Experimental Investigation on Thermo-Electric Generator Used in Compression Ignition Engines

A probe into an experimental studies to utilize heat losses in an engine through exhaust gases for increasing an overall efficiency of an automobile was attempted. About 35-45 % of total heat is being carried by exhaust gases in a compression ignition engine. Exhaustive studies are being performed to study on the utilization of this waste gasesy. Here an attempt is made to use a Thermo-electric generator for recharging a battery in an automobile. Both simulation and Experimental analysis are made to test performance of an engine due to assembly of thermo-electric generator. A heat exchanger was designed and fabricated to Compression Ignition engine for the purpose. Further, the performance characteristics of the thermo-electric generator consisting of thermo electric modules was studied in detail. Seebeck and Peltier effects are used to convert the thermal energy produced due to temperature gradient into electrical energy.