Waste heat harnessing in automobiles for on-board auxiliary power generation using thermophotovoltaics

The increase use of electrical and electronics features to improve vehicle performance, safety and passenger comfort has resulted in the growth of electrical loads in automobiles. We know that in IC engine only 30% of the fossil fuel burnt in the combustion chamber is converted into useful mechanical energy and the rest 70% is wasted in the form of exhaust gas and heat energy. In this paper a new onboard power generation technology based on thermophotovoltaic energy conversion in an IC engine has been discussed, the basic design of the engine cylinder for housing this thermophotovoltaic system has been proposed and results were simulated.