Showa Denko K.K. is testing its thermoelectric converter module in collaboration with Plantec Inc, which deals with waste incineration plants, aiming to commercialize the module.
The test began Aug 31, 2009, by using an incinerator. And Showa Denko will continue the test with a new module that has an enhanced durability from Feb 15, 2010.
The company plans to further improve the module and commercialize it for use in incinerators after five years. Furthermore, the company aims to attach the module to an exhaust pipe of a car and supply electricity to a car air conditioner in the future.
This time, Showa Denko will test a module equipped with rare earth-based thermoelectric converter elements. The company used La-Fe-Sb for the positive semiconductor and Ce-Co-Sb for the negative semiconductor because they are suited for use under a temperature range of 300 to 600°C, which is close to the temperature of the exhaust heat from an incinerator.
In the test, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency and the output density were 6.2% and 2.4W/cm2, respectively, in the temperature range of 50 to 600°C. The module measures 30 x 30 x 4mm, and its maximum output is 21.6W.
To commercialize the thermoelectric converter module, Showa Denko plans to confirm its durability in the test and enhance the thermoelectric conversion efficiency to 11% by improving the entire system including the heat collecting and heat radiating mechanisms. The company claims that the element itself has a potential of realizing the 11% efficiency.
Though Showa Denko is not co-developing the module with automakers, the company disclosed that an automaker showed a strong interest in using the module to generate electricity from the waste heat of a car's exhaust.
"About 40% of the engine's waste heat goes to an exhaust pipe of a car," Showa Denko said. "So, with the 11% conversion efficiency, it is possible to use the heat as the main power source."
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