Silicide Thermoelectrics for the Waste Heat Recovery Generator on the Hybrid Engine

The Hybrid engine for the electric car is critical in giving the vehicle the necessary range before its electric batteries need recharging. Waste heat recovery from the Hybrid engine with thermoelectric energy conversion can probably increase the engine efficiency by ~5% with present thermoelectric materials. Much higher conversion efficiencies probably can be realized if newer materials were developed. Hi-Z has recently generated data with some metal silicides that show much higher figures of merit (Z) than previously reported. Further experimental studies and theoretical modeling of these promising silicides is required to understand their unique behavior. This innovative effort should yield more efficient alloys that will further insure the success of the Hybrid engine and the electric vehicle. Hi-Z has teamed with Lawrence Livermore National Labs (LLNL) to develop these promising materials. Hi-Z will be concentrating on the preparation and characterization of these alloys while LLNL will provide the theoretical modeling and analytical services. In a related proposal. Hi-Z has teamed with Sundstrand to develop a waste heat recovery generator for their small turbine engine. Sunstrand is developing this Hybrid engine for Ford. Anticipated Beneftis: The Hybrid electric car will sharply reduce the pollutants being generated in our cities. SInce this product does not exist today, a whole new industry with high quality jobs will be created for recovering waste heat via thermoelectrics. These waste heat recovery units will also contribute signficantly to the export market.