Heat exchanger enhanced by thermoelectric generator

Abstract

The invention relates to an evaporative heat exchanger enhanced by a thermoelectric generator, which allows electrical energy to be collected in a heat transfer process. The present disclosure consists of a heat exchanger.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 390,095, filed on July 18, 2022, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger that collects electrical energy during a heat transfer process and utilizes the energy to power other components of the heat exchanger.

[0004] Government funding

[0005] This invention was made with government support under Grant DE-EE0009683 issued by the U.S. Department of Energy. The government has certain rights in this invention Background Art

[0006] A thermoelectric generator, also called a "Seebeck generator" is a device that converts thermal energy (i.e., temperature differences) into electrical energy. Specifically, a thermoelectric generator generates electricity directly from heat by converting temperature differences into voltage. This electrical energy can be converted into additional electricity, for example for use in power plants and cars.

[0007] The general operation and use of heat exchangers are well known in the art. Specifically, heat exchangers can be used as part of an air conditioning system, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 987,063, which is incorporated herein by reference. However, due to the high temperature difference across the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger generates and produces a large amount of waste heat. This waste heat can be converted into additional electricity to produce a more efficient heat exchange process. The present disclosure improves the prior art by incorporating a thermoelectric generator ("TEG") into the heat exchanger structure.

[0008] Traditionally, TEGs have not been incorporated into heat exchangers due to their low thermoelectric conversion efficiency. In addition, given their low efficiency, TEGs are too expensive, and low-cost versions of TEGs are even less efficient in converting heat flux into electric current. However, for evaporative heat exchangers, the heat flux is very significant due to the high latent heat of evaporation. Therefore, if the heat transfer surface in the heat exchanger is combined with TEGs, the TEGs can generate enough electricity to power auxiliary equipment, such as a fan that pushes air through the exchanger or a pump that transports water for evaporation. In other words, the scale of the heat flux makes up for the low efficiency of TEGs and allows TEGs to power auxiliary equipment without external energy. In addition, systems using evaporative heat exchangers tend to consume less energy. Therefore, compared with traditional systems using heat exchangers, systems combined with evaporative heat exchangers and TEGs can more easily meet energy needs.

[0009] Therefore, there is a long-felt, but currently unmet, need for a system that utilizes thermoelectric generators to achieve a more efficient heat exchanger. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present disclosure consists of a heat exchanger with a thermoelectric generator located on or between the channel walls / plates. A heat transfer gas stream passes through the channels and transfers heat from one channel to the next. The transferred heat passes through the exchanger walls and then through the thermoelectric generators where a portion of the heat is converted into electrical energy. The electrical energy obtained is then used to power auxiliary equipment required for the heat exchanger or for other applications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The following detailed description, which is given by way of example and is not intended to limit the present disclosure to only the specific embodiments described, may be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a heat exchanger is shown, wherein a thermoelectric generator is placed between the channel walls of the heat exchanger.

[0013] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A system of heat exchangers in which a thermoelectric generator is placed between a series of alternating wet channel walls and dry channel walls.

[0014] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 An alternative embodiment of the system in which the thermoelectric generator is placed on the dry side of the channel wall.

[0015] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 An alternative embodiment of the system wherein the thermoelectric generator is a channel wall.

[0016] Figure 5 Shows Figure 2 An alternative embodiment of the system wherein the thermoelectric generator is embedded in the channel wall. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In order to promote and understand the principles disclosed herein, reference is now made to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and specific language is used to describe them. However, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the scope of the invention herein. For those skilled in the art of the present disclosure, changes and further modifications to the illustrated devices and further applications of the principles disclosed and illustrated herein may be considered.

