DEN318 : Thermoelectric Generators Feasibility in Automotive Engines - Mechanical Assignment

Statement: The ever increasing use of non-renewable energy sources means that every effort needs to be made to make machines and devices as efficient as possible. In this effort, we try using renewable energy sources or reuse and recover used energy from nonrenewable energy sources. This Literature Review engulfs the Thermoelectric effect and describes how it can be used to run Thermoelectric devices that use the Seebeck and Peltier effects to either heat or cool using an electric current or use a temperature difference to produce an electrical current.One such device is called the Automotive Thermoelectric generator. This generator is used as part of a waste heat recovery system to reuse wasted heat energy which would otherwise be lost to the environment to produce an electrical current that can be stored and used for making cars more efficient, lowering their fuel consumption, lowering their C0 emissions 2 and helping sustain the environment. The Automotive Thermogenerators can without a doubt help with the efficiency but they do also have some drawbacks that need onsideration. Development of the device is discussed in the light of modern automotive giants such as BMW and Ford. Issues concerning these devices and large scale use is discussed. How these devices developed to aid the Internal Combustion engines over the years and whether they are feasible or not. Question :  You need to consider how much energy you can recover? How much it costs to add the system? How much fuel it will use to carry that extra weight all the time, Do the maths and see if it is worth it.