Energy Efficient Thermoelectric Generator-Powered Localized Air-Conditioning System Applied in a Heavy-Duty Vehicle

Abstract

Thermoelectric technology applied in vehicle has become significantly essential due to the global energy crisis and the environmental protection issues. A novelty energy efficient technology called localized air-conditioning (LAC) powered by thermoelectric generator (TEG), i.e., TEG-powered LAC, is proposed in order to better utilize the generated power of TEG, only then will the fuel economy improvement be achieved. This system which has little impact on the original automotive electrical system is basically comprised of LAC, TEG, converter, and battery. The TEG can directly convert thermal energy to electrical energy to power the novelty energy-efficient air-conditioning system called LAC. The submodels of LAC and TEG are built and integrated into a heavy-duty vehicle to quantitatively assess its performance by simulation analysis. The results indicate that the novelty TEG-powered LAC system can work normally with high efficiency and improve the fuel economy by 3.7%. Therefore, this system resolves the problem of proper use of the TEG's power and provides a fully new perspective to substitute the mechanical loads to engine with electrical loads powered by TEG to improve the fuel economy with much more practicality and rationality.