[0018] The inventors of the present disclosure have created a new device 100, 200, 300, 400 to improve the efficiency of a heat exchanger 102, 202, 302, 402. In the present disclosure, the heat exchanger 102, 202, 302, 402 is equipped with a thermoelectric generator (TEG) 116, 216, 316, 416. The heat exchanger 102, 202, 302, 402 includes a series of dry channels 104, 204, 304, 404 and wet channels 106, 206, 306, 406. The present disclosure can be used for any type of heat exchanger 102, 202, 302, 402, including but not limited to plate heat exchangers, shell and tube heat exchangers, or any other type of heat exchanger that allows evaporative heat exchange. In addition, the heat exchanger can contain two or more media that exchange heat (i.e., dual-flow or multi-flow units). As shown, the heat exchanger 102 , 202 , 302 , 402 circulates a first heat transfer fluid 112 , 212 , 312 , 412 and a second heat transfer fluid 114 , 214 , 314 , 414 .

[0019] In alternative embodiments, the heat transfer fluid comprises air, water, glycol, or any other liquid or gas capable of exchanging heat.

[0020] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A heat exchanger including a dry channel 104 and a wet channel 106 is shown. The dry channel walls 104a, 104b are thermally coupled to the wet channel walls 106a, 106b such that a change in the temperature of the wet channel wall 104b results in a corresponding change in the temperature of the thermally coupled dry channel wall 106a. In the illustrated embodiment, the wet working channel wall 106a and the dry working channel wall 104b are coupled to form a shared wall / plate 110 made of a thermally conductive material. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the TEG 116 is located between the dry channel wall 104b and the wet channel wall 106a to form a corresponding plate 110. Each channel 104, 106 forms a closed space leading from a corresponding fluid inlet 118, 120 to a fluid outlet 122, 124. The fluid flows from each inlet to the outlet through the corresponding channel. The wet channel walls 106a, 106b are coated with a liquid 108. In the embodiment shown, the walls 106a, 106b are coated with water 108. As the second heat transfer fluid 114 passes through the wet channel 106, the water from the walls 106a, 106b evaporates, thereby reducing the temperature of the walls 106a, 106b. As the wet channel wall 106 cools, heat is transferred from the dry channel 104 to the wet channel 106. Thus, the first heat transfer fluid passing through the dry channel 104 is cooled by contacting with the dry channel walls 104a, 104b.

[0021] If the heat exchanger is a multi-flow unit, the volume of the heat transfer medium can be increased.The heat flux passes through the heat exchanger wall and in turn through the TEG and / or TEG 116, and the heat flux (ie, the change in heat) is converted into electrical energy.

[0022] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the TEG 116 is located between each channel wall of the heat exchanger and extends the entire length of the channel wall. In an alternative embodiment, the TEG 116 is located between at least one channel wall and extends the length of at least a portion of the channel wall.

[0023] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger 102, the plate 110, and the TEG 116 are constructed of non-woven fabrics (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET) non-woven fabrics). In other embodiments, the plate / wall 110 and the TEG 116 are constructed of materials suitable for heat exchange, including but not limited to metals and metal alloys such as aluminum, copper, carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, and titanium. In another embodiment, the plate / wall 110 and the TEG 116 are constructed of ceramic materials.

[0024] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the heat transfer process is continuous, thereby allowing the TEG 116 to continuously generate electrical energy and enhance the performance of the unit. The collected electrical energy can be used to power auxiliary equipment (e.g., pumps or fans) required for the heat exchanger 102, or it can be used for other applications. In one embodiment, the TEG 116 is connected to an electrical wire 126, which is connected to a dry channel fan 130 and a wet channel fan 128. The dry channel fan 130 moves the first heat transfer fluid 112 through the dry channel 104, and the wet channel fan 128 moves the second heat transfer fluid 114 through the wet channel 106. The TEG 116 provides power to the fans 128, 130 by converting the heat flux between the channels 104, 106 into electrical energy. Alternatively, a pump can be used instead of the fans 128, 130 to transport water for evaporation.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, the heat exchanger 102 includes a plurality of dry channels 104 and a plurality of wet channels 106, which are alternately thermally coupled in series. In an embodiment, each dry channel 104 is thermally coupled to a single wet channel 106. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of dry channels 104 are thermally coupled to one or more wet channels 106.

