Thermoelectric-based power generation systems and methods

摘要

Some embodiments provide a waste heat recovery apparatus including an exhaust tube having a cylindrical outer shell configured to contain a flow of exhaust fluid; a first heat exchanger extending through a first region of the exhaust tube, the first heat exchanger in thermal communication with the cylindrical outer shell; a second region of the exhaust tube extending through the exhaust tube, the second region having a low exhaust fluid pressure drop; an exhaust valve operatively disposed within the second region and configured to allow exhaust fluid to flow through the second region only when a flow rate of the exhaust fluid becomes great enough to result in back pressure beyond an allowable limit; and a plurality of thermoelectric elements in thermal communication with an outer surface of the outer shell.

主权项

1. A power generation apparatus for a vehicle having an engine, the apparatus comprising:
at least one exhaust conduit configured to contain a flow of engine exhaust fluid, the at least one exhaust conduit comprising a first region having a first exhaust fluid pressure drop and a second region having a second exhaust fluid pressure drop less than the first exhaust fluid pressure drop; at least one heat exchanger in thermal communication with engine exhaust fluid in the first region; an array of thermoelectric elements in thermal communication with the at least one heat exchanger; a heat transfer enhancement structure within the second region and in thermal communication with the array of thermoelectric elements, the heat transfer enhancement structure configured to transfer heat from the exhaust fluid in the second region; at least one valve configured to adjust engine exhaust fluid flow through the first region and the second region; and a controller configured to actuate the at least one valve based on at least one engine operating parameter.