07-18-2017, 09:16 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Can I replace an alternator with peltiers?
I came up with the idea of using peltiers on the engine to create electricity to run, or at least help run the electrical system. Would that work? If I could turn waste heat into a little bit of useful energy that would be great. I am sure there is a reason this would not work, but oh well. What do you think?
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07-18-2017, 09:19 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Only if they weigh as much as the rest of the car. You might be able to run the clock off them.
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07-18-2017, 10:20 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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Administrator
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Yes, you can. Its incredibly expensive. I've actually been meaning to make a post on how to do this just so it can be referenced by questions like this in the future. I best get on it!  |
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07-19-2017, 12:10 AM
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#4 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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I was toying with the idea myself,
Last time i checked it was 1$ per W.
I always thought that using engine coolant (a much more controlled heat source) for the peltier elemts was a good idea.
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07-19-2017, 01:08 AM
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#5 (permalink)
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Human Environmentalist
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Peltiers require a temperature differential to generate electricity. This means one side has to absorb the waste engine heat, and the other side has to remove the heat through a heatsink or water cooling (which is then cooled by a heatsink).
I wonder how much surface area you would need, and how much weight it would add, not to mention the cost.
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07-19-2017, 04:39 AM
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#6 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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Some modules i have seeen can get 14W form 6x6cm with a temp diff of 250 degc.
But they cost more than 10$/W.
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07-19-2017, 05:10 AM
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#7 (permalink)
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Human Environmentalist
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Quote:
Originally Posted by teoman
Some modules i have seeen can get 14W form 6x6cm with a temp diff of 250 degc.
But they cost more than 10$/W.
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...and then the small matter of creating a 250 C temp differential. You'd have to get that off the exhaust header since 190 F coolant isn't enough of a temperature difference to maximize the potential. |
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07-19-2017, 05:54 AM
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#8 (permalink)
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EcoModding Apprentice
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No.
Alternators are round and Peltiers are square - and sticking square things into round holes isn't really the right thing to do.
[Edit] ok - just joking. Toyota got it to work already sometime back.
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2003 Renault Scenic - 30% more power with no loss in fuel economy.
1991 Toyota GT4 - more economical before ST215W engine-swap.
previous: Water-Injected Mitsubishi ~33% improved.
future - probably a Prius
Last edited by ar5boosted; 07-19-2017 at 08:38 AM..
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07-19-2017, 07:15 AM
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#9 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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I think it is doable.
With coolant you can use the cheaper thermoelectric coolers as generators.
Peak power tracking and adjusting the voltage needs a bit of work but it is all doable.
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07-19-2017, 07:25 AM
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#10 (permalink)
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Corporate imperialist
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Or idk maybe solar panels and a real MPPT charge controller?
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1989 firebird mostly stock. Aside from the 6-speed manual trans, corvette gen 5 front brakes, 1LE drive shaft, 4th Gen disc brake fbody rear end.
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