Harnessing Waste Heat from Automotive Exhaust to Generate Electricity for Improved System Efficiency   Z. Andrews, A. Moening, T. Moszak, K. Trainor and S. K. Das   2024/07/20

Abstract

In this study, we investigated a method of harnessing waste heat from automotive exhaust because it is one source of energy that is prevalent throughout the planet, especially in the combustion of fossil fuels. With the ever-decreasing reserves of oil, and the increasing negative impact of non-renewable energy sources, it is critically important that any novel means of energy generation be researched. We used a thermo-electric generator (TEG) device that utilizes a temperature differential across the device to generate electricity through a Seebeck effect. By sandwiching a string of semiconductors placed in series between two temperature conductive plates, we were able to créate a temperature differential which resulted in electricity generation. By placing the device on the exhaust pipe of a car, we measured the generated voltage while driving the car on the road. The results show that it is feasible to improve the method and enhance the device efficiency to recover waste heat from automotive exhaust efficiently.

Authors and affiliations

Z. Andrews, A. Moening, T. Moszak, K. Trainor and S. K. Das

Department of Mechanical Engineering. Kettering University. 1700 W University Ave, Flint, MI 48504, USA.

Key words

Seebeck Effect, Thermoelectric Generator, Heat Energy Recapturing, Sustainability

References

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