🔥 Plasma Heat Recovery System
This project explores the conversion of extreme plasma-side waste heat into usable electrical energy through thermoelectric systems. It integrates shielding layers to safely harness high-energy flux from fusion-adjacent or space propulsion environments.
- 🌡️ Harvests plasma heat through embedded thermoelectric modules
- 🧱 Integrates radiation shielding for reactor-embedded electronics
- ⚛️ Applies to space systems, SMRs, and energy recovery in high-radiation zones
- 📐 Modeled in Fluent with neutron and thermal degradation parameters
🧪 Thermoelectric Capture & Shielding Modeling
To safely reuse heat from plasma-facing components, shielding layers were combined with thermoelectric generators (TEGs) to convert heat into electrical output while maintaining neutron protection. Simulations modeled thermal stress, neutron attenuation, and temperature distribution using ANSYS Fluent and parametric assumptions.
- 🔳 Built parametric models to test plasma-adjacent thermal flux
- 🧱 Shielding layers included BeO, graphite, and tungsten configurations
- 🌡️ Evaluated degradation at TEG interfaces under steady-state and pulsed loads
- 🧊 Optimized thermoelectric layout to balance shielding and energy recovery
📊 Thermal Simulation Snapshot
This simulation visualized heat distribution, thermal gradients, and interface stresses between plasma-facing surfaces and thermoelectric modules.
🛡️ Material & Shielding Stack
| Layer | Material | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma-Facing Surface | Graphite / Tungsten | Radiation absorption, thermal diffusion |
| Shielding Layer | BeO + Graphite Composite | Neutron attenuation & thermal moderation |
| Thermoelectric Layer | Bi₂Te₃ / TEG Array | Electrical power generation from heat gradient |
🤝 Interested in Plasma-Based Thermoelectric Research?
I'm exploring partnerships, concept feedback, or student-led simulation projects to advance this thermal-electric system. If you're in materials, thermal modeling, or nuclear-adjacent systems, I'd love to connect.
📬 Let’s Talk