BMW developing thermoelectric generators

[Tango Charlie]

...and say they'll be in their cars in five years.

Linky; BMW thermoelectric generator technology

[tjts1]

Knowing BMW, it'll have a 500 hoses each with at least 2 failure points (sometimes 3), it'll cost $10,000 to replace, you'll need a $100,000 dealer only tool to diagnose it, you won't be able to service it without dropping the engine and like all new first generation BMW technology, it'll cause the car to depreciate faster than yesterday's newspaper.

[Daox]

Interesting read Terry. As we know here, current TECs are incredibly inefficient (usually under 10%). Theres no saying you can't use them, but its most likely cost prohibitive. So, BMW is going to have their work cut out for themselves. They're going to have to improve efficiency, and/or cut cost quite a bit I'd think.

[tjts1]

I guess bmw realized their last idea was retarded.

[Geonerd]

Most of the article is sloppy, and this is absolute gibberish: "Recycling this abundant energy source would require replacing the plutonium in a RTG with a non-hazardous material that conducts electricity while resisting heat, not an easy task since most metals become hot when a current is applied to them."

Say what?


As mentioned, TEC efficiency sucks. I like the dual stage heat engine idea much better.

[Tango Charlie]

So, tjts1...tell me what you really think of BMW...

I agree some of the things they try are pretty silly. But I give 'em props for trying. Not like our domestic automakers.
I think a lot of times the 'five year' time line is used as a way to let a failed idea die quietly without anyone noticing.

[RobertSmalls]

A huge amount of energy exits the car via the tailpipe, and it makes sense to try waste heat recovery. Honda tried the heat engine approach too: Green Car Congress: Honda Researching Advanced Hybrid Drive with Rankine Cycle Co-Generation.

When attached to the 150HP engine in the Honda Stream mini-minivan:

Maximum power available from the volumetric expander is as much as 32kW (43hp), and maximum thermal efficiency of the unit is 13% at 23kW (30hp). In comments following the presentation, Yamamoto indicated that Honda would need to see higher efficiencies achieved with the system if it is going to be considered for production.

Waste heat recovery systems might pay for themselves on heavy duty and stationary engines, but even Honda, who are obsessed with fuel economy, think the benefits of this waste heat system are outweighed by the cost, weight penalty, and complexity.