Thermoelectric Generator Operating Research Articles

Experiment-Validated multiphysics modeling, generalizable deep learning and interpretable global sensitivity analyses for thermoelectric generators

Despite extensive studies on thermoelectric materials in a thermoelectric generator (TEG), the inverse design of TEG operating conditions remains challenging. Recent efforts in deep learning of TEGs using artificial neural network (ANN) lack global sensitivity analyses and interpretation of the connection-weights, leading to unknown coupling between input parameters and errors in importance ranking. This work reports a deep learning framework for TEGs using generalizable ANN, interpretable local (LSA) and global sensitivity analyses (GSA). Sensitivity analyses are applied to determine how energy conversion efficiency (η) under the practical Neumann and Robin thermal boundary conditions is affected by TEG operating conditions, including hot-side heat flux (qh), cold-side convective heat transfer coefficient (hf), temperature of the cooling medium (Ta), load resistance (RL), electric contact resistance (Rc), and thermal contact resistance (Kc). First, multiphysics TEG simulation results based on 3D finite element method (FEM) are validated by our experimental measurements using a self-built TEG performance evaluation system. The partial derivative-based LSA is done on a 1D theoretical TEG model to obtain the trend in sensitivity factors. Then, an ANN model is trained and validated based on the FEM simulation results and applied to the GSA process, aiming at reducing the computational load. Variance-based GSA is applied on the ANN model to determine the importance ranking and reflect the coupling between input parameters. The variance-based GSA ranks the importance as qh>hf>RL>Ta≈Rc≈Kc, and reflects the coupling between qh and hf. Finally, to interpret the ANN and the hidden deep learning process, a method combining the connection-weights algorithm and neural interpretation diagram (NID) is proposed to extract the hidden information in the connection weights. The ANN model is proven generalizable towards larger ranges of operating conditions. This work provides a framework to design TEG operating conditions towards higher energy conversion efficiencies.

Enhanced Heat Transfer in Thermoelectric Generator Heat Exchanger for Sustainable Cold Chain Logistics: Entropy and Exergy Analysis

This study investigates the application of thermoelectric power generation devices in conjunction with cold chain logistics transport vehicles, focusing on their efficiency and performance. Our experimental results highlight the impact of thermoelectric module characteristics, such as thermal conductivity and the filling thickness of copper foam, on the energy utilization efficiency of the system. The specific experimental setup involved a simulated logistics cold chain transport vehicle exhaust waste heat recovery thermoelectric power generation system, consisting of a high-temperature exhaust heat exchanger channel and two side cooling water tanks. Thermoelectric modules (TEMs) were installed between the heat exchanger and the water tanks to use the temperature difference and convert heat energy into electrical energy. The analysis demonstrates that using high-performance thermoelectric modules with a lower thermal conductivity results in better utilization of the temperature difference for power generation. Additionally, the insertion of porous metal copper foam within the heat exchanger channel enhances convective heat transfer, leading to an improved performance. Furthermore, the study examines the concepts of exergy and entropy generation, providing insights into the system energy conversion processes and efficiency. Overall, this research offers valuable insights for optimizing the design and operation of thermoelectric generators in cold chain logistics transport vehicles to enhance energy utilization and sustainability.

Experimental evaluation of the backstepping‐based input resistance controller in step‐up DC–DC converter for maximum power point tracking of the thermoelectric generators

AbstractIn this paper, a novel non‐linear model‐based approach is presented for maximum power point (MPP) tracking of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) using the backstepping controller. Considering the output voltage range of the thermoelectric devices, a step‐up DC–DC converter is employed as an interface between the load and input power source. According to the maximum power transfer theorem, if the equivalent input resistance of the converter (Rin) is equal to the internal resistance of the input source (RTEG), the TEG operation at the MPP will be achieved. Hence, defining the RTEG as a reference value and Rin as a feedback variable for a closed‐loop controller, the backstepping non‐linear controller is developed for input resistance control of the boost DC–DC converter. Owing to the non‐linear nature of the error variable in the input resistance control of the converters, conventional linear controllers cannot guarantee the system's closed‐loop stability within an extensive operational range. However, despite changes in generator's open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and RTEG, the designed closed‐loop controller can successfully stabilize the thermoelectric converter in different operational conditions. Considering the Lyapunov theorem and the Barbalat lemma, the asymptotic stability of the backstepping controller is proved. During the steady‐state operation, the actual values of the VOC and RTEG are updated periodically by the measurement of the converter input voltage/current values. To verify the functionality of the designed control method, PC‐based simulations are carried out in MATLAB/Simulink software. Moreover, by using TMS320F28335 digital signal processor from Texas Instruments and a simple thermoelectric simulator, the experimental response of the proposed controller is evaluated in dynamic and steady‐state conditions. The developed closed‐loop system can track the MPP of a TEG with zero steady‐state error, regardless of uncertain parameter variations.

