Exploratory review of the heat exchanger and cooler geometrical effect on energy harvesting from automobile exhaust using thermoelectric generators

To shift the usual path of ejection of the energy accompanying the exhausts of internal combustion engines, extensive studies have been carried out regarding the powder metallurgy technology used for the manufacturing and forming of various thermoelectric generator couple shapes and how to enhance their power efficiency. But in the present scoping review, the goal is to explain how the temperature difference on the thermoelectric generator sides was affected by improving the external and internal structures of the hot side (heat exchanger) and cold side (cooler) to enhance the amount of harvested power. It was also discussed how cooling techniques and the kinds of metals used to make heat exchangers and coolers affected the output power was explained too. The scoping review was devoted to displaying previous works and systems on how to harvest energy from the exhausts of automobile internal combustion engines and reviewing the impact of the dimensions, arrangements, and shapes of internal obstacles or fins on the amount of temperature difference and produced power. The conclusions are summarized as a path map and viewpoints for the future work of researchers in designing heat exchangers and coolers and profitable investment from the data that has been prepared and summarized in tables (2 and 4). It should also be noted two major factors, the first being the pressure drop, which is necessary to avoid engine power losses across the heat exchanger, and the second being the reduction of extra mass and fuel consumption due to the installation of the heat exchanger, it is possible to design the muffler so that the thermoelectric generators can be installed on it.

Automated summary

Extensive studies have been conducted on powder metallurgy technology for manufacturing thermoelectric generator couples and improving their power efficiency by altering the internal and external structures of the heat exchangers and coolers. The review also addresses the impact of cooling techniques and metal materials on the output power. The conclusions provide valuable insights for designing heat exchangers and coolers, including the need to minimize pressure drop and optimize fuel consumption.