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Great idea!
Heat losses are 67% of the energy content of the fuel. A large portion of that is from the exhaust, probably close to half, or the same amount of energy that actually gets out of the engine to drive the wheels.
Personally I think it would be enough energy to supply all accessory functions. It could possibly be more than that which could be used as an acceleration assist through a toothed belt start stop alternator.
This would also allow the engine to never idle. That would reduce the overall waste heat and reduce the total amount of power available to the re-generator, so the accessory power demands would probably be the overall effect if it was incorporated into a start stop operational strategy.
Idling fuel consumption is calculated to waste 13% of all fuel consumed in vehicles (EPA figures).
The neat thing about steam generation is you can use modern insulation techniques to almost eliminate heat losses in your system. You could also use a lower boiling point self lubricating fluid in place of water.
regards
Mech
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