Converting engine waste heat to electric power could make cars more efficient, according to research.
The goal of a new multi-partnership financed research project is to develop and test a vehicle engine heat recovery system with a view to gaining a 5% improvement in light vehicle fuel economy.
By capturing thermoelectric waste, a team at Boise State University in the US - backed by GMZ Energy Inc and the US Department of Energy - is aiming to overcome the inefficiency problems inherent in petrol-driven vehicles. In fact, according to the scientists, a mere 25% of fuel energy is actually used to drive the wheels and more than 70% is lost as waste heat.
The project aims to develop the theory that post catalytic converter heat exchangers can remove waste heat from hot engine exhaust gases and deliver it to the thermoelectric devices, which convert the heat to electricity. This can then be used to provide additional power to the driveshaft.
They team are hoping to develop a fully-scaled prototype which could lead to commercial production as early as 2015.