Experiments and Simulations of an Automotive Exhaust Thermoelectric System

Abstract

Because of the increasing emphasis on environmental protection, applications of thermoelectric technology are being extensively studied. Before a new car is released to the market, testing is undertaken to ensure it meets the latest emissions regulations. The regulations differ from country to country, but they are always getting more stringent. To meet these tightening regulations, car companies must reduce the fuel consumption of their cars. A waste heat recovery system has the potential to convert some of this waste heat into electricity and consequently reduce the fuel consumption of the car by reducing the load on the car alternator The present experimental and computational study investigates an exhaust gas waste heat recovery system (WHRS) for vehicles, using thermoelectric modules and a heat exchanger to produce electric power.