Integrating HVAC condenser airflow and exhaust gas heat for enhanced thermoelectric power generation
Interest in capturing waste heat, especially from exhaust gasses, has increased due to the growing need for energy efficiency. By immediately transforming temperature differentials into electrical power, thermoelectric generators (TEGs) provide a sustainable option. In order to maximize TEG-based po...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-06-01
|
| Series: | Results in Engineering |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123025016044 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Interest in capturing waste heat, especially from exhaust gasses, has increased due to the growing need for energy efficiency. By immediately transforming temperature differentials into electrical power, thermoelectric generators (TEGs) provide a sustainable option. In order to maximize TEG-based power generation, this work suggests and evaluates a novel hybrid system that integrates airflow from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) condensers with waste heat from exhaust gases. In order to increase power production, the design carefully combines exhaust heat and condenser airflow, taking advantage of their combined temperature gradients. To evaluate system performance under various situations, such as exhaust mass flow rate, exhaust temperature, and the thickness-to-thermal-conductivity ratio (t/k) of the TEG, a thorough thermal model was created. The temperature difference and power output of the TEGs are greatly enhanced by raising the t/k ratio and exhaust gas mass flow rate, according to parametric analyses. Notably, the system produces 194 W and a temperature differential of 41.5 °C at a t/k of 0.002 m²•K/W and an exhaust flow rate of 0.40 kg/s. In optimal circumstances, the system produces 3507 W with a temperature differential of 216.5 °C (0.40 kg/s, t/k = 0.01 m²•K/W). These results highlight how hybrid TEG systems can improve the efficiency of current systems and promote sustainable energy recovery. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2590-1230 |