[0026] In one embodiment, the wet channel walls 106a, 106b or the dry channel walls 104a, 104b may form the ends of the heat exchanger. Alternatively, the channel plate 110 may serve as the wall of the heat exchanger 102 and be used to thermally couple the dry channel 104 and the wet channel 106 together. In other embodiments, the channels 104, 106 are arranged in an alternating arrangement so as to allow heat transfer between the channels.

[0027] Although the foregoing discussion refers to dry channels 104 and wet channels 106 as having "walls" 104a, 104b, 106a, 106b, it should be understood that any three-dimensional arrangement can be used. In one embodiment, channels 104, 106 each include a cylinder. Substantially all surrounding walls of wet channels 106 can be coated with water. Alternatively, channels 104, 106 can include rectangular prisms. In such an embodiment, only the "floor" of the wet channel can be coated with water 108. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the cooling capacity of system 100 can be selected by adjusting the number of channels 104, 106 and / or the contact area between the walls 110 of channels 104, 106 and the fluids 112, 114 passing through channels 104, 106. A larger contact area will increase the amount of evaporation and / or condensation, thereby enabling the degree of precooling and the amount of dehumidification to be adjusted based on the desired capacity of system 100.

[0028] As the second heat transfer fluid 114 passes through the wet working channel 106, the fluid 114 absorbs the liquid 108 on the channel walls 106a, 106b. The absorption of the liquid 108 removes heat from the wet channel walls 106a, 106b and cools the shared plate 110. In turn, the shared plate 110 cools the dry working channel 104 and the first heat transfer fluid 112 passing through the dry working channel 104.

[0029] In one embodiment, the fluid connection between the dry channel 104 and the wet channel 106 continuously replenishes the supply of liquid 108 in the wet channel 106 with moisture originating from the dry channel 104. In one embodiment, the fluid 108 connection is completely passive, such that no external energy is required to transport moisture from the dry channel 104 to the wet channel 106. In one embodiment, the dry channel 104 is located at a higher position than the wet channel 106, such that gravity achieves the transfer of moisture from the dry channel 104 to the wet channel 106. In one embodiment, the fluid connection is configured such that capillary action achieves the transfer of moisture from the dry channel 104 to the wet channel 106. In one embodiment, the dry channel walls 104a, 104b are coated with a hydrophobic material so that water collected on the dry channel walls is driven to the wet channel 106 through the fluid connection. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, combinations of these embodiments and other passive transport techniques can be used to achieve the transfer of moisture from the dry channel 104 to the wet channel 106 while preventing moisture from the wet channel 106 from flowing back to the dry channel 104.

[0030] In an embodiment, an active source is used to achieve the transfer of moisture from the dry channels 104 to the wet channels 106. In one embodiment, a pump is used. In an alternative embodiment, both active and passive mechanisms are combined to ensure continuous and efficient movement of water from the dry channels 104 to the wet channels 106.

[0031] In an embodiment, an external source is used to replenish the water 108 in the wet channel 106. The external source may include a connection to a local water source and / or distilled water obtained from a reservoir.

[0032] Figure 3 A heat exchanger 202 is shown in which a TEG 216 is located on one side of a channel plate 210 and forms a wall of one of a dry channel or a wet channel. Figure 3 , like labeled elements are incorporated into the embodiment 200 (ie, element 102 and element 202 both represent heat exchangers).

[0033] Figure 3 A heat exchanger 202 is shown that includes a series of alternating dry channels 204 and wet channels 206 that are thermally coupled together. In an embodiment, each dry channel 204 is thermally coupled to a single wet channel 206. In an alternative embodiment, multiple dry channels 204 are thermally coupled to one or more wet channels 206. Figure 3 As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2 , TEG 216 forms the wall of dry channel 204 and is thermally coupled to wet channel wall 206 a to form a corresponding plate 210 .

