Scientists presented a prototype thermoelectric generator system capable of converting the exhaust heat from combustion engines to electricity.
A study from researchers from Pennsylvania State University and the U.S. Army DEVCOM Aviation and Missile Center highlighted that combustion engines in vehicles, like gas-powered cars, only use a quarter of the fuel’s potential energy, losing most of it as heat that comes out as exhaust. This led to the development of a device capable of using wasted thermal energy, improving sustainability, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
While thermoelectric systems (or heat-recovery systems) already exist that use semiconductor materials to convert heat into energy by relying on temperature gradients, the current technology is very heavy and complex. It also requires additional cooling water to maintain the required temperature difference.
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The new thermoelectric generator contains a semiconductor made of bismuth-telluride and uses heat exchangers to capture the exhausted heat from high-speed vehicles, such as cars and helicopters. It also incorporates a heatsink to increase the temperature difference.
The prototype device reportedly produced 40 watts of output power, which is enough for low-power applications such as small bulbs or electronic charging. The result also showed that high airflow conditions, typically found in exhaust pipes, enhance efficiency.
Researchers also conducted simulations mimicking high-speed environments, where their system produced up to 56 watts for car-like exhaust speeds and 146 watts for helicopter-like exhaust speeds, equivalent to five and twelve lithium-ion 18650 batteries, respectively.
The system can be integrated into existing cars’ tailpipes and other exhaust vents without additional cooling systems, ensuring higher efficiency and more clean energy solutions.
The study was initially published in the American Chemical Society (ACS) Applied Materials & Interfaces Publication.