Development and performance analysis of a TEG system using exhaust recovery for a light diesel vehicle with assessment of fuel economy and emissions

Abstract

Exhaust heat from vehicle engines can be one of the promising heat sources to provide additional energy using thermoelectric generation (TEG). However, the objective of this study is to assess the exhaust heat recovery behavior by TEG, evaluation of diesel fuel consumption (DFC) and exhaust emissions. Thirty standard thermoelectric modules (TEMs) were mounted on the two sides (1 × 5) and lower side (4 × 5) arrangement of a light diesel vehicle exhaust channel. A detailed experimental work was carried out to study the performance behavior of TEG system with different engine speeds and over new European driving cycle (NEDC) using chassis dynamometer. Comparative analyses of the exhaust gases flow rate, DFC, exhaust emissions such as THC, CO, CO2, and smoke emissions have been measured during NEDC with and without TEG actuation. Experimental results observed that the average value of TEG system efficiency is approximately 4.63% under the NEDC conditions. It also found that: by actuation the TEG system, the effectiveness of DFC percentage has been reduced by (1.46%–3.13%), lower exhaust gas emissions were found, too. The experimental result of output power is in good agreement with the theoretical result within 5.16% error at 1500 rpm.