CREARE LLC — Department of Energy STTR Phase I: 06f

Description

An enormous amount of energy from burning hydrocarbon fuels is wasted as heat in vehicle exhaust gas. The goal of this project is to improve vehicle efficiency and reduce fuel consumption by converting some of this heat into electric power. We will develop a solid state thermoelectric generator (TEG) that can efficiently produce electric power from high-temperature exhaust heat. The approach is to combine innovative, efficient heat exchangers with novel, high-efficiency thermoelectric materials to provide highly reliable power generation at low cost. Commercial Application and Other Benefits The thermoelectric generating system will improve fuel efficiency when installed in the exhaust systems of cars, trucks, and buses, with particular benefits to hybrid electric vehicles. Benefits include greater fuel economy, reduced CO2 emissions, and less dependence on foreign fuel sources.