[0034] In one embodiment, the wet channel walls 206a, 206b or the dry channel walls 204a, 204b may form the ends of the heat exchanger 202. In alternative embodiments, the channel plates 210 may serve as the walls of the heat exchanger 202 and are used to thermally couple the dry channels 204 and the wet channels 206. In other embodiments, the channels 204, 206 are arranged in an alternating arrangement so as to allow heat transfer between the channels.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the heat exchanger includes a single dry channel 204 and wet channel 206 .

[0036] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, TEG 216 is located on and forms the dry channel wall. The surfaces of the dry channel wall are indicated at 204a, 204b.

[0037] Each channel 204, 206 forms a closed space leading from a corresponding fluid inlet 218, 220 to a fluid outlet 222, 224. The fluid flows from each inlet to the outlet through the corresponding channel. The walls 206a, 206b of the wet channel are coated with a liquid 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the walls 206a, 206b are coated with water 108. As the second heat transfer fluid 214 passes through the wet channel 206, the water from the walls 206a, 206b evaporates, thereby reducing the temperature of the walls 206a, 206b. As the walls of the wet channel 206 cool, heat is transferred from the dry channel 204 to the wet channel 206. Thus, the first heat transfer fluid 212 passing through the dry channel 204 is cooled by contacting the surface of the dry channel walls 204a, 204b. The heat flux passes through the plate 210, and then passes through the TEG and / or TEG 216, and the heat flux is converted into electrical energy.

[0038] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, TEG 216 is located on the dry side of each channel wall 204a, 204b of heat exchanger 202 and extends the entire length of channel wall 204a, 204b. In an alternative embodiment, TEG is located on the dry side of at least one channel wall 204, 204b and extends the length of at least a portion of the channel wall.

[0039] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger 202, the plate / wall 210, and the TEG 216 are constructed of non-woven fabrics (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET) non-woven fabrics). In other embodiments, the plate / wall 210 and the TEG 216 are constructed of materials suitable for heat exchange, including but not limited to metals and metal alloys such as aluminum, copper, carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, and titanium. In another embodiment, the plate / wall 210 and the TEG 216 are constructed of ceramic materials.

[0040] Although the foregoing discussion refers to dry channel 204 and wet channel 206 as having "walls" 204a, 204b, 206a, 206b, it should be understood that any three-dimensional arrangement can be used. In one embodiment, channels 204, 206 each include a cylinder. Substantially all surrounding walls of wet channel 206 can be coated with water. Alternatively, channels 204, 206 can include rectangular prisms. In such an embodiment, only the "floor" of wet channel 206 can be coated with water 208. As is clear to those skilled in the art, the cooling capacity of system 200 can be selected by adjusting the number of channels 204, 206 and / or the contact area between the walls of channels 204, 206 and the fluids 212, 214 passing through channels 204, 206. A larger contact area will increase the amount of evaporation and / or condensation, thereby enabling the degree of precooling and the amount of dehumidification to be adjusted based on the desired capacity of system 200.

[0041] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the heat transfer process is continuous, thereby allowing the TEG 216 to continuously generate electrical energy and enhance the performance of the unit. The collected electrical energy can be used to power auxiliary equipment required by the heat exchanger 202 (eg, a pump or fan), or for other applications.

[0042] Figure 4 A heat exchanger 302 is shown in which a TEG 316 includes channel walls 304a, 304b, 306a, 306b and a corresponding plate 310. Figure 3 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , like labeled elements are incorporated into this embodiment (ie, elements 102 , 202 , 302 all represent heat exchangers).

[0043] Figure 4 A heat exchanger 302 is shown that includes a series of alternating dry channels 304 and wet channels 306 that are thermally coupled together. In an alternative embodiment, each dry channel 304 is thermally coupled to a single wet channel 306. In an alternative embodiment, multiple dry channels 304 are thermally coupled to one or more wet channels 306. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , TEG 316 forms at least a portion of the walls of both wet channel 306 and dry channel 304 . In further embodiments, TEG 316 forms the entire walls of wet channel 306 and dry channel 304 .