Feasibility study on energy harvesting with thermoelectric generators in a photovoltaic-ground source heat pump system

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) harness temperature differences to produce electricity and hold promise for diverse industrial applications. However, their limited conversion efficiency casts doubt on their role in achieving energy independence. This study introduces an advanced technique that exploits temperature gradients in water pipes, utilizing supplementary TEGs to augment power generation. This method maintains a stable temperature gradient for TEG operation. Additionally, TEG power output can be efficiently modulated via flow control. In the feasibility evaluation for residential settings, the temperature fluctuations across each system unit were analyzed. In the active system, the chosen sites for TEG integration were units equipped to manage heat transfer using working fluids. The inlet and outlet temperatures were calculated for photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems, ground heat exchangers (GHEs), and heat storage tanks (HSTs). The electricity produced by the TEGs was benchmarked against their conversion efficiency, zT. The results indicated that the TEGs yielded 10.95 kWh of electricity when systematically implemented in each unit. To realize a zero-energy building, an area of 64.5 m2 per unit is necessitated for TEG deployment, given a zT value of 1.

Energy and exergy analysis of a bidirectional solar thermoelectric generator combining thermal energy storage

In this paper, energy and exergy analysis of a bidirectional solar thermoelectric generator (STEG) coupled to a latent heat storage and cooling system (LHSCS) has been carried out. The effect of various parameters of LHSCS on energy and exergy efficiencies of STEG have been analysed under climatic conditions of Chile’s Atacama Desert. It is found that the most relevant design parameter to improve the energy and exergy efficiencies of the thermoelectric generator (TEG) is the container insulation, followed by heat sink at the TEG hot side, fin thickness and the aspect ratio of the container. The results showed that an optimally designed insulation container can improve the energy and exergy efficiencies of LHSCS by 30% and 200%, respectively, and the TEG conversion efficiency by 30% during nighttime. Further, inclusion of heat sink at TEG hot side during reverse operation of TEG at night can improve the TEG efficiency by 20%. The optimal fin thickness can improve the TEG conversion efficiency by 20% during the night and LHSCS energy and exergy efficiencies by 30% and 23%, respectively. The container geometry should have higher aspect ratios. This study may help in optimal design of LHSCS for solar energy conversion applications in the desert locations.

Experimental Study on the Working Efficiency and Exergy Efficiency of the Vehicle-Mounted Thermoelectric Generator for Cold Chain Logistics Transportation Vehicle

This paper investigates a vehicle-mounted thermoelectric generator system working efficiency and exergy efficiency in a cold chain logistics transport vehicle (CLVTEG). The study examines the impact of factors such as load resistance, temperature difference, and copper foam on the performance of CLVTEG. Results demonstrate that adding copper foam significantly improves the output power of CLVTEG, with 40 PPI copper foam showing a 1.8 times increase compared to no copper foam. Additionally, copper foam enhances working and exergy efficiency, with 10 PPI copper foam achieving the best overall efficiency. The study also explores the effect of temperature difference on CLVTEGs efficiency, observing an initial increase followed by a decrease. Overall, this research underscores the importance of considering work and exergy efficiency when evaluating thermoelectric generators. Adding copper foam in the CLVTEG central area enhances heat transfer, resulting in improved efficiency. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing the design and operation of thermoelectric generators in cold chain logistics transport vehicles.

Power Optimization of Systems for Direct Thermal to Electrical Energy Conversion

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) offer the possibility of extracting electrical power from any heat source, including low-enthalpy heat. The operation of thermoelectric generators is closely related to not only thermal factors but also the electrical load conditions. Consequently, simulations of TEG-based thermoelectric systems require the adequate modeling of both thermal and electric phenomena. In this paper, the developed TEG model is presented and verified through the design of a complete thermoelectric system able to optimize the extraction of electrical power according to the thermal conditions. The system consisted of a TEG, a properly designed low-cost DC/DC converter, and an energy storage element. The DC/DC converter was controlled by a specific algorithm that optimized the electrical power extraction following the maximum power point. The choices adopted for the system design, the implementation of the DC/DC converter, and the algorithm development were verified with experimental measurements.

