Numerical and Analytical Investigation of Automotive Exhaust Gas Waste Heat Recovery Module Using Thermoelectric Generator

Abstract

The study is based on numerical and analytical investigation of a thermoelectric generator system setup that can be mounted at the exhaust pipe of a 120 cc IC engine, i.e., to capture the amount of waste heat from the exhaust by generating temperature difference across the generator using thermoelectric conversion principle. This entire system consists of a heat absorber, thermoelectric generator module, and heat sink. The staggered fins arrangement has been introduced on both heat sink and heat absorber. The staggered pin–fin is placed into the duct to form the heat absorber, as duct installed at the exhaust of the engine so continuous heat passes through the heat absorber. The staggered fins on the heat absorber could increase the heat-exchange surface area, and by doing so, thermoelectric conversion increases. Simulation and analytical results are combined to verify power output results and the relation between the available power and expected power output.