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Old 03-26-2015, 12:04 AM   #6 (permalink)
serialk11r
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Join Date: Jan 2012
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I think what everyone is waiting for is suitable high temperature thermoelectric modules that are cheaper. Because of the requirement for an onboard generator to be light and the fact that electrical energy isn't as useful in a gasoline powered car, the main problem is cost. I think Alphabet Energy or something has newer TEGs that are maybe viable but I don't think you can buy them.

It shouldn't be hard to remove most of the alternator's load, you can generate 300W with commercially available units for about 1500 dollars and something like 10lbs weight which isn't too bad, but the cost has to be trimmed down a lot if it's ever going to pay for itself.
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