See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/353141400

A Review of Thermoelectric Generator and Cooler For an Automobile

Article · July 2021

CITATIONS READS
0 193

3 authors, including:

Sahil Belgaonkar
Padmabhooshan Vasantraodada Patil Institute of Technology
1 PUBLICATION 0 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Sahil Belgaonkar on 10 July 2021.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

GIS SCIENCE JOURNAL ISSN NO : 1869-9391

A Review of Thermoelectric Generator and Cooler

For an Automobile
Sahil Belgaonkar1 Ashutosh Dandekar2 Ravindra Patil3
1BTech Student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, PVPIT Sangli,
Maharashtra, India.
2Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, PVPIT Sangli,

Maharashtra, India.
3Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, PVPIT Sangli,

Maharashtra, India.

Abstract: In today’s competitive technological environment, everyone is seeking a

comfortable lifestyle by utilizing the advances in technology in the real life. In the field of
Automobile revolutionary changes are taking place. Especially the growing demands of
customers in the AC system of Automobiles enables the researchers to develop the new
systems. Hence to satisfy the customer nearly all the vehicles equipped with the HVAC
system. It manifests most effective from a comfort perspective but it also results in global
warming, ozone depletion and the ozone hole, etc. due to refrigerants like CFC
(Cluroflurocarbon) and HCFC (Hydrocluroflurocarbon). Also consumes 5-10% of the total
power of the engine to run the compressor. Owing to all demerits together researchers have
discovered thermoelectric technology. It works on the waste heat of the engine of an
automobile. It has no moving parts, no noise, long life, less maintenance, compact, etc. The
purpose of this article is to study done by the community of researchers about this
technology.
Keywords: Automotive waste heat recovery, Thermoelectric Generator,
Thermoelectric Cooler, Seebeck effect, Peltier effect.

Introduction:
In the last few years, the automobile industry has an emphasis on reducing pollution
caused by refrigerant used in the HVAC system. The 100 gm of HFC can burn near about
0.5 tons of O3 (ozone) molecules. This is because when HFCs enter the environment, they
stay in the atmosphere for 18 years.[1]
Also, they intend to retrieve waste heat from an internal combustion engine (ICE).
Around the world, it is estimated that from the total energy produced out of only 1/3 covert
into work. This means about 75% of energy is lost or rejected in the form of waste heat.
When the fuel has burned the percentage of total energy distribution is 25% used to run the
car, 30% utilize due to the cooling process, 40% is directly left to the atmosphere in the
form of exhaust gases and about 5% absorbed in friction and other losses. These values are
tentative and may get vary depending upon fuel used and how optimum a particular unit is.
This utilization of some amount of waste heat recovery trails to a significant increase in
some parameters of the ICE, namely efficiency, increase power, lower fuel consumption,
lower emission.[2]
An air-conditioning system will absorb up to 8h.p. with a unit volume of 3 tonnes or
9072 kcal/hr. As a result of that car, the pickup has decreased.[3]

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 5, 2021 PAGE NO: 973

GIS SCIENCE JOURNAL ISSN NO : 1869-9391

Exhaust gas
40% 25%
Driving power

5% engine coolent
30%
Friction and Parasitic losses

Fig 1: Energy Distribution in ICE

That crisis leads to the thermoelectric phenomenon. It is the direct conversion of thermal
energy (Temperature difference) into electrical energy (voltage) and vice-versa. When
implementing for energy generation device it is termed a thermoelectric generator (TEG)
and for heating and cooling the device is termed a thermoelectric cooler (TEC). For the
power generation in automobile TEG act as exhaust gas waste heat recovery device.[4]

Thermoelectric module:
The thermoelectric module (TEM) as shown in fig(2) composed of two distinctive
semiconductor material namely, P-type and N-type sandwiched between ceramic plate. A
P-type semiconductor has positively charged holes and these are majority carriers. On other
hand, N-type semiconductor has a negative charge of the electron and they are majority
carriers. These semiconductors are connected electrically in series and thermally in parallel-
coupled by the copper tabs. By Thermoelectric principles, TEM can be used to achieve
cooling or heating effect and electricity. The temperature difference is created across the
junctions of semiconductors when input is provided at the free ends of two semiconductors
and when junctions are maintained at different temperatures power can be produced.[5]

