Could a thermoelectric hybrid be in the works?
A key to powering deep space probesYesterday there was an interesting story about GM's work into thermoelectric devices to increase fuel economy. By using temperature differences to create electricity "GM researcher Jihui Yang said a metal-plated device that surrounds an exhaust pipe could increase fuel economy in a Chevrolet Suburban by about 5 percent, a 1-mile-per-gallon improvement that would be even greater in a smaller vehicle."
But that's just the beginning.
"In an internal combustion engine, only about a quarter of the total energy from gasoline is used to actually turn the wheels, while 40 percent is lost in exhaust heat and 30 percent is lost through cooling the engine. That means about 70 percent of the available energy is wasted, said GM."
Regenerative braking is already a great tool utilized by hybrid vehicles. Perhaps a little regenerative exhaust could put this waste to work?
Labels: Hybrid Vehicles
posted by Dahcredyns at
8:44 AM
5 Comments:
I'm glad to see that GM points out 70% of the energy in fuel is wasted by the nature of things and then the rest is wasted on actually powering their POS products.
So essentially a dumbass driving a GM SUV is only getting about 10% usage out of their fuel...
Very smart owners indeed.
To be fair this a problem with all automobiles, not just GM autos.
Very true. It's too bad that thermoelectric devices are only a few percent efficient. That's right, spend $1000 to get back 1000 watts while burning 100,000 watts of fuel. This product looks like a much more viable approach. Oh, AND it's available today on YOUR car. www.gogreenwithct.com
You guys would love the Aptera. It's about 1200% more aerodynamically efficient than most SUV's and gets 300 mpg.
I already love the Aptera, but its only a two seater - how excited can you really get?
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