Thermal energy harvesting from automotive waste heat

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the best method for waste thermal energy recovery from internal combustion engine (ICE). There are several technologies that can be used to accomplish this objective such as turbocharger, combined turbines, Stirling engine, Seebeck effect and Rankine cycle. Two elements that need to be taken into consideration in order to choose the best technology for waste heat recovery system are the complexity of the system and the method to utilize waste heat energy from engine. After a reviewing some of past research work, it was determined that Rankine cycle appears to be one of the best technology to recover waste heat from ICE. Improved design in Rankine cycle configuration and selection of the highest evaporation enthalpy working fluid are said to be necessary. This study finally proposed that future related research should focus on recovering waste heat from the engine waste heat (engine block) only. This is predicted to give an additional power output of approximately 10%.