| This work provides an evaluation of the potential use of thermoelectric generators as a direct energy conversion device to produce electrical energy from the exhaust gases of a Cummins ISX 15 liter, turbocharged diesel engine. The generated electricity is to be used to augment the existing engine power output through a hybrid drive system. Ricardo WAVE, an engine simulation code, was employed to create a model of the ISX engine. The generated data is then used to calculate a theoretical improvement in brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC). Maintaining power output levels on the engine was paramount and therefore the TEG must not interfere with turbocharger operation. The final model configuration yielded a BSFC improvement of 4.9% that was calculated at the "cruise" operating point (1500 rpm and 62% full engine load). This can potentially save over 4200 gallons of fuel over the emissions useful life (435,000 miles) of the engine. |
