In previous publications different designs for automotive thermoelectric generators (TEG) were presented. Also simulation results or sometimes experimental data of their performance can be found in these. However, the process of concept development has been considered only marginally so far. The present paper deals with the process of conceptual TEG-design, whereby the methodical procedure is geared at the German VDI-guideline 2221 "Systematic approach to the development and design of technical systems and products". In a first step the requirements for automotive TEG are collected. In this context special attention is attended to the interaction of the TEG and the vehicle system. Especially the influences of electrical power feed-in, pressure drop and cooling load on the fuel consumption are examined - not least by experimental investigations with the institute's test vehicle. After defining the list of requirements the concept phase starts with setting up the function structure of the TEG. At this the main function of the TEG is split into sub-functions, for which a couple of active principles are generated subsequently. Combining the active principles by means of a morphological box provides different design concepts. In order to evaluate the performance of the concepts vehicle simulations were accomplished. By these the influence of the different TEG-effects on the vehicle system and the expectable fuel consumption were calculated. In parameter studies different geometrical dimensions of the TEG-concepts (fin distance, fin thickness, flow cross-section, etc.) were varied to determine the sensitivity on the consumption. Afterwards the fuel consumption of the generated designs was calculated with optimized parameters for different installation positions in the exhaust system and beyond that for varying driving conditions. The most promising concept was identified by a final technical and economical evaluation. At this the reduction of consumption at different driving conditions, but also the expectable effort of industrialisation as well as the material costs were opposed.
Methodical concept development of automotive thermoelectric generators
2013
14 Seiten, 7 Bilder, 12 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
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