Temperature-based thermo-electric coupling maximum power point tracking algorithm for thermoelectric generation systems under transient conditions

The applications of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are expanding from stable to complex environments. Traditional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms observe the electrical characteristics of TEG, and make judgments based on historical data. In a system with transient temperature conditions, the influence of system temperature on the electrical characteristics of TEG becomes the main effect, which confuses traditional algorithms and causes misjudgment. To address this issue, this paper proposes a temperature-based thermo-electric coupling MPPT (TTEC-MPPT) algorithm that considers temperature information during TEG operation. The algorithm uses Lagrange Interpolation Polynomial to predict the temperature difference of TEG and divides the disturbance step into two parts based on the temperature and algorithm. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms four traditional algorithms and three sets of fixed pulse width modulation (PWM) conditions in five different cases, with an average power increase of 11.9211% and 20.1128% compared to traditional algorithms and fixed PWM respectively in transient cases. By considering the effect of temperature, the TTEC-MPPT algorithm has an advantage in dealing with complex transient temperature conditions compared to existing algorithms.

New insights into the effect of chemical bonding strength on thermoelectric performance and stability in YbMg2Bi2 toward practical thermoelectric applications

It is currently widely accepted that chemical bonding in a thermoelectric material should be weakened as much as possible to obtain a lower lattice thermal conductivity and thus a higher thermoelectric figure of merit, zT, but the consequent reliability issues, such as inferior structural stability and mechanical brittleness, are rarely emphasized. Here, experimental studies on p-type YbMg2Bi2-based compounds demonstrate the advantageous effects of chemical bonding stiffening toward practical applications. Despite the stronger chemical bonding in Sb-alloyed YbMg2Bi2, the compound still exhibits lower lattice thermal conductivity than its parent YbMg2Bi2 compound, as well as a comparable average zT, due to rigorous point defect scattering. More importantly, chemical bonding toughening guarantees better maintenance of thermoelectric performance under high temperatures and improved mechanical properties, both of which are essential for the durable operation of thermoelectric generators. This research provides a new way of thinking about chemical bonding engineering toward practical thermoelectric applications.

Thermoelectric power generation in the core of a nuclear reactor

Thermoelectric energy converters offer a promising solution to generate electrical power using heat in the nuclear reactor core. Despite significant improvements in thermoelectric efficiency of nanostructured materials, the performance of these advanced materials has yet to be demonstrated in the harsh radiation environment of a reactor core. Herein, we demonstrate a thermoelectric generator (TEG) made from nanostructured bulk half-Heusler (HH) materials generating stable electrical power density > 1140 W/m2 after 30 days in the MIT Nuclear Research Reactor under an unprecedented fast-neutron (>1 MeV) fluence of 1.5 × 1020 n/cm2. Despite an initial degradation due to irradiation damage when operating under relatively low temperatures, our TEG showed a 20-fold increase in power output when operating under high temperature due to in-situ annealing and resulting thermoelectric property recovery. First-principles modeling indicates that a chemically disordered metallic phase was formed under irradiation at lower temperatures, resulting in a drastic degradation in thermoelectric properties, while at sufficiently high temperatures the system returned to the initial chemically ordered HH phase and the thermoelectric properties recovered. Transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction demonstrated that the chemically disordered phase was formed upon ion irradiation, confirming the prediction from first-principles simulations. The results suggest that with proper control over the TEG operating temperatures, the nanostructured bulk TEGs could produce stable electrical power and operate indefinitely in the core of a nuclear reactor.

