An energy-harvesting system using thermoelectric power generation for automotive application

Abstract

An energy-harvesting system which extracts heat from an automotive exhaust pipe and turns the heat into electricity by using thermoelectric power generators (TEGs) has been constructed. Two test benches have been developed to analyze the thermoelectric module (TM) performance and TEG system characteristics. The experiments are carried out to examine the influences of the main operating conditions, the hot and cold side temperatures, flow rates and the load resistance, on the power output and voltage. As the performance of a TM is most influenced by the applied pressure and the temperature difference, a thermostatic heater, thermostatic water tank, and clamping devices are used in our experimental apparatus, the three operation parameters such as the applied pressure, cold-side flow rate and cold-side temperature are found to significantly affect the maximum power output. Based on the single TM measurement, the whole TEG system has also been designed and tested on the bench test. Through these experiments, maximum power output of the system is characterized. The results establish the fundamental development of automotive exhaust thermoelectric generator system that enhances the TEG efficiency for vehicles.