ArticlePDF Available

Using Thermoelectric Generators to Utilize Heat generated in Disc Brakes

Authors:

Abstract and Figures

Generating electric power in an automobile through engine is a highly inefficient process. It comes as a direct result of consuming fuel within the engine to drive the alternator. With a typical engine efficiency of 40%, a belt efficiency of 98% and an alternator efficiency of 75%, this leads to an overall energy conversion efficiency of only 29%. Many automobile components require electricity to run and thus generation of electricity in an efficient manner will help reduce the fuel costs and ultimately lead to lesser carbon emissions. In this paper, we will discuss utilizing the heat generated in the brakes during heating by using Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) which are based on Seebeck Effect. The electrical power produced with the help of TEGs will help in reducing the load of alternator on the engine, thus reducing the fuel consumption. This electricity produced can also be used to replace other auxiliary devices which take power directly from the engine to electrically powered such as fuel pump, water circulating pump, radiator, power steering pump etc. which take up to 8% of indicated output from the engine.
Content may be subject to copyright.
A preview of the PDF is not available
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any citations for this publication.
Article
Full-text available
Topology optimization is a mathematical approach that optimizes the layout for the given design constraints such as loading and boundary conditions so that the optimum design obtained performs its function. In different types of loading conditions such as single load or multiple load topological optimization result in the best use of a material for a body in given volume constraints. In topological optimization the structural compliance is minimized while satisfying a constraint on the volume of the structure. This paper represents the topological optimization of the fork-end (double eye) of a knuckle joint with the objective to reduce the mass of an existing fork-end of a knuckle joint of an automobile or locomotive by applying the optimization technique. Reducing the weight of an automobile part will result in the overall weight reduction of a vehicle, thus, its energy consumption demands decrease thereby improving its fuel efficiency. The topological optimization was done using a finite element solver, ANSYS. The ANSYS Parametric Design Language was employed for utilizing the topological optimization capabilities of the commonly used finite element solver ANSYS. Solid92 elements were used to model and mesh the fork end of the knuckle joint in ANSYS. The optimality criteria method was used for topological optimizing the fork end of a knuckle joint.
Article
Full-text available
In present investigation MATLAB code for structural analysis of 2-dimension linear elastic isotropic structures subjected to static and self-weight loading conditions is been presented. In this paper implementation of MATLAB code on two structures i.e. Cantilever beam and Bolkow Blohm Beam is done to show the application of code. The meshing of the 2-dimension structure is done with quadrilateral 4-node element, for analysis of self-weight loading condition the weight of an element is equally transferred on each node in downward direction and results obtained through MATLAB code is been compared with ANSYS software.
Article
Full-text available
Topological optimization is an approach for determining the optimal shape of a structure subjected to certain boundary and loading conditions without affecting the initial performance. Each structure has a certain weight which is also included in optimization. This paper presents the mathematical approach for topological optimization of structures subjected to self-weight condition. In this paper effect of self-weight on the topologies of structures, subjected to static loading conditions has been studied subjected to a variation of 200–10% of the value of static point load. Meshing of the structures is done with quadrilateral 4-node elements and for self-weight condition weight of an element is equally transferred to each node. MATLAB programming of proposed mathematical approach is done and compared with the conventional structural problems. SIMP method, which is a penalization scheme is used to determine the optimum distribution of material and void has been employed. Optimal criteria method is used to optimize the structures as per loading and boundary conditions. Different numerical examples have also been discussed to show the effect of self-weight on the static loading structures and the optimal topologies obtained by varying static loading in terms of self weight.
Article
Full-text available
In this paper, we present our work, which is doing an energy audit on alternator’s current output and battery’s voltage based on alternator speed. Up until today, the demand for power in automobile is ever increasing. As technology advances, more and more electrical devices were produced and being installed in vehicles. To cope with the demand, alternator has been designed and modified so that it can produce enough power. This research is to study the effect of alternator speed to the charging system. The car used in this experiment is Proton Preve 1.6 Manual. In both ISO 8854 and SAE J 56, alternator testing and labelling standards indicate that the rated output an alternator is the amount of current that it is capable of producing at 6,000 RPM. Three different constant speed of engine which is 750 RPM as idle speed, 1500 RPM and 3000 RPM as cruise speed were taken as parameter. The speed of the alternator was measured using tachometer, digital multi-meter was used to measure battery’s voltage, and AC/DC Clamp was used to measure alternator current output. The result shows that the faster the alternator spin, the more power it can produce. And when there is more power, the faster the charging rate of the battery.
Article
Full-text available
Transient Thermal and Structural Analysis of the Rotor Disc of Disk Brake is aimed at evaluating the performance of disc brake rotor of a car under severe braking conditions and there by assist in disc rotor design and analysis. An investigation into usage of new materials is required which improve braking efficiency and provide greater stability to vehicle. This investigation can be done using ANSYS software. ANSYS 11.0 is a dedicated finite element package used for determining the temperature distribution, variation of the stresses and deformation across the disc brake profile. In the present work, an attempt has been made to investigate the suitable hybrid composite material which is lighter than cast iron and has good Young's modulus, Yield strength and density properties. Aluminum base metal matrix composite and High Strength Glass Fiber composites have a promising friction and wear behavior as a Disk brake rotor. The transient thermo elastic analysis of Disc brakes in repeated brake applications has been performed and the results were compared. The suitable material for the braking operation is S2 glass fiber and all the values obtained from the analysis are less than their allowable values. Hence the brake Disc design is safe based on the strength and rigidity criteria. By identifying the true design features, the extended service life and long term stability is assured.
Starter motor control system
  • R Vishnurameshkumar
  • P A Kingsly
  • P Karthikeyan
  • R Muthukumaran
  • B Saran
R.Vishnurameshkumar, P.A.Kingsly, P.Karthikeyan, R.Muthukumaran and B.Saran, "Starter motor control system" IJISET -International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 2 Issue 9, September 2015
Automotive Handbook 8th Edition
  • Horst Bauer
Horst Bauer (ed.) Automotive Handbook 8th Edition, Robert Bosch GmbH, Stuttgart, 2011, ISBN 978-0-8376-1686-5, page 993.
Automotive Thermoelectric Generator Design Issues
  • Francis Stabler
Stabler, Francis. "Automotive Thermoelectric Generator Design Issues". DOE Thermoelectric Applications Workshop.
Numerical Simulation of Thermoelastic Contact Problem of Disc Brake with Frictional Heat Generation
  • M O Petinrin
  • J O Oji
M.O. Petinrin, J.O. Oji, "Numerical Simulation of Thermoelastic Contact Problem of Disc Brake with Frictional Heat Generation", New York Science Journal 2012;5(10)