Step 9: Extras
Here's a video showing a seebeck unit powering a video player using heat from a catalytic converter.
This video talks about an idea that is very similar to what we have discussed in previous steps. We think this is great, but we think we can do better.
Catalytic converters are already pretty efficient. They need to warm up in order to operate at full efficiency. If we attached seebeck units it may draw away heat needed to warm it up. So lets just let them do what they do best (reduce toxicity of emissions).
Our idea is to attach seebeck units to the exhaust manifold. By placing the seebeck units on the manifold we get the hottest exhaust region. More heat differential means more electric power generation. Also being inside the car would protect it from the elements.
With future improvements, we would like to have seebeck units in a flexible strip. They could be wrapped around exhaust pipes and then perhaps the technology could replace the alternator entirely, even free up some HP for the engine.
It's too soon to tell without some more testing.
Note: Although these units are very rugged, they are unfortunately not bullet proof. We recommend making sure the cold side is cooled for best results in efficiency and protection of the units under extreme conditions.
This video talks about an idea that is very similar to what we have discussed in previous steps. We think this is great, but we think we can do better.
Catalytic converters are already pretty efficient. They need to warm up in order to operate at full efficiency. If we attached seebeck units it may draw away heat needed to warm it up. So lets just let them do what they do best (reduce toxicity of emissions).
Our idea is to attach seebeck units to the exhaust manifold. By placing the seebeck units on the manifold we get the hottest exhaust region. More heat differential means more electric power generation. Also being inside the car would protect it from the elements.
With future improvements, we would like to have seebeck units in a flexible strip. They could be wrapped around exhaust pipes and then perhaps the technology could replace the alternator entirely, even free up some HP for the engine.
It's too soon to tell without some more testing.
Note: Although these units are very rugged, they are unfortunately not bullet proof. We recommend making sure the cold side is cooled for best results in efficiency and protection of the units under extreme conditions.
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Additionally, your first thought of using the catalytic converter would be more effective (aside from possible water/dirt intrusion, but you will get some under the hood too), while not affecting the operation of it. TE modules don't cool their heat source significantly, especially when we're talking about taking a few watts out of the exhaust of something that generates kilowatts of waste heat. Heating of the cat prior to "lightoff" is the only concern. Once it reaches that temp, it gets considerably hotter. Driving down the road in a downpour doesn't cool the cat enough to lower its efficiency, even if the case is cooled to below 212ºF. Many cats have a fiber glass-like (dunno what it is) layer around the honeycomb to insulate it.
Have you thought about using it to generate hydrogen and oxygen and use in hybrid vehicle?