Thermoelectric (TE) devices have received renewed attention in the past decade for use in light-duty automotive applications Governmental organizations and private corporations world-wide are sponsoring research at both the basic materials level, as well as for applied research and technology demonstrations This funding has led to measurable improvement in TE device cost and efficiency, as well as spurring the emergence and growth of a vertically-integrated TE industry The two broad categories of applications that have been considered for thermoelectrics are power generation through waste-heat recovery and cabin climate control through the use of TE heat pumps Neither of these uses of TE devices has ever been commercialized in large-scale vehicle applications in large part due to the challenges of low device efficiency and high costs While it is still not clear that TEs will emerge as a winner in the marketplace in the near-term, there are several new developments which provide justification for this renewed interest Among these reasons are increasing electrification of the vehicle fleet, demands from governments and consumers for improvement in fuel economy and reduction in tailpipe CO2 emissions, and a greater emphasis on occupant comfort With governments and industry around the world placing substantial financial bets on the promise of this technology to help address national and global concerns for reducing CO2 and hydrocarbon consumption, it makes sense for the automotive industry to leverage this investment and to re-evaluate TE-based technology for use in vehicles In this paper, we will present an overview of Ford Motor Company's current and upcoming research efforts into TE technology This effort is focused on the use of TE waste heat recovery systems in a vehicle exhaust, and the use of TE HVAC systems in hybrid vehicles We will discuss the role of the automotive OEM in establishing guidelines and targets for cost, power density, packaging, durability, and systems integration In addition, we will detail our role in U S Department of Energy-funded TE research for both waste heat recovery and climate control
Thermoelectrics for waste heat recovery and climate control in automobiles
2011
15 Seiten, 10 Bilder, 3 Tabellen, 39 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
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