Trade-off in Thermoelectric Generator design for vehicle application

Abstract

In designing a Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) there is a trade-off between thermoelectric power generation and additional effort to operate a TEG in automotive environment. This publication examines the influence by the choice of the design point. Even though materials and modules are basic fundamentals for thermoelectric energy conversion in vehicles, the DLR demonstrated the immense potential of a purposeful design. This is because, beside the positive effect of electrical feed-in, a TEG has negative effects as well. It will for example cause backpressure in the exhaust system and additional weight. The result is a trade-off between TEG power output and additional effort to operate the TEG.