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Old 13th March 2010, 03:38   #1
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Thermo Electric Generation & Cooling

Hey guys,
Stumbled on this: Thermo Electric generators [that use the seebeck effect] to generate electricity, apparently Audi & BMW are working on a TEG module that will convert heat from the exhaust into electricity.

The TEG has no moving parts [so is very reliable]. basically when there is a temperature differential across 2 metal plates made up of different materials, an electric current is created.

Apparently Audi are working on one that can generate 600 W of power.

alternatively, if a current is applied to the TEG module [Peltier Cooling], a temperature differential is created. creating a cold plate & a hot plate.

Cooling seat covers... among other things

Thought it was cool.
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Old 13th March 2010, 15:52   #2
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Interesting!

If the Internal Combustion Engine wants to survive longer in the next few decades, it needs to find ways to be MUCH more efficient!

At the moment a HUGE MAJORITY (~74%) of energy is lost through thermodynamic losses.

Thermo Electric Generation & Cooling-power20losses.jpg
Source : Link

These thermo-electric generators could be a big step forward in utilizing that lost energy. But once again, how efficient these generators are comes into question!

Also - in addition to running "accessories", don't forget that the electricity could be stored and then put to good use on the electric motor of the car, if it is a hybrid - returning even more impressive mileage figures.

cya
R

Last edited by Rehaan : 13th March 2010 at 15:57.
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Old 14th March 2010, 16:52   #3
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TEG's are not very efficient [yet].
They operate at around 10 - 15 % i think.

But then something is better than nothing, right?

Last edited by Sprucegoose : 14th March 2010 at 16:54. Reason: typo
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Old 15th March 2010, 12:56   #4
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For their sake (and ours), I hope the Germans first sort out their current electrical complications. I'm all for thermo electric generators, tech advancements et all, but a car has to first finish, to finish first. Mercedes, Audi and BMW have shown their incompetence in ensuring electronic reliability. Mind you, its not only in the longer term.....owners of the freshly launched BMW 7 series have started reporting electronic glitches.
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Old 15th March 2010, 13:26   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sprucegoose View Post
TEG's are not very efficient [yet].
They operate at around 10 - 15 % i think.
But then something is better than nothing, right?
And if a 15% efficient TEG hinders smooth flow of exhaust gases, then it won't be noteworthy. Hope it just doesn't affect the exhaust flow.
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Old 16th March 2010, 13:11   #6
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i don't really think that'll be much of an issue.
all they have to do is line the exterior of the exhaust pipe with the TEG modules. Or even if they have very thin fins in the exhaust then that won't cause much restriction, especially if there is a cat con already installed.
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Old 16th March 2010, 20:52   #7
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Hi,
Check out something called the SNAP generator.

Sutripta
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