Fuel economy analysis under a WLTP cycle on a mid-size vehicle equipped with a thermoelectric energy recovery system

Automotive thermoelectric generators (ATEG) have become a promising technology for exhaust heat recovering in vehicles. Many models and prototypes have been developed and validated with very promising results. Most of them have been analysed in both steady-state and transient conditions in engine test benches. However, only a few have been tested on a real vehicle while injecting the power generated by the ATEG into the electric system of the vehicle. The objective of this work is to test and analyse the behaviour of an ATEG in a mid-size vehicle under a World Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure WLTP. The results show that the alternator is responsible of up to 4.26% of the vehicle fuel consumption. Then, with the incorporation of the ATEG presented, a fuel consumption savings and CO2 emissions reduction of 0.53% can be achieved. •An automotive thermoelectric generator (ATEG) is built and tested experimentally.•The ATEG system behaviour is investigated in a real vehicle under a transient WLTP cycle.•ATEG backpressure, power generation, weight and coolant pumping power are considered.•Experiments show that during a WLTP cycle the maximum power generated was 197 W.•The total amount of energy recovered was 22.54 kWh, reducing the fuel economy and the CO2 emissions up to 0.53%.