Fig2: Thermoelectric Module

As electrons move from p-type material to n-type material, electrons leap to a higher
energy state retaining energy, from the encompassing zone. Also as electrons move from
n-type material to p-type material, electrons tumble to a lower energy state delivering
energy to the encompassing territory. The development of electrons from higher energy

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 5, 2021 PAGE NO: 974

GIS SCIENCE JOURNAL ISSN NO : 1869-9391

state to bring down energy state and the other way around is liable for increment or
abatement of heat transfer rate.[6]
Some common types of thermoelectric materials are Bismuth sulfide(Bi2S3), Lead
Telluride(PbTe), Antimony Telluride(Sb2Te3), Cesium Sulfide(CeS), Bismuth
telluride(Bi2Te3), and Germanium Telluride(GeTe).[7]

Thermoelectric Generator :
Principle:
The thermoelectric generator (TEG) is a free source of electricity and operates on the
Seebeck standard. It was originated by Baltic German physicist Thomas Johann Seebeck
is, when temperature contrast between junctions of two distinct materials or
semiconductors, it delivers a voltage distinction between those semiconductors. the voltage
produced is directly proportional to the temperature difference. The p-type thermoelectric
material produces positive polarity emf, while the n-type thermoelectric material produces
negative polarity emf, resulting in a TEG module made up of both alternating n-type and
p-type materials.[8]

Fig3: Seebeck Principle

Exhaust heat recovery by TEG :

The TEG, which uses vehicle waste exhaust as a heat source, is used as another way to
reduce ICE stacks, as well as the alternator, and thereby reduce fuel consumption and
pollution. Many automakers, like GM in the USA, BMW in Germany, effectively created
TEGs to recuperate the fumes squander heat. Thinking about the difficulties of complex
auto climate and being made industrially, the Be2Ti3-based mass thermoelectric material
was chosen by the majority of the carmakers for application. Notwithstanding, restricted by
the thermoelectric materials, the proficiency of the TEG framework was restricted and
absolutely under 5%.[9]
Installation of TEG:
The position of TEG is a major concern while installing in the exhaust line as it governs
the generated output power by exhaust heat. Heat is required for both TEG and catalytic
converter (CC) to function normally in the vehicle exhaust system. The pressure drop in the
vehicle exhaust system directly influences the backpressure of exhaust gas, which leads to
affect engines intake and exhaust system. In an experiment, the TEG is located at three
different positions 1) at the end of the exhaust system; 2) between CC and muffler; 3)

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 5, 2021 PAGE NO: 975

GIS SCIENCE JOURNAL ISSN NO : 1869-9391

upstream of CC and muffler. From the experimental results, among the 3 the heat exchanger
in position 2 has a more regular flow distribution, a higher surface temperature, and lower
back pressure than the other 2 positions. At the same time, the natural operation of the
catalytic converter and muffler occurs. As a result, position 2 is preferable to add TEG for
power generation from exhaust heat.[10]

Exhaust system

Fig4: Waste heat recovery by TEG

The most significant aspect of the power produced by a TEG is the vehicle's speed. The
vehicle's speed should be increased to improve TEG efficiency. More energy is available
for processing into electrical energy as the exhaust temperature rises. The temperature has
a significant impact on the performance of a TEG. When engine speed increases the
temperature difference between surfaces of TEG also rises instantly and with it improve the
power output of TEG. From the study, it was discovered that the system has the potential
to create 1.4 KW of electrical energy if the engine of the car produced 150 KW power.[11]

