above.

"'1V
Name §f,.~lff
· atJ>~CIPAL
Name&~ H d Jf f-h fµGINEERING TRIVANDRUM
Principal Investigator ea uv'ANANTHAPUR~I&.
Vr:r AYASRGC-~
4 P, El , CE.-T,