Power Generation from Internal Combustion Engine using ATG

Published on 19 May 2022. Written by Sahanesh

The demand for electrical energy is increasing day by day due to the change in our lifestyle and development in the world. As a result, nonrenewable energy sources are being decreased at a faster rate. So, to overcome the problem, we must adapt to an alternative power source.

The research and development have encouraged the usage of renewable energy resources such as Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Hydroelectric and Thermal Energy. But the automotive field is not effectively improved in the area of utilization of efficient energy from the fuel. From the research, it is proved that 60% of the energy released from the combustion of fuel by an engine is wasted, in the form of heat. Only about 30-40% of the energy is utilized by the engine and the remaining energy is dissipated in the form of exhaust gas and heat. In this project, the waste heat from the engine is used and converted into electrical energy. This would increase the net efficiency of an engine.

Project Description:

Automotive Thermoelectric Generator (ATEG) recovers the waste heat and convert to electrical energy. These are modeled with a constant hot-source temperature. These have the potential to revolutionize automotive heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in the Internal combustion engine.

The ATEG heat conversion consists of 3 parts. They are,

1.Peltier Module: They are the functional part of ATEG. It consists of several pairs of p-type and n-type elements. The p and n elements are connected electrically in series but thermally in parallel.

2.Heat Exchanger: This is the essential element of ATEG. It determines its overall performance. Its function is to extract heat from the exhaust of the engine. Best design and sizing are done to obtain maximum power output. It must be built by high thermal conductivity materials, which can maintain the uniformity of the hot side surface.

3.Assembly Components: The heat transfer between the hot side and the colder side is exchanged through Peltier Modules. This depends on the assembly and thermal contact resistance must be minimized between the interfaces.

Project Applications:

This would eliminate the current heater core, compressor – evaporator system and AC radiator by providing the heating and cooling of the air. This would result in the reduction of the engine compartment complexity.

ATEG reduces the load of power generation systems such as generator and alternators. This will reduce the load on the engine and increases the efficiency of the engine.

ATEG can generate more energy than electric turbo-generators. It can generate electricity without any moving parts as in mechanical electric generators.

Kit required to develop Power Generation from Internal Combustion Engine using ATG:

Technologies you will learn by working on Power Generation from Internal Combustion Engine using ATG:

Power Generation from Internal Combustion Engine using ATG

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