1. P08441:Thermoelectric Auto Exhaust Power Generation

2. Thermoelectrics are awesome!!
The Team

3. Project Background
Up to 60% of the energy in a combustion engine can be lost in the form of waste heat
Recovering lost heat and converting it into energy may prove to be an efficient and cost effective power generation method.
Thermoelectric modules may be a solution. Thermoelectrics can produce electrical energy from heat.

4. Thermoelectric Operation
Create energy from a temperature differential
The larger the temperature difference the larger the power output
Cold Side:
Need to remove as much heat as possible.
Hot Side:
Need to supply as much heat as possible

5. Major Needs and Specifications
65+ Watts
Need to produce more than 65 Watts
Ideally produce 100 Watts of power
Charge Battery
Use the generated power to charge a car battery
Need to design circuitry to regulate the voltage

6. Design Concept:
15 internal fins to transfer exhaust heat to thermoelectric modules
Finned heatsinks for cost effective and feasible cooling
Bellvue springs to control contact pressure under thermal expansion.

7. Design Details

8. Project Expenditures

9. Test Results:

10. Specifications Met:

11. Outstanding Specifications