Using thermocouples to offset alternator load

[MetroMPG]

The topic of generating electricity with thermocouples comes up in the alternator-less threads.

So here's a link sent to me by a metrompg.com visitor that outlines quite an interesting test done with a professionally built thermocouple unit that uses both exhaust gas and coolant heat. It was fitted to a GM pickup and tested on a dynamometer:

http://mithril.camp.clarkson.edu/~helenbrk/Research/JoAE_AETEG_test.pdf

[mopo3]

The link doesn't work anymore. Too bad I was interested in doing this to my Saturn.

[vtec-e]

I wonder why it doesn't work anymore?...........maybe it worked too well....

ollie

[mopo3]

I bought a peltier heat pump from American Science & Surplus : Search Results

I've been trying to use old computer heat sinks and the exhaust manifold to generate electricity. So far I've been fairly unsuccessful. I have gotten some amps but not much, the problem is that the pump is flat and the exhaust is round. 2 things would help, a pipe shaped pump and higher Seebeck coefficient which can be achieved by using bismuth telluride instead of copper and aluminum.