Exhaust Energy recovery

Even the most efficient IC engine of today can at the most squeeze out 25% of the fuel's energy and convert it into useful mechanical energy. The rest is wasted has exhaust heat, coolant heat, noise and friction(see image). Of this, significant amount is wasted as exhaust heat. It will be great break-through if this energy is tapped and converted into useful work. Three possible ways of tapping this energy
1) Petlier modules: Uses differential heat of exhaust and ambient temperature to produce electricity
2) Water tube boiler & turbine system: A miniature water tube boiler which uses exhaust heat to produce steam which can drive a generator attached to a turbine
3) Vapour absorption airconditioning: Use exhaust heat to cool the cabin by using vapour absorption refrigeration cycle.

The technologies mentioned in point 1 & 2 can replace the conventional alternator, reducing about 2kW load from the IC engine.

The technology mentioned in the mentioned in point 3 can replace the AC compressor, reducing about 3kW load from the engine.

Suming up we can recover atleast 5kW of useful energy from the exhaust, thereby giving 5kW additional power for traction from the same engine. Effectively the engine can be downsized, giving better fuel economy. If the concept proves successful and economical this could be big releif for customers at this time of rising fuel prices