It might not save ICE, but it’s still quite impressive.
Over the last century or so, internal combustion engines have dominated our roads. However, with EVs As they slowly lose prominence, it might seem like gas-powered engines are becoming obsolete. However, despite this perception, several brands continue to push forward with innovations in Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) technology.
Consider Porsche as an illustration. This prominent German automaker has been experimenting with a six-stroke engine To enhance efficiency, Toyota is fully committed to the sustainability journey as well. They are actively engaged in this initiative. hydrogen combustion , and in my opinion, Toyota stands the best chance of making internal combustion engines future-ready.
This being said, it's not only major automakers that are advancing innovations for internal combustion engines (ICE). Individual scientists have devised an ingenious method to enhance the efficiency of ICE-driven machinery by converting discarded exhaust heat into electrical power.
Toyota and the major players from Japan collaborated to develop a hydrogen-burning engine for their entry in the Dakar Rally racecar.
A major issue with internal combustion engines is their inefficiency; roughly 75% of the energy generated gets wasted as heat, escaping via the exhaust pipe or radiating directly from the engine itself. However, a novel thermoelectric generator (TEG) seeks to tackle this problem. By placing this gadget on the exhaust system, it can harness waste heat and transform it into usable electrical power.
Created by a group of researchers and released in the scientific journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces The prototype produced up to 56 watts of power during normal driving speeds and an impressively high 146 watts in fast-paced scenarios such as those experienced with helicopters.
However, how exactly does it function? This device employs a semiconductor composed of bismuth telluride to generate power through thermal gradients. Unlike many comparable systems that require heavy water-cooling mechanisms, this system utilizes a finned heat sink designed for passive dissipation of heat via air flow—an ideal solution for motorcycles and powersport vehicles where consistent airflow is naturally available.
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Even though the team tried out this technology on automobiles, it's evident that its application goes beyond just cars. It can also be used with powersports vehicles such as motorcycles. UTVs , and ATVs These devices feature open exhausts which allow for significant air circulation, indicating that the setup might operate effectively with minimal additional bulk or intricacy. Additionally, they tend not to encounter as much congestion as automobiles typically do.
However, pushing this technology a step forward in time, hybrid vehicles might also benefit. The electrical power produced could slowly recharge the battery, providing an additional bit of range. While it may not be revolutionary, each scrap of reclaimed energy makes a difference.
Ultimately, this approach makes internal combustion engines (ICE) more efficient, which is clever. However, realistically speaking, it isn’t enough to revive their supremacy. The automotive industry is moving towards electrification, and even though advancements such as these might prolong the use of gasoline-driven vehicles, they cannot halt the transition to electric cars (EVs).
Nevertheless, for those of us with a passion for motorcycles and off-road vehicles, any technology that improves the efficiency of internal combustion engines (ICE) deserves attention. Should this thermoelectric generator (TEG) technology be implemented in production models, it could enhance both power and fuel economy slightly. That would certainly be a positive development from our perspective.
Source: Futurism , Inquirer Technology , ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
