Characteristics analysis of an exhaust thermoelectric generator system with heat transfer fluid circulation

Low heat transfer performance in the exhaust channel limits the thermoelectric conversion efficiency of the internal combustion engine exhaust thermoelectric generator. Enhanced heat transfer of exhaust channel improves the thermoelectric performance of the generator, though with an increase in exhaust back pressure. A new type of thermoelectric generator with heat transfer fluid circulation is proposed. A heat transfer fluid replaces the exhaust after heat exchange with the exhaust into the generator. It is possible to improve the thermoelectric performance of the system, counting on the high heat transfer coefficient of the heat transfer fluid in the generator without changing the exhaust channel. A mathematical model of the novel system is constructed, considering the system structure, resistance power consumption, temperature dependence of the physical properties of the module. The influence of structural parameters and heat transfer fluid parameters on thermoelectric performance are analyzed using this model. It is found that the peak net output power of the new generator can be increased by 77.5 % compared with the traditional generator, while the number of modules can be reduced by 83.2%. Therefore, an optimal exhaust heat exchanger configuration is obtained to maximize the net output of the system. In addition, as the heat transfer fluid flow rate increases, the net output power goes up and then down, an optimal heat transfer fluid flow rate can be obtained. The results also give technical guidance on the design and operation criteria of the thermoelectric generator.