Flexible Thermoelectric Generator Based on Polycrystalline SiGe Thin Films

Flexible and reliable thermoelectric generators (TEGs) will be essential for future energy harvesting sensors. In this study, we synthesized p- and n-type SiGe layers on a high heat-resistant polyimide film using metal-induced layer exchange (LE) and demonstrated TEG operation. Despite the low process temperature (<500 °C), the polycrystalline SiGe layers showed high power factors of 560 µW m−1 K−2 for p-type Si0.4Ge0.6 and 390 µW m−1 K−2 for n-type Si0.85Ge0.15, owing to self-organized doping in LE. Furthermore, the power factors indicated stable behavior with changing measurement temperature, an advantage of SiGe as an inorganic material. An in-plane π-type TEG based on these SiGe layers showed an output power of 0.45 µW cm−2 at near room temperature for a 30 K temperature gradient. This achievement will enable the development of environmentally friendly and highly reliable flexible TEGs for operating micro-energy devices in the future Internet of Things.

Prediction of System-Level Energy Harvesting Characteristics of a Thermoelectric Generator Operating in a Diesel Engine Using Artificial Neural Networks

This study evaluated the potential of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict the system-level performance of a thermoelectric generator (TEG), whose performance depends on various variables including engine load, engine rotation speed, and external load resistance. Therefore, a Python code was developed to determine an optimal ANN structure by tracking the training/prediction errors of the ANN as a function of the number of hidden layers and nodes of hidden layers. The optimal ANN was trained using 484 output current (I)–load resistance (R) datasets obtained under three different engine rotation speeds and five different engine loads. The prediction accuracy of the ANN was validated by comparing 88 I–R datasets reproduced by the ANN using experimental data that were not used for training. In the validation procedure, differences of only 3.49% and 2.59% were observed in the experimental and ANN-predicted output power obtained for the 1000 rpm–0.8 MPa brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) and 1500 rpm–0.4 MPa BMEP scenarios, respectively. The exhaust gas flow characteristics were used for training and validation to predict the pumping loss caused by the installation of the TEG in the middle of the exhaust tailpipe with high accuracy. The results demonstrated that the ANN effectively reproduced datasets to fill the gaps between the discretized experimental results for all the experimental scenarios without any noticeable overfitting and underfitting. The net power gain obtained by the ANN exhibited a clear peak point for the engine rotation speed of 2000 rpm, which is difficult to obtain using experimental data.

Study into the Influence of Internal Heat Sources on the Operating Characteristics of a Thermoelectric Generator

The influence of internal heat sources on temperature distribution during the operation of thermoelectric generators (TEG) is investigated. Taking into account various factors affecting the temperature regime, including internal heat sources, a multilevel model of a two-stream TEG has been developed, which allows one to calculate the temperature distribution and the integral characteristics of the generator. The calculations were carried out using the PHOENICS program package; as a result, the dependences of the electrical characteristics and the temperature drop on the junctions on the load resistance, speed, and coolant temperature were obtained. A comparison is made with the corresponding indicators in the absence of internal heat sources. It is concluded that the influence of internal heat sources on the temperature drop and electric power increases with decreasing load resistance. Thus, in the maximum power mode, which corresponds to the ratio of the load resistance to the internal resistance of the module m = 1.15, the temperature drop decreases by 3.5–4.0%, while that at m = 0.01 is by 7.5–8.5%. TEG power in maximum power mode decreases by 7.5–8.0%. Studies have shown that the influence of internal heat sources on the characteristics of the TEG is more substantial when the flow rate in the heat exchangers is lower. The greatest decrease in the values of indicators due to the influence of internal sources was observed at v = 0.2 m/s and amounted in maximum power mode to 5.5–6.0% for the temperature difference and 12–13% for power. The results obtained indicate that the influence of internal sources on the characteristics of TEGs is significant enough, which implies that the most accurate estimates of the thermal and electrical performance of TEGs can be made only by taking into account the effect of internal heat sources on the temperature distribution in TEGs.

Design and experiments of a thermoelectric generator coupled to a gas cooker with energy storage module and thermosyphon cooling system

