Opportunities of exhaust heat recovery and conversion to electricity

The maximum efficiency of the conventional spark ignition engine is 33%, in the case of diesel engines is 42%. The conclusion is that the energy contained in the fuel and "released" in the combustion process is converted into mechanical work only in a small degree. The rest of the energy is unfortunately lost by heat, friction, or used to drive the engine accessories. It should also be noted that these values are peak efficiency, which is achieved only when the engine works in optimal parameters. At most used parameters engines reach efficiency on the level of 10% to 25%. In modern cars with a hybrid powertrain are solutions that can improve the efficiency of conventional internal combustion engines. It is worth to notice that there are few ways to improve the efficiency of a reciprocating engine. The main technological trends on which research is underway are knock ignition and heat recovery from the exhaust. More development seems to be the second solution, because it can be used to design new engines such as the replacement of the alternator on the generator of electricity from exhaust heat. Besides, it will be possible to adapt these systems to in-use units, which improve the energy balance of riding vehicles. In article, you will find information of literature analysis for exhaust heat recovery and conversion to electricity solutions, computerized exhaust modification with flow calculations, real modification, test bench creation, researches and scores, analysis.