Study of the degradation of heat exchanger materials in the acidic environment of Teide National Park

Abstract

Supplying power to volcanic monitoring stations constitutes a challenge due to both the access difficulties and the acidic environment associated with volcanoes. ELECTROVOLCAN project is developing thermoelectric generators that make use of the temperature of the available fumaroles to directly supply electricity to the stations in a robust, compact and reliable way. The main element of thermoelectric generators are the thermoelectric modules, based on Seebeck effect. Nonetheless, since the efficiency of these modules increases with the temperature difference between their sides, the introduction of heat exchangers becomes essential. The present study analyses the behavior of different materials used in the construction of the heat exchangers in the acidic environment of Teide National Park.