Vehicle energy usage

The waste heat from exhaust gases and cooling systems of internal combustion engines can be an important heat source to provide additional power and improve engine overall efficiency. Developments and efficiency improvements in thermal electric generator technology has made recycling of this previously ignored energy source a viable proposition. In this research project a design of an exhaust gas thermal electric generator is proposed. A computer simulation using CFD software ANSYS16.1 is conducted to estimate the expected performance of the system. It is proposed that the Thermal electric generator output be used to charge the vehicle battery and thereby replace the conventional vehicle charging system. Additionally due to the continuous nature of the electrical power output it is proposed that electrical power also be utilized to power a hydrogen generation unit which will allow a controlled amount of hydrogen / oxygen mixture back into the engine under light throttle and lean burn conditions. The design presented is estimated to produce a maximum power output of 2407 watts. This power output is comparable to that of a conventional vehicle charging system. The TEG design presented could be a suitable substitute for a conventional charging system. Additionally there are extensive fuel economy and emissions benefits in using the excess electrical power generated to power an electrolysis driven hydrogen generating cell