ABSTRACTThe use of gas cookers with electric ignition systems is widespread in China. For improving thermal efficiency and realize the self-powered operation to prevent the use of non-rechargeable dry cells, a novel cooker with an energy storage module (ESM) and a thermoelectric generator (TEG) is presented, which can convert part of gas waste heat into electricity stored in ESM to power the electronic pulse igniter. To provide effective cooling over short periods of time for the intermittent operation of one TEG in small-scale space of the cooker, a cost-effective and passive cooling system is designed. It has higher cooling efficiency compared to natural air-cooling and runs automatically without fans or pumps, avoids the startup problem of active cooling and improves the reliability of long-term operation. This work develops an entire integrated TEG-cooker system, and a continuous running process at the firepower of 4.0 kW of the burner for 30 min is tested experimentally. Results show that the TEG-cooker can be self-powered running. Maximum output power is 0.48 W, and the thermoelectric (TE) efficiency is 0.96% when TEG temperature difference is 46.6°C. The heat energy utilization efficiency of the TEG-cooker increases by 1.1%. Electricity stored in ESM can be used to ignite the TEG-cooker for 77 times and the average charging-discharging efficiency is 15.3%. The thermosyphon system can provide effective cooling briefly (~30 min) for the intermittent operation of TEG at regular intervals (~4 h).Abbreviations: CFD: Computational fluid dynamics; CNY: China Yuan; DC: Direct current; ESM: Energy storage module; MPPT: Maximum power point tracking; TE: Thermoelectric; TEC: Thermoelectric cooler; TEG: Thermoelectric generator.

High-Performance Thermoelectric Generators for Field Deployments.

Thermoelectric power generation is a reliable energy harvesting technique for directly converting heat into electricity. Recent studies have reported the thermal-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) up to 11% under laboratory settings. However, the practical efficiency of TEGs deployed under real environments is still not more than a few percent. In this study, we provide fundamental insight on the operation of TEGs in realistic environments by illustrating the combinatory effect of thermoelectric material properties, device boundary conditions, and environmental thermal resistivity on TEG performance in conjunction with the module parameters. Using numerical and experimental studies, we demonstrate the existence of a critical heat transfer coefficient that dramatically affects the design and performance of TEGs. Results provide a set of concrete design criteria for developing efficient TEGs that meet the metrics for field deployments. High-performance TEGs demonstrated in this study generated up to 28% higher power and 162% higher power per unit mass of thermoelectric materials as compared to the commercial module deployed for low-grade waste heat recovery. This advancement in understanding the TEG operation will have a transformative impact on the development of scalable thermal energy harvesters and in realizing their practical targets for efficiency, power density, and total output power.

Management of the Output Electrical Power in Thermoelectric Generators

Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) are devices for direct conversion of heat into electrical power and bear a great potential for applications in energy scavenging and green energy harvesting. Given a heat source, the conversion efficiency depends on the available temperature difference, and must be maximized for optimal operation of the TEG. In this frame, the choice of materials with high thermoelectric properties should be accompanied by the identification of criteria for an optimal exploitation of the electrical power output. In this work, we briefly review the main properties of TEGs, focusing on the electrical power output and the thermal-to-electrical conversion efficiency. Besides, we discuss principles of operation of TEGs enabling the optimization of the electrical power output, based on the suitable choice of the electrical load. In particular, we comparatively present and discuss the conditions for matching the electrical load—yielding to maximum power transfer—and those for maximizing the conversion efficiency. We compare the two conditions applying them to the exploitation of a heat reservoir for energy storage and to the recovery of heat from a heat exchanger. We conclude that the difference between the two conditions is not significant enough to justify the complexity required by the implementation of the maximum efficiency. In addition, we consider the effect of the thermal contact resistance on the electrical power output. Using a simple thermal-electrical model, we demonstrate that the equivalent electrical resistance measured between the terminals of the TEG depends on the thermal exchange. Hence, for maximum power transfer, the electrical load of the TEG should not match its parasitic resistance, but the equivalent electrical resistance in each specific operating conditions, which determine the thermal fluxes. The model can be applied for the development of efficient alternative algorithms for maximum power point tracking.

Feasibility study on a vehicular thermoelectric generator for both waste heat recovery and engine oil warm-up

