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A Project Report On Utilization of Waste Heat in Automobiles Using Thermo Electric Generator
A Project Report On Utilization of Waste Heat in Automobiles Using Thermo Electric Generator
INTRODUCTION
Thermo electric generator (TEG) is a highly sophisticated device which converts heat energy into electricity energy by using the Seebeck effect.. One promising idea is to use a solid-state device called a thermoelectric generator (TEG) to convert waste heat directly into electricity. This would reduce the load on the vehicle's alternator and thus vehicle economy can be increased.
O PERATION PRINCIPLES
In TEGs, thermoelectric materials are packed between the hotside and the cold-side heat exchangers. The thermoelectric materials are made up of p-type and n-type semiconductors. The temperature difference between the two surfaces of the thermoelectric module(s) generates electricity using the Seebeck Effect. When hot exhaust from the engine passes through an exhaust TEG, the charge carriers of the semiconductors within the generator diffuse from the hot-side heat exchanger to the cold-side exchanger. The build-up of charge carriers results in a net charge, producing an electrostatic potential while the heat transfer drives a current. With exhaust temperatures of 700C (~1300F) or more, the temperature difference between exhaust gas on the hot side and coolant on the cold side is several hundred degrees. This temperature difference is capable of generating 500-750 W of electricity.
SEEBECK EFFECT
A thermocouple is formed by a P type and an N type thermoelectric element joined together electrically by a hot junction electrode. Adjacent thermocouples are joined together electrically by cold junction electrodes.
Hot Sink
Module Cold sink (Radiator) Power Circuit
S UPPORT
STRUCTURE
It is the part of the thermoelectric generator where the thermoelectric modules are located. The internal part of this structure normally is modified in order to absorb the most part of the heat accumulated in the exhaust gases.
M ODULE
SELECTION
A high temperature Bismuth telluride module has been selected due to its high efficiency and high operating temperature.
C OLD
SINK SELECTION
Cold sink is the second most important component of the system. Cold sink must dissipate large amount of heat coming through the module and remain at the low temperature. Fan cooling may be necessary where maximum power or compactness are desired.
Specifications
Length -240mm Breadth -179mm Height-162mm
Wiring copper
Good conductor of electricity 401W/mK, high melting point (1358K), can be drawn into fine wire
Thermoelectric module- Si-Ge, Pb-Te Si-Ge : Operating temperature difference 673K - 1073K Pb-Te :Operating temperature difference 373K- 673K
ASSEMBLED MODEL
The T.E.G setup being able to utilize the waste heat of automobile has a great future ahead. This setup is most advantageous in case of power plants. In case of an automobile the T.E.G setup could be able to produce enough energy that it can completely replace the alternator. Besides T.E.G setup can also increase the fuel economy (by 58%) and finally the overall efficiency of an automobile.
For ships carrying large amount of diesel fuel and operating on diesel power cycle. The T.E.G setup would be quite beneficial. The electricity produced by extracting heat from its exhaust can be easily used for onboard electrical supply. In future if we are able to find some materials which can work more efficiently at low temperature difference, or whose conversion efficiency is very high. Such materials can be easily installed in our design by just increasing the number of whirl leafs and thus more power can be generated which would be enough to replace the alternator.
Volkswagen claims 600W output from the TEG under highway driving condition. The TEGproduced electricity reportedly meets around 30% of the cars electrical requirements, resulting in a reduced mechanical load (alternator) and a reduction in fuel consumption of more than 5%.
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