Germans trying to replace Alternator with Thermoelectric Generators or TEGs - Page 3 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Bicycle Bob · 03-12-2009, 06:14 PM

IC engines still have the highest potential Carnot efficiency - big diesels are getting over 50% now, and still wasting enough heat for a bulky Stirling or the new refrigerant turbine.

NiHaoMike · 03-12-2009, 06:30 PM

What about inject water into the exhaust and then use the mixture of steam and exhaust gases to spin a turbine? For even better efficiency, the water can be preheated by running it through a heat exchanger from the coolant.

MetroMPG · 03-12-2009, 09:28 PM

NiHaoMike: have you seen BMW's Turbosteamer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ?

NiHaoMike · 03-12-2009, 10:20 PM

Except my idea does not require a condenser that would degrade aerodynamics.

markweatherill · 03-13-2009, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyGrey

Do you guys have any idea how weak TEG currents are? This is about as practical as replacing your car battery with a potato.

Hmm, potatoes, maybe there's potential here! Not just one potato though. I see a bank of potatoes, a Prius battery pack with the batteries replaced by potatoes.
Or lemons...