Compact 10 kW TEG APU Using Exhausted Gas

In this Phase II program, an innovative 10 kW thermoelectric generator (TEG) using high temperature exhaust gas (from a Stryker vehicle) will be constructed based on results from the Phase I program. Analysis shows that more than 90 % of the total heat transfer resistance is at the gas heat exchangers attached to the hot and cold junctions of the TEG modules. The major innovation offered in this program is to use a unique method to stack thermoelectric modules between layers of high performance heat transfer surfaces resulting in a highly compact design that meets the specified size requirements. Also, the enhanced heat transfer surface will reduce the aerodynamic noise and weight of the system. To achieve the desired power generation rate, a number of TEG modules and heat exchangers will be stacked. This requires efficient flow distribution of the exhaust gas and the ambient air through the stacks. In Phase II, two 10 kW systems will be designed, constructed and tested. The system will be refined to minimize noise, size, and weight.