Thermoelectric cooling:
Principle:
The principle of Thermoelectric cooling is based on the effect of Peltier. This impact
was found by a researcher named Jean Charles Athanase Peltier in 1834. Peltier effect states
that when two dissimilar metals (P & N semiconductors) are joined together to form a
junction and electrical current passes through them then the temperature gradient exists at
the junctions. by this effect, some heat is absorbed in one junction and some heat is rejected
at the other junction. The negatively charged side cools off, while the positively charged
side warms up. The negative side is connected to the part, unit, or medium to be cooled,
while the positive side is connected to a heatsink that radiates or dissipates thermal energy
into the surrounding atmosphere.[12]
A thermoelectric cooler has equivalent parts as shown in the figure. The power supply
to TEC generates energy will cause the movement of electrons. As they leap from P-type
(low energy) to N-type (high energy) semiconductor material, heat is absorbed by the
electrons at a cold intersection. At a hot intersection, as electrons move from N-type to P-
type heat released to the heat sink. Which plate is cooled depends on the direction of the
current. The cooling capacity is determined by the number and size of thermocouples used,
as well as the materials employed in production. Cooling capacity ranges from a μW to
KW.[13]

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 5, 2021 PAGE NO: 976

GIS SCIENCE JOURNAL ISSN NO : 1869-9391

Fig5: Peltier Principle

Thermoelectric cooling for car:

The cooling system for an automobile is shown below with aid of a block diagram (fig6).
The TEC’s are assembled in between the heat sink and energized by the power supply.
Atmospheric air is blown out through the duct by the blower. Form cold heat sinks the cold
air is extracted. An automobile cooling system is an integration of the following
elements:[14]
1. A battery (DC power source) is used to drive the fan, blower and TEC’s
2. A long heat sink is attached to the hot side.
3. A cluster of the aluminium and copper heat sinks is fixed to the cold side.
4. A car blower to blow out ambient air.
5. A duct to conduct air from blower to cold heat sink.

Fig6 : Automobile cooling by TEC

There required no. of TEC’c are sandwiched between one long heat sink and cluster of
heat sink depends on no.s of TEC’s. The long heat sink made up of aluminium attached to
the hot side or bottom side of the TEC’s and the cold side or top side is attached to the
bunch of aluminium heat sinks and copper heat sinks by using thermal grease.
The TEC system begins with a blower that blows atmospheric air into a circular duct.
When TEC’s are turned on the cold side cools down the bunch of heat sink. The air from
the duct pass over the cold heat sink. Air coming out of the cold heat sink is lower than the
ambient temperature. Hot sinks are having inbuilt fins to convey the water from them to

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 5, 2021 PAGE NO: 977

GIS SCIENCE JOURNAL ISSN NO : 1869-9391

maintain the temperature of the heat sink. Water extract the heat from a hot sink and goes
to the water cooing coil and fan assembly to again cooldown by forced convection for reuse
with the aid of a pump. The entire assembly is securely fastened to the dashboard of the car
with a connection of the blower through the duct.[15]

The proposed system of TEG and TEC for automobile:

Fig7: Proposed system of TEG and

The proposed system successfully utilises the exhaust heat and replace the current
HVAC system. The voltage is produced by the thermoelectric generator using waste heat.
That current is contained in the battery and use to operate the thermoelectric cooler. This
approach is both convenient and inexpensive. We will save money on gasoline and diesel
by using this method. This project simply an attempt to illustrate the need for and means of
replacing traditional systems due to their negative environmental impacts, as well as to
show the possible potential of Thermoelectric Devices.[16]

Conclusion:
The integrated application of thermoelectric cooler and generator with waste heat
recovery for an automobile is summarised in this work. As the components of traditional
air conditioner have eliminated the power requires to run those components has saved to
increase the efficiency of fuel. The study concludes that though the efficiency of the system
is achieved only 3-5% in automobile, it plays a very vital role and add a new dimension to
the air conditioning system due to some advantages such as solid-state operation, working
on waste heat, compact, less maintenance and most important is environmentally friendly.
Researchers have been working on properties of the material the efficiency may increase in
future and thermoelectric technology will be used for a wide range of applications.

