Engine heat sink thermal energy recovery system

This research report presents results in the investigation on the combustion engine thermal energy recovery systems (TERS)1-10, with the application of thermoelectric generators (TEG). Joint RMIT University and Defence Science Institute (DSI) research and development project is concentrated on examining thermal heat flux recovery from automotive heat sinks and converting it to the electrical power. One of the TERS systems' research objectives is to create a sustainable electrical power source by redesigning parts of the combustion engine cooling system so that TEGs could be implemented. Extensive simulations were conducted to explore heat transfer and temperature distribution and ensure that engine working conditions are not changed. The whole system should be capable to store recovered energy and later use it by hybrid vehicle, in the electrical vehicle driving mode (EV)11, or should be used by other subsystems in the vehicle. Our investigation should give contribution to the reduction in the use of fossil fuels, CO2 emission and fuel consumption