Open AccessWhite Paper for U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force: Waste Heat Recovery with Thermoelectric and Lithium-Ion Hybrid Power System
Author(s) -
Joseph C. Farmer
Publication year - 2007
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/926004
Subject(s) - thermoelectric generator , waste heat , truck , automotive engineering , power (physics) , work (physics) , thermoelectric effect , installation , waste management , electric power , heat engine , process engineering , engineering , electrical engineering , mechanical engineering , physics , heat exchanger , quantum mechanics , thermodynamics
By harvesting waste heat from engine exhaust and storing it in light-weight high-capacity modules, it is believed that the need for energy transport by convoys can be lowered significantly. By storing this power during operation, substantial electrical power can be provided during long periods of silent operation, while the engines are not operating. It is proposed to investigate the potential of installing efficient thermoelectric generators on the exhaust systems of trucks and other vehicles to generate electrical power from the waste heat contained in the exhaust and to store that power in advanced power packs comprised of polymer-gel lithium ion batteries. Efficient inexpensive methods for production of the thermoelectric generator are also proposed. The technology that exists at LLNL, as well as that which exists at industrial partners, all have high technology readiness level (TRL). Work is needed for integration and deployment