A generator has been created that converts exhaust gases into electricity: how it works

The system developed by scientists is attached to the exhaust pipe of a car and converts the heat of exhaust gases into electricity.

A group of researchers has developed a compact thermoelectric generator that converts waste heat from vehicle exhaust into electricity. This writes Tech Xplore.

As the publication notes, gasoline-powered car internal combustion engines use only a quarter of the potential energy of the fuel, with the rest being lost as heat during exhaust. This process has a negative impact on the environment.

To solve this problem, a team led by Wenjie Li and Bed Pudel developed a thermoelectric generator that contains a bismuth telluride semiconductor and uses heat exchangers (similar to those used in air conditioners) to capture heat from vehicle exhaust pipes. The system is attached to the exhaust pipe of the car and converts the heat of the exhaust gases into energy.

The generator also has a built-in radiator – a device used for cooling. The radiator significantly increases the temperature difference, which directly affects the power of the system.

The prototype generator reached an output power of 40 watts, which is enough to power a light bulb. In simulations, the system generated up to 56 watts at a car-like exhaust velocity and 146 watts at a helicopter-like exhaust velocity, equivalent to five and 12 18650 lithium-ion batteries, respectively.

According to the researchers, such a generator can be integrated directly into existing exhaust ports without the need for additional cooling systems.