Theoretical and Experimental Study of Thermoelectric Generators for Vehicles

Abstract

The general physical laws for reaching the maximum efficiency of a generator using vehicular exhaust heat have been studied. Based on the physical models of a generator with lumped and distributed parameters, the optimal gas temperature at the outlet of the thermoelectric generator (TEG) and the optimal distribution of gas temperature in the heat exchanger have been found. The basic generator parameters, namely the voltage, power, and efficiency, have been calculated in the steady-state and dynamic modes. The possibility of efficiency improvement by a factor of 1.5 through use of an exponential as compared with an isothermal distribution of heat exchanger temperature has been revealed. Calculations are confirmed by results from testing a prototype vehicular thermoelectric generator.

Renewable Energy in Ukraine-Poland Region: Comparison, Critical Analysis, and Opportunities

“…A feature of research in thermoelectricity is the inexpensive opportunity to test ready devices. The largest thermoelectricity center in Eastern Europe located in Chernivtsi (Ukraine), namely, the Institute of Thermoelectricity of NAS and MES of Ukraine with ALTEK production company, based of which thermoelectric generators are developed and tested [57], or in Odesa (Thermion Co.) [58]. There are also a large number of citations concerning the cooling systems or the use of thermoelectric measuring devices [59].…”

Experimental Investigation of the Performance of Different Heat ExchangerProfiles in the Waste Heat Recovery System with Thermoelectric Generator for Automobile Exhaust Systems

“…Investigating the behaviour of TEGs applied on the exhaust pipe of an automobile, Anatychuk et al [5] reported that the temperature distribution along the TEGs was exponential. They concluded that the half of the TEGs operated under high temperature conditions so that using low-temperature TEGs was not appropriate in the tested system.…”

Finite element analysis on the thermoelectric generator for the waste heat recovery of solar application

“…Several researches have been conducted to utilise the capability of thermoelectric generator (TEG) in order to generate the electrical power. Waste heat recovery from the cars [2][3][4], hot water or hot gas wastage from industries [5,6], heat from the sun irradiance or as part of hybrid system with other power generator devices [7][8][9].…”