Thermal uniformity enhancement of the motorcycle exhaust thermoelectric generator—Part 1: Guide fins optimization

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, the hot‐side heat exchanger (HHE) thermal uniformity in the thermoelectric generator unit (TGU) is enhanced by optimizing the muffler's guide fins. Three parameters of the guide fins (i.e., fin gap δ, fin angle θ, and fin position x) are proposed. Various muffler models with different guide fins’ geometry are numerically investigated to achieve the optimal set of δ, θ, and x parameters by assessing the exhaust flow uniformity of the HHE. The optimal muffler model is then simulated to compare with the nonoptimal muffler model. The HHE's thermal uniformity of these two models is experimentally investigated under various testing conditions. The results show that the parameters of δ and θ significantly affect the exhaust flow uniformity of the HHE, whereas the variable of x only has a minor influence. Thanks to the optimal values of δ, θ, and x, the exhaust flow uniformity increases 11.23% on average compared to the nonoptimal model. Consequently, the thermal uniformity is improved, and the maximum temperature difference on the HHE of the optimal model is 35% lower on average than that of the nonoptimal model. The improvement in thermal uniformity resulting from this study is expected to increase the performance and lifespan of the TGU.