Implementation of microcontroller-based heat-to-power converter using Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) transducer arrays in an automobile system

Date of Publication

2010

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering

College

Gokongwei College of Engineering

Department/Unit

Electronics and Communications Engineering

Thesis Adviser

Ann E. Dulay

Defense Panel Chair

Roderick Yao Yap

Defense Panel Member

Oswald L. Sapang
Gerald P. Arada

Abstract/Summary

The Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) is one of the modern devices that utilizes waste energy and turn it into usable, more practical energy.

The TEG modules in this project are to be used to harness heat of the primary muffler of a typical car. The hot side is attached to a copper plate while an aluminum heat sink is attached to the cold side. The electrical power harnessed will be fed to a set of circuitry that will regulate it and feed it to a charging circuit that charges a secondary battery. This secondary battery (aside from the car’s primary battery), will be used to power up: a portable DVD player, an mp3 player, and a mobile phone charger. Aside from this, the TEG also powers up the microcontroller that turns OFF the car’s external lights through a relay when the lights are left ON after the car has been turned OFF. The control circuit has an override feature which allows the user to stop the microcontroller from turning OFF the external lights if he extensionally left them ON.

Simulation was conducted before actual attachment to the automobile. Actual driving was also done to fully test the system. Data were gathered to test which parameters (speed, RPM, temperature) affects the output of the system. The factors affecting the performance of the system were also determined.

Moreover, the lifespan of the battery was investigated with and without the TEG charging the secondary battery.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Print

Accession Number

TU15877

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F, Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

xxiv, 156, [205] leaves : col. ill.; 28 cm.

Keywords

Electric current converters; Waste heat; Heat recovery; Electric power production--Data processing

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