References:
[1] M. Stancila, C.-A. Ene, M. Ivanescu, I. Tabacu, and C. Neacsu, “studies on the use of thermoelectric
elements for improving thermal comfort in automobile,” p. 8. (Oct 2013)
[2] K. Ivanov and A. Aleksandrov, “Design and Study of an Automotive Thermoelectric Generator,” in 2020
7th International Conference on Energy Efficiency and Agricultural Engineering (EE&AE), Ruse,
Bulgaria, pp. 1–4. doi: 10.1109/EEAE49144.2020.9279082. (Nov. 2020)
[3] A. Thalkar, P. Vaidya, S. Nikam, S. Patil, and L. Shendre, “Study of Thermoelectric Air Conditioning
for Automobiles,” vol. 05, no. 01, p. 4. (Jan 2018)
[4] S. R. Patil, R. A. Patil, and R. P. Suryawanshi, “THERMOELECTRIC AIR CONDITIONING AN
ALTERNATIVE TO CONVENTIONAL AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM,” vol. 6, no. 3, p. 9, (Mar 2019).
[5] S. Patidar, “Applications of Thermoelectric Energy: A Review,” Int. J. Res. Appl. Sci. Eng. Technol.,
vol. 6, no. 5, pp. 1992–1996, DOI: 10.22214/ijraset.2018.5325. (May 2018)
[6] P. Agivale, P. Kamble, A. Bhagit, V. Nikam, and M. Jagtap, “Fabrication of thermoelectric cooler,” vol.
9, no. 5, p. 4, (May 2018).
[7] BENZIGER B, ANU NAIR P, and BALAKRISHNAN P, “REVIEW PAPER ON THERMOELECTRIC
AIR-CONDITIONER USING PELTIER MODULES,” Int. J. Mech. Eng., vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 49–56, (May
2015).
[8] P. Pohekar, P. Alaspure, P. Punase, and S. G. Tikhe, “Automotive Waste Heat Harvesting for Electricity
Generation using Thermoelectric Generator A Review,” vol. 05, no. 02, p. 5(Feb 2018).

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 5, 2021 PAGE NO: 978

GIS SCIENCE JOURNAL ISSN NO : 1869-9391

[9] Z. B. Tang, Y. D. Deng, C. Q. Su, W. W. Shuai, and C. J. Xie, “A research on thermoelectric generator’s
electrical performance under temperature mismatch conditions for automotive waste heat recovery
system,” Case Stud. Therm. Eng., vol. 5, pp. 143–150, DOI: 10.1016/j.csite.2015.03.006 (Mar. 2015).
[10] X. Liu, Y.D.Deng, S.Chen, W.S.Wang, Y.Xu, and C.Q.Su, “A case study on compatibility of automotive
exhaust thermoelectric generation system, catalytic converter and muffler,” Elsevier Ltd, vol. 02, pp.
62–66, (Mar. 2014).
[11] Mohd. Q. Khan, S. Malarmannan, and G. Manikandaraja, “Power generation from waste heat of vehicle
exhaust using a thermoelectric generator: A review,” IOP Conf. Ser. Mater. Sci. Eng., vol. 402, p.
012174, DOI: 10.1088/1757-899X/402/1/012174, (Sep. 2018).
[12] S. Gupta, A. Srivastav, S. Allah, and G. Tiwari, “Thermoelectric Refrigeration System,” Eng. Technol.,
vol. 6, p. 11. (Sep 2018)
[13] N. B. Totala, V. P. Desai, R. K. N. Singh, D. Gangopadhyay, M. S. M. Yaqub, and N. S. Jane, “Study
and Fabrication of Thermoelectric Air Cooling and Heating System,” p. 1,(Aug 2014).
[14] Dr J. V. B. Mr Phuge S.S., “Thermoelectric Air Cooling For Cars,” Int. Eng. Res. J., pp. 899–908 (Jun.
2016).
[15] S. Doifode and A. M. Patil, “Review of Thermoelectric Air To Air Cooling For Cars,” p. 4,(April 2014).
[16] Nawle Yogesh and trinity college of Engg. and research Pune, “Air Conditioning System in Car using
Thermoelectric Effect,” Int. J. Eng. Res., vol. V9, no. 06, p. IJERTV9IS060307,doi:
10.17577/IJERTV9IS060307 (Jun. 2020).

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 5, 2021 PAGE NO: 979

View publication stats