Demonstration of a thermoelectric generator system for low-temperature heat harvesting in fuel cell

During the operation of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), about half of the energy is dissipated as heat. To enhance the energy efficiency of fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), we hereby propose a waste heat recovery system for low-temperature energy harvesting of FCEV. A comprehensive fluid-thermal-electrical multiphysics model is established to predict the performance of the proposed thermoelectric generator (TEG) system. Subsequently, a practical prototype of TEG system is developed. Transient and steady-state experimental results from the prototype validated the feasibility and power generation efficiency of the TEG system. At a temperature difference of 40°C, the highest open circuit voltage and power output of each TEG are 6.2V and 0.33W respectively, the results affirmatively demonstrate that the TEG system can recover the low temperature waste heat from PEMFC, thus providing valuable guidance for the design of the future PEMFC thermal management system in FCEV. [Display omitted] •A novel waste heat recovery system is proposed•Effect of power generation is studied through the numerical model•The heat recovery feasibility of the TEG system verified by prototype experiment•It has guiding significance for the design of the fuel cell’s thermal management Applied sciences; Engineering; Devices