[0044] In one embodiment, the ends of the heat exchanger 302 can be wet channel walls or dry channel walls. In alternative embodiments, one or more TEGs 316 include at least a portion of a channel plate 310, which can also serve as a wall of the heat exchanger 310 and is used to thermally couple the dry channels 304 and the wet channels 306 together. In other embodiments, the channels 304, 306 are arranged in an alternating arrangement so as to allow heat transfer between the channels.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, the heat exchanger includes a single dry channel 304 and wet channel 306 .

[0046] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the wet and dry channel walls 304 a , 304 b , 306 a , 306 b are constructed from TEG 316 .

[0047] Each channel 304,306 forms a closed space leading to a fluid outlet 322,324 from a corresponding fluid inlet 318,320. The fluid flows from each inlet to the outlet through the corresponding channel. The walls 306a,306b of the wet channel are coated with liquid 208. In the embodiment shown, the walls 306a,306b are coated with water 308. As the second heat transfer fluid 314 passes through the wet channel 306, the water from the walls 306a,306b evaporates, thereby reducing the temperature of the walls 306a,306b. As the wall of the wet channel 306 cools, heat is transferred from the dry channel 304 to the wet channel 306. The first heat transfer fluid 312 passing through the dry channel 304 is thus cooled by contacting with the surface of the dry channel wall 304a,304b. The heat flux passes through the heat exchanger 302 plate 310, and then passes through the TEG and / or TEG316, and the heat flux is converted into electrical energy.

[0048] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger 302 and the wet and dry channel walls 304a, 304b, 306a, 306b (i.e., TEG 316) are constructed of non-woven fabrics (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET) non-woven fabrics). In other embodiments, the TEG 316 is constructed of materials suitable for heat exchange, including but not limited to metals and metal alloys such as aluminum, copper, carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, and titanium. In another embodiment, the TEG 316 is constructed of a ceramic material.

[0049] Although the foregoing discussion refers to dry channel 304 and wet channel 306 as having "walls" 304a, 304b, 306a, 306b, it should be understood that any three-dimensional arrangement can be used. In one embodiment, channels 304, 306 each include a cylinder. Substantially all surrounding walls of wet channel 306 can be coated with water. Alternatively, channels 304, 306 can include rectangular prisms. In such an embodiment, only the "floor" of wet channel 306 can be coated with water 308. As is clear to those skilled in the art, the cooling capacity of system 300 can be selected by adjusting the number of channels 304, 306 and / or the contact area between the walls of channels 304, 306 and the fluids 312, 314 passing through channels 304, 306. A larger contact area will increase the amount of evaporation and / or condensation, thereby enabling the degree of precooling and the amount of dehumidification to be adjusted based on the desired capacity of system 300.

[0050] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the heat transfer process is continuous, thereby allowing the TEG 316 to continuously generate electrical energy and enhance the performance of the unit. The collected electrical energy can be used to power auxiliary equipment required by the heat exchanger 302 (eg, a pump or fan), or for other applications.

[0051] Figure 5 A heat exchanger is shown in which TEG 416 is embedded in the channel walls 404a, 404b, 406a, 406b. Figure 4 In the embodiment of , like labeled elements are incorporated into this embodiment (ie, element 102 , element 202 , element 302 , and element 402 ) and each represent a heat exchanger 402 .

[0052] Figure 5 A heat exchanger 402 is shown that includes a series of alternating dry channels 404 and wet channels 404 thermally coupled together. In an embodiment, each dry channel 404 is thermally coupled to a single wet channel 406. In an alternative embodiment, multiple dry channels 404 are thermally coupled to one or more wet channels 406.

[0053] like Figure 5 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , TEG 416 is incorporated into both the wet channel wall and the dry channel wall 404a, 404b, 406a, 406b. The channel wall and TEG 416 form a channel plate 410, which can act as a wall of the heat exchanger 402 and is used to thermally couple the dry channel 404 and the wet channel 406 together. In other embodiments, the channels 404, 406 are arranged in an alternating arrangement so as to allow heat transfer between the channels.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment, the heat exchanger 402 includes a single dry channel 404 and wet channel 406 .

