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Effects of Module Spatial Distribution on the Energy Efficiency and Electrical Output of Automotive Thermoelectric Generators

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  • Ivan Ruiz Cózar

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Construction, Universitat de Girona, c/Universitat de Girona 4, 17003 Girona, Spain)

  • Toni Pujol

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Construction, Universitat de Girona, c/Universitat de Girona 4, 17003 Girona, Spain)

  • Eduard Massaguer

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Construction, Universitat de Girona, c/Universitat de Girona 4, 17003 Girona, Spain)

  • Albert Massaguer

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Construction, Universitat de Girona, c/Universitat de Girona 4, 17003 Girona, Spain)

  • Lino Montoro

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Construction, Universitat de Girona, c/Universitat de Girona 4, 17003 Girona, Spain)

  • Jose Ramon González

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Construction, Universitat de Girona, c/Universitat de Girona 4, 17003 Girona, Spain)

  • Martí Comamala

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Construction, Universitat de Girona, c/Universitat de Girona 4, 17003 Girona, Spain)

  • Samir Ezzitouni

    (Escuela de Ingeniería Industrial y Aeroespacial de Toledo, Campus de Excelencia Internacional en Energía y Medioambiente, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Av. Carlos III, s/n. Real Fábrica de Armas, 45071 Toledo, Spain)

Abstract

Automotive thermoelectric generators (ATEGs) are devices used to harvest waste energy from the exhaust gases of internal combustion engines. An ATEG is essentially formed by three main elements: (1) heat absorber in contact with exhaust gases; (2) thermoelectric modules that directly convert heat into electricity; (3) heat sink to increase the heat transfer through the system. Thermoelectric modules (TEM) are commonly based on small-scale commercial units, with tenths of them needed to assemble a full ATEG device. Thus, several thermal and electrical connections between TEMs can be implemented. Previous studies focused on the implications on the output power. Here, we investigated the effects of using different module connections on the energy efficiency and on the electrical outputs (voltage and current). The study was carried out numerically with ATEGs that used from 4 to 100 individual TEMs. Series, parallel and square connections were investigated under two different engine operating points. The maximum output power was obtained with overall energy conversion efficiencies on the order of 3%. Though the series connection provided the highest output power, the square configuration was the best compromise between output power and electrical characteristics (voltage and current) to successfully integrate the ATEG into the vehicle management system.

Suggested Citation

  • Ivan Ruiz Cózar & Toni Pujol & Eduard Massaguer & Albert Massaguer & Lino Montoro & Jose Ramon González & Martí Comamala & Samir Ezzitouni, 2021. "Effects of Module Spatial Distribution on the Energy Efficiency and Electrical Output of Automotive Thermoelectric Generators," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:8:p:2232-:d:537606
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Massaguer, A. & Massaguer, E. & Comamala, M. & Pujol, T. & González, J.R. & Cardenas, M.D. & Carbonell, D. & Bueno, A.J., 2018. "A method to assess the fuel economy of automotive thermoelectric generators," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 222(C), pages 42-58.
    2. Stevens, Robert J. & Weinstein, Steven J. & Koppula, Karuna S., 2014. "Theoretical limits of thermoelectric power generation from exhaust gases," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 80-88.
    3. Cózar, I.R. & Pujol, T. & Lehocky, M., 2018. "Numerical analysis of the effects of electrical and thermal configurations of thermoelectric modules in large-scale thermoelectric generators," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 229(C), pages 264-280.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jacek Caban & Jan Vrabel & Dorota Górnicka & Radosław Nowak & Maciej Jankiewicz & Jonas Matijošius & Marek Palka, 2023. "Overview of Energy Harvesting Technologies Used in Road Vehicles," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-32, April.
    2. Daniel Sanin-Villa & Oscar D. Monsalve-Cifuentes & Elkin E. Henao-Bravo, 2021. "Evaluation of Thermoelectric Generators under Mismatching Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-20, December.

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