ELECTRICAL ENEGRY GENERATION FROM EXHAUST HEAT

Abstract: The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions has led to the exploration of alternative methods for energy generation, one of which is harnessing waste heat from industrial processes. This thesis focuses on the development of a system that converts exhaust heat into electrical energy. Exhaust gases, often considered a byproduct, contain significant thermal energy that can be efficiently utilized to produce power. The proposed system utilizes thermoelectric generators (TEGs), which exploit the temperature gradient between hot exhaust gases and the cooler environment to generate electricity. The research explores various heat transfer techniques, thermoelectric materials, and system configurations to maximize efficiency. In addition, simulations and experimental setups are used to evaluate performance parameters such as output voltage, power generation capacity, and overall system efficiency. The results of this study aim to contribute to the field of energy recovery by offering a viable solution to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact, thereby improving the sustainability of industrial operations. This work highlights the potential for integrating waste heat recovery technologies in real-world applications, emphasizing their role in the transition to a more energy-efficient and sustainable future. The core technology employed in this study is thermoelectric generation (TEG), a solid-state method of converting temperature differences directly into electrical voltage through the Seebeck effect. Thermoelectric materials are central to the success of TEGs, and this research evaluates various materials based on their thermoelectric performance, including their electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient. Keywords: Waste heat recovery, Seebeck effect, Exhaust heat energy, Renewable energy, Voltage generation, Current generation, Power generation, DC-DC Converter