The thermoelectric modules have the bidirectional characteristic, which can work either in power generation mode based on Seebeck effect or in heating-cooling mode based on Peltier effect. In this paper, a feasibility study is performed for a bifunctional thermoelectric generator applied in vehicle engines, which can use Seebeck effect for waste heat recovery and Peltier effect for engine warm-up. To predict the bidirectional behaviours of the thermoelectric module, a dual-mode thermoelectric module model is developed, and the simulation results for the two modes (power generation mode and heating-cooling mode) are both verified with experiments. The four-quadrant operation diagram of thermoelectric module, which clearly presents the cooling, heating and power generation curves, is produced based on the validated model.A case study of applying a bifunctional thermoelectric generator to a 2 l-diesel engine passenger car is then carried out based on a further extended bifunctional TEG model and an engine oil and coolant circuit model. The simulation results shows that the optimal engine oil temperature (100 °C) cannot be reached in the new European driving cycle for the baseline engine without thermoelectric generator, but it can be reached by both applying thermoelectric generator operating in waste heat recovery mode and engine warm-up mode. Compared with the thermoelectric generator only operating in waste heat recovery mode, a 3-min faster warm-up effect of engine oil can be obtained when the bifunctional thermoelectric generator works in engine warm-up mode with electrical current applied. It also finds out that the electric power generated in waste heat recovery mode at vehicle starting and low vehicle speed phrase is limited. However, a faster warm-up effect (engine oil temperature rising 7 °C in the first 100 s) can be obtained by operating thermoelectric generator in engine warm-up mode at vehicle staring. The electric energy used in engine warm-up mode can be regenerated in the later waste heat recovery mode. To compensate all the used electric energy in engine warm-up mode, longer time of thermoelectric generator operating in waste heat recovery mode is needed.

Efficiency at Maximum Power of Dissipative Thermoelectric Generators: A Finite-time Thermodynamic Analysis

In this paper we analyze the thermodynamic efficiency expected for a fully dissipative thermoelectric generator (TEG) operating under stationary conditions at a finite rate. Although a finite-time thermodynamic analysis of TEGs has been aimed at since long time, no complete theory is available yet. The state of the art of theory is reviewed, and a simple expression for the maximum achievable efficiency of TEGs operating under fully irreversible conditions is obtained. This also sets a reference efficiency for forthcoming studies of nonstationary operation of TEGs.

КОНСТРУКЦИЯ И РАСЧЕТ ТЕРМОЭЛЕКТРИЧЕСКОГО ГЕНЕРАТОРА ДЛЯ СУДОВЫХ ЭНЕРГЕТИЧЕСКИХ УСТАНОВОК

The article presents the design of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) for utilizing heat energy of exhaust gases of ship diesel engines. There have been chosen a TEG basic design and a technique for its efficiency raising. Geometric, heat and electric parameters of TEG have been calculated using RSD 49 ship project. Calculation of heat and electric parameters of TEG with intensive heat exchange on the surface of a hot node was made using sloping plates. The relation between TEG position (before and after exhaust boiler) and a Wartsila 6L20 main engine exhaust system has been determined. According to the analysis result, in case of TEG position after exhaust boiler and 100% load of main engine, estimates increased compared to a basic design: performance - 4%, capacity - 5%; output gas temperature decreased to 1%. At combined operation of TEGs positioned in the exhaust system of one main engine with exhaust boiler shut down and TEG positioned after exhaust boiler, estimates grew: capacity - 35%, performance - 14%; output gas temperature decreased to 19%. Total maximum capacity of TEGs positioned in the main engine exhaust systems makes 42.78 kW which is 1.78% of a ship power plant capacity.

A dynamic model for thermoelectric generator applied to vehicle waste heat recovery

Waste heat recovery using a thermoelectric generator (TEG) is a promising approach for vehicle original equipment manufacturers to reduce fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions. A TEG can convert otherwise wasted thermal energy from engines to electricity directly for use in the vehicle systems. This paper focuses on the development of a dynamic model of TEG system designed for vehicle waste heat recovery, which is made up of counter-flow heat exchangers (HXRs) and commercial thermoelectric modules (TEMs). The model is built from thermoelectric materials into a TEM and then into a TEG system. Compared to other TEG models, the tuning and validation process of the proposed model is more complete. Experiments are done on both a TEM test rig and a heavy-duty diesel engine, which is equipped with a prototype TEG on the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) path. Simulations of steady-state operating points as well as the response to typical engine cycle test show good agreement with experimental data.A TEG installed upstream of the after-treatment system in a heavy-duty truck has been modelled to predict the temperatures and power output in a dynamic driving cycle. The simulation results of temperatures show the model can be used as a basis to develop a control system for dynamic operation to ensure safety operation of TEG and efficient operation of the after-treatment system. A comparison of power output of the systems under different scenarios underlines the importance of integration of TEM with HXRs. Based on the simulation results, around 20% average power output increase can be expected by optimizing the thermal contact conductance and the heat transfer coefficient of hot side HXR.