Thermoelectric generators are solid state energy harvesters which can convert thermal energy into electrical energy in a reliable and renewable manner. Over the last decade, the human body has been considered as a good source of heat to harvest electrical energy through wearable thermoelectric generators. It may become an alternative power generation technique compared to other conventional ones used for many wearable devices. The wearable thermoelectric generator has potential to generate sufficient energy for any wireless sensor nodes (typically power requirements

A review of the state of the science on wearable thermoelectric power generators (TEGs) and their existing challenges

A review of car waste heat recovery systems utilising thermoelectric generators and heat pipes

Experiments and simulations on low-temperature waste heat harvesting system by thermoelectric power generators

A comprehensive review of Thermoelectric Generators: Technologies and common applications

Thermoelectric automotive waste heat energy recovery using maximum power point tracking

BSST began development of a high efficiency Thermoelectric Waste Energy Recovery System for passenger vehicle applications in November 2004 under a contract [Contract No. DE-FC26-04NT42279] awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy Freedom Car Office. The system reduces fuel consumption by replacing a significant portion of the required electric power normally produced by the alternator with electric power produced from exhaust gas waste heat conversion to electricity in a Thermoelectric Generator Module (TGM). BSST team members include BMW, Visteon and Marlow Industries. In Phase 1, the team created a system architecture, developed a system model to predict performance and established system and subsystem design requirements. The Phase 1 effort resulted in a predicted fuel efficiency increase of 10%. Phase 2 is scheduled to be completed in December, 2006 in which key subsystem components will be built and tested and the system model updated to provide a new performance prediction. This paper presents the current status of the system architecture, modeling and key technologies

B. Mazar

Papers

Automotive Waste Heat Conversion to Electric Power using Skutterudite, TAGS, PbTe and BiTe