Diesel Driven High Efficiency, Portable 500 Watts Thermoelectric Generator

A Diesel driven high efficiency, portable thermoelectric generator capable of producing 500 Watts, scalable to 1500 Watts will be designed at Hi-Z Technology. The unit will supply uninterruptible power at 28 VDC for a minimum of 8 hours. The generatorwill be capable of starting and operating from -32 oC to + 52 oC. The unit system efficiency will be over 10%, it will exhibit a suppressed infrared signature and an extremely low noise level (less than 50 dBA).The generator will be integrated of four major subsystems:¿ the modified liquid fuel heater¿ high efficiency (25% - 30%) quantum well thermoelectrics¿ the thermoelectric cooling system¿ the power management systemThis proposed effort will make extensive use of Hi-Z's in-house experimental work with developing self-powered appliances and space heatersThe generator will have dual-use applications. The automotive, marine, RV and other markets require an auxiliary power unit for idling elimination and powering various electrical devices. Similar units with less thermoelectric modules can be used asself-powered space/water heaters for different applications, such as crews and facility heating, engine preheating for cold starts, etc. Successful development of a 500 to 1500 W power generator will result in a dual-use product that will be demanded by both, the military and civilian markets. The primarily military application of the APUs will be to supply various electrical devices ofthe FCS, Special Operation Forces, and other crews with uninterrupted power. Similar devices (with less thermoelectric modules) can be used as self-powered space heaters for the military crews, cargo facilities and engine preheaters for various vehicles.In a civilian market there is a strong need for an auxiliary power unit (APU) for the automotive industry that can eliminate idling when a truck is not running. The use of an APU will save fuel (838 million gallons per year only for Class 8 trucks),reduce pollutant emissions and engine maintenance.The thermoelectric generator section of the system can also be used for waste heat recovery applications, such as from various engines.