[0055] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, TEG 416 is embedded in channel walls 404a, 404b, 406a, 406b. Each channel 404, 406 forms a closed space leading from a corresponding fluid inlet 418, 420 to a fluid outlet 422, 424. The fluid flows from each inlet to the outlet through the corresponding channel. The walls 406a, 406b of the wet channel are coated with liquid 408. In the embodiment shown, the walls 406a, 406b are coated with water 408. As the second heat transfer fluid 414 passes through the wet channel 406, the water on the walls 406a, 406b evaporates, thereby reducing the temperature of the walls 406a, 406b. As the walls of the wet channel 406 cool, heat is transferred from the dry channel 404 to the wet channel 406. Thus, the first heat transfer fluid 412 passing through the dry channel 404 is cooled by contacting the surface of the dry channel walls 404a, 404b.

[0056] Heat flux passes through the heat exchanger wall 410 and then through the TEG and / or TEG 416 , and the heat flux is converted into electrical energy.

[0057] exist Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, the TEG is embedded within each channel wall 404a, 404b, 406a, 406b of the heat exchanger 402 and extends the entire length of the channel wall. In an alternative embodiment, the TEG 416 is embedded within at least one channel wall and extends the length of at least a portion of the channel wall.

[0058] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger 402, the plate / wall 410, and the TEG 416 are constructed of non-woven fabrics (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET) non-woven fabrics). In other embodiments, the plate / wall 410 and the TEG 416 are constructed of materials suitable for heat exchange, including but not limited to metals and metal alloys such as aluminum, copper, carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, and titanium. In another embodiment, the plate / wall 410 and the TEG 416 are constructed of ceramic materials.

[0059] Although the foregoing discussion refers to dry channel 404 and wet channel 406 as having "walls" 404a, 404b, 406a, 406b, it should be understood that any three-dimensional arrangement can be used. In one embodiment, channels 404, 406 each include a cylinder. Substantially all surrounding walls of wet channel 406 can be coated with water. Alternatively, channels 404, 406 can include rectangular prisms. In such an embodiment, only the "floor" of wet channel 406 can be coated with water 408. As is clear to those skilled in the art, the cooling capacity of system 400 can be selected by adjusting the number of channels 404, 406 and / or the contact area between the walls of channels 404, 406 and the fluids 412, 414 passing through channels 404, 406. The larger the contact area, the larger the amount of evaporation and / or condensation, thereby enabling the degree of precooling and the amount of dehumidification to be adjusted based on the desired capacity of system 400.

[0060] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the heat transfer process is continuous, thereby allowing the TEG 416 to continuously generate electrical energy and enhance the performance of the unit. The collected electrical energy can be used to power auxiliary equipment required by the heat exchanger 402 (eg, a pump or fan), or for other applications.

[0061] In the present disclosure, the heat exchangers 102, 202, 302, 402 act passively on the exhaust and outside air. The cooling and dehumidification that occurs during the heat exchange process does not require energy. In alternative embodiments, in addition to the passive cooling and dehumidification discussed above, active cooling and dehumidification may also occur in the heat exchangers, thereby increasing the efficiency of traditional active cooling systems while still ensuring that the desired degree of cooling is consistently provided.

