Hi-Z Technology, Inc.

Technical Papers from 2001

Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) for Heavy Diesel Trucks

John C. Bass, Aleksandr S. Kushch, Norbert B. Elsner

Abstract
An improved TEG for the Heavy Duty Class Eight Diesel Trucks is under development at Hi-Z Technology. Previous efforts were focused on TEG prototype development, fabrication and testing. The prototype was able to generate about 1kW of electrical power from the Cummins NTC 350 Diesel engine exhaust but exhibited mechanical degradation during the subsequent road test due to module movement. The current TEG is designed to be equipped with the improved HZ-14 Thermoelectric (TE) modules, which features better mechanical properties; also, the modules are securely held in place.

Full-text article available for download. (PDF)

Development of a Self-Powered Pellet Stove

John C. Bass, Hi-Z Technology, Inc., San Diego, California
Jay Thelin, Thelin Company, Inc., Grass Valley, California

Abstract
The pellet stove is a device that burns compressed sawdust pellets, which are a renewable energy resource. Pellet stoves provide heat with much less pollution than is experienced with other wood burning stoves. To accomplish low pollution combustion, the pellet stove employs a forced draft fan which provides excess combustion air to the burn chamber and an auger feed to dispense pellets at a controlled rate as well as a sophisticated electronic control system to achieve the proper air/fuel ratio.

The electric power requirements of the pellet stove limits their acceptance because many pellet stoves are employed in remote and rural areas with either unavailable or unreliable power. This paper describes a program funded jointly by the Renewable Energy Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Energy and the State of California under the CalTIP (California Technology Investment Partnership) Program which is currently underway to develop a self- powered pellet stove using thermoelectric technology. This paper describes this program to date.

Full-text article available for download. (PDF)

Thermoelectric Development at Hi-Z Technology

Aleksandr S. Kushch, John C. Bass, Saeid Ghamaty and Norbert B. Elsner. Hi-Z Technology, Inc.
Richard A. Bergstrand, David Furrow, and Mike Melvin. PACCAR Technical Center

Abstract
An improved Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) for the Heavy Duty Class Eight Diesel Trucks is under development at Hi-Z Technology. The current TEG is equipped with the improved HZ-14 Thermoelectric module, which features better mechanical properties as well as higher electric power output. Also, the modules are held in place more securely.

The TEG is comprised of 72 TE modules, which are capable of producing 1kW of electrical power at 30 V DC during nominal engine operation. Currently the upgraded generator has completed testing in a test cell and starting from August 2001 will be tested on a Diesel truck under typical road and environmental conditions. It is expected that the TEG will be able to supplement the existing shaft driven alternator, resulting in significant fuel saving, generating additional power required by the truck’s accessories.

Full-text article available for download. (PDF)