Thermoelectric generator cooling system and method of control
An apparatus is provided that includes a thermoelectric generator and an exhaust gas system operatively connected to the thermoelectric generator to heat a portion of the thermoelectric generator with exhaust gas flow through the thermoelectric generator. A coolant system is operatively connected to the thermoelectric generator to cool another portion of the thermoelectric generator with coolant flow through the thermoelectric generator. At least one valve is controllable to cause the coolant flow through the thermoelectric generator in a direction that opposes a direction of the exhaust gas flow under a first set of operating conditions and to cause the coolant flow through the thermoelectric generator in the direction of exhaust gas flow under a second set of operating conditions.
- Research Organization:
- GM Global Technology Operations LLC (Detroit, MI)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC26-04NT42