[0062] Having described in detail the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosure defined by the preceding paragraphs is not limited to the specific details set forth in the above description, since many obvious variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, comprising: A first channel, the first channel comprising: a first inlet adjacent to a first end of the first channel, the first inlet configured to draw in a first heat transfer fluid; and a first outlet adjacent the second end of the first channel, the first outlet configured to discharge the first heat transfer fluid; A second channel, the second channel comprising: a second inlet adjacent the first end of the second channel, the second inlet configured to draw in a second heat transfer fluid; and a second outlet adjacent to a second end of the second channel, the second outlet configured to discharge the second heat transfer fluid; and, Wherein a thermoelectric generator (TEG) is coupled between a wall of the first channel and an adjacent wall of the second channel to form a shared thermally coupled wall.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein: The first channel comprises a dry channel and liquid is disposed along a wall of the second channel to form a wet channel.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein: The second heat transfer fluid interacts with the liquid to reduce the temperature on the second channel side of the shared thermal coupling wall, and the first channel transfers heat to the second channel through the thermal coupling wall (and TEG), wherein the resulting heat flux is converted to energy.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein: The heat exchanger further includes additional dry and wet channels arranged in an alternating pattern, wherein TEGs are bonded between the walls of both the wet and dry channels forming a shared thermally coupled wall.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein: The channels of the heat exchanger are formed by rectangular prisms.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein: The channels of the heat exchanger are formed by cylinders.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein: The channels of the heat exchanger are made of polyethylene non-woven fabric, metal, metal alloy, ceramic material or a combination thereof.

8. A heat exchanger comprising a series of alternating wet and dry channels and a plurality of thermoelectric generators (TEGs), wherein: The adjacent walls of both the wet and dry channels form a shared thermal coupling wall, and the TEG is positioned adjacent the thermal coupling wall.

9. The heat exchanger according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the trunk channels comprises: a first inlet adjacent to a first end of the first channel, the first inlet configured to draw in a first heat transfer fluid; and a first outlet adjacent the second end of the first channel, the first outlet configured to discharge the first heat transfer fluid; and Each of the wet channels comprises: a liquid disposed within the wet channel; a second inlet adjacent the first end of the second channel, the second inlet configured to draw in a second heat transfer fluid; and a second outlet adjacent a second end of the second channel, the second outlet configured to discharge the second heat transfer fluid; and Therein, the second heat transfer fluid interacts with the liquid to reduce the temperature on the wet channel side of the shared thermal coupling wall, and the dry channel transfers heat to the wet channel through the thermal coupling wall (and TEG), wherein the resulting heat flux is converted into energy.

10. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein: The channels of the heat exchanger are composed of rectangular prisms.

11. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein: The channels of the heat exchanger are formed by cylinders.

12. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein: The channels of the heat exchanger are made of polyethylene non-woven fabric, metal, metal alloy, ceramic material or a combination thereof.

13. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein: The TEG is embedded in the thermally coupled wall.

14. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein: The TEG forms the entire thermal coupling wall.

15. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein: The TEG forms the dry channel wall and together with the adjacent walls of the wet channel forms a shared thermally coupled wall.

16. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein: The TEG is connected to electrical wires that transfer energy from the TEG to additional heat exchange components.

17. The heat exchanger according to claim 16, wherein: The additional heat exchange components include supply fans to improve the movement of the first heat transfer fluid and the second heat transfer fluid through the wet channels and the dry channels, or pumps to deliver liquid to the wet channels for evaporation.

18. A method of generating electricity to improve the efficiency of a heat exchanger, the method comprising the steps of: sucking in a first heat transfer fluid through the inlets of the plurality of dry channels and discharging the heat transfer fluid through the outlets of the dry channels; A second heat transfer fluid is sucked in through the inlets of the plurality of wet channels and discharged through the outlets of the wet channels, wherein: The enclosures of adjacent wet channel walls and dry channel walls include a shared thermal coupling wall; A thermoelectric generator (TEG) is positioned adjacent to the thermally coupled wall; and The second heat transfer fluid passes through the wet channel to evaporate the liquid in the wet channel to cool the wet channel, and as heat flux passes through the TEG, the dry channel transfers heat to the wet channel and generates energy.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The TEG is connected to electrical wires to transfer energy from the TEG to additional heat exchange components.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The additional heat exchange components include supply fans to improve the movement of the first heat transfer fluid and the second heat transfer fluid through the wet channels and the dry channels, or pumps to deliver liquid to the wet channels for evaporation.

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