Thermoelectric Generator Applied to a Baja SAE Vehicle

The limited thermal efficiency in internal combustion engines provides a partial transformation of fuel energy in net power. The heat lost through the exhaust gases represent a significant portion of energy looses. The Seebeck Effect is the direct conversion of temperature differences between two dissimilar metals or semiconductors into electrical voltage. The present study demonstrates the application of thermoelectric generators technology in Baja SAE vehicles to recovery exhaust heat looses, using thermal energy converter devices. The electrical energy produced in Seebeck Effect Cells, assembly in engine exhaust manifold, is conditioned and applied in vehicle batteries and supply energy consumption during vehicle operation. This action could increase the vehicle energy efficiency by the recovery the thermal energy dissipated. This extra power supply makes possible the reduction of on board batteries charge capacity and also recharges them without external power sources. The global efficiency and a balance of energy by the using of Seebeck Effect Cells are shown in this paper.