EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF THERMO - ELECTRIC GENERATOR USED IN COMPRESSION IGNITION ENGINES

This paper deals with the study on performance characteristics of thermo - electric generator modules used in Compression Ignition engines for production of an electrical energy. E xhaustive studies are being done in utiliz ing th e heat rejected through exhaust gases of a Compression Ignition engine working in a cycle to raise the overall efficiency. It is observed that about 35 ? 45 % of heat generated is being wasted through exhaust gases. Hence, an attempt is made to utilize the energy lost in exhaust gases to recharge the battery without effecting the performance of an engine. An experimental set up was designed and fabricated to make the performance test for utilization of exhaust gases. Further, the performance characteristics of the thermo - electric generator consisting of thermo electric modules are studied in detail. The thermal energy from temperature gradient is converted into electrical energy by using the working principle of Seebeck and Pelt i er Effect s .