Measurement and Evaluation of the Conversion of Thermal Energy Generated on the Contact Surface of the Brake Disc into Electrical Energy Using a Thermoelectric Generator

Heat generated by friction between the brake discs and the brake pad causes the disc temperature to rise, which affects the braking performance. This flux generated from the contact surface of the vehicle brake disc not only affects the braking performance but also tends to be wasted and pollutes the environment. However, an accurate system is needed to make efficient use of this generated heat flux, which is usually wasted. Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are solid-state gadgets utilized in the conversion of heat to electricity. Hence, the aim of this study is to convert the heat flux generated at the disc contact surface into electrical energy by employing a thermoelectric generator. In Addition, the energy harvested energy to power the battery, which in turn charges the temperature monitoring systems. Thermoelectric generators were positioned at different geometrical points of the brake discs to achieve optimal efficiency and energy storage possibilities. A static model is adopted, and a brief analysis is performed to evaluate the efficiency of the thermoelectric generator (TEG). The analytical electrical modelling takes into account the internal and contact thermal resistance of the thermoelectric generators (TEG) under conditions of disc temperature gradient and heat flux change. The mathematical model of the brake disc thermal energy conversion and power calculation of the thermoelectric generator is established. The results were analyzed and validated using the experiment data from brake disc temperature monitoring system. The provided autonomous temperature monitor system can be used effectively to detect the increase in temperature increase on the contact surface and the dispersion of particles in the environment.