It's not likely to be ICE's lifesaver, but it's still quite impressive.
It's easy to think that gas-powered engines are being replaced gradually, but it's also true that some brands are still driving innovation in this area.
I think Toyota has the best opportunity to make internal combustion engines future-proof.
To be precise, it isn’t just large automotive companies that are innovating around internal combustion engines. Independent researchers have devised a clever approach to make ICE-powered devices more efficient by converting wasted exhaust heat into electricity.
Toyota and the leading Japanese automakers joined forces to develop a hydrogen combustion-powered Dakar racing vehicle.
One of the major drawbacks of internal combustion engines is that they are extremely inefficient. Approximately 75% of the energy they consume is wasted as heat, either through exhaust emissions or radiant heat from the engine. However, a recently developed thermoelectric generator (TEG) seeks to rectify this issue. This device, installed on the exhaust pipe, captures heat and converts it into electricity.
The prototype produced up to 56 watts of power under normal driving conditions and an impressive 146 watts in high-speed applications, such as helicopter operation.
How does it function? It generates electricity through a semiconductor made from bismuth-telluride, utilizing temperature variations. Most comparable systems require bulky water cooling, whereas this one employs a finned heatsink that passively dissipates heat using airflow, ideal for motorcycles and powersports where wind is typically available.
A Glimpse into the Future
- Would you replace your Vespa's two-stroke engine with a sophisticated electric motor?
- Suzuki has released its first electric two-wheeler, and it can match the speed of the legendary Hayabusa.
These machines could potentially gain even more benefits – perhaps even more. These machines have exhausts that allow for plenty of airflow, which means the system can function efficiently without any additional weight or complexity. Moreover, they are less likely to get stuck in heavy traffic as much as cars do.
Taking this technology to the next level, I envision hybrids benefiting as well. The electricity produced could trickle-feed the battery, extracting a small additional range. It may not be a significant breakthrough, but every recovered energy contributes.
At the end of the day, this is a smart approach to making combustion engines more efficient, but let's be realistic—it's not going to bring ICE back to its former dominance. The future is electric, and while innovations like this can extend the lifespan of gas-powered machines, they won't halt the shift towards EVs.
For enthusiasts of motorcycles and off-road vehicles, any technology that enhances the efficiency of internal combustion engines is definitely worth considering. If this TEG technology is successfully incorporated into production, it could potentially increase the power and efficiency of our rides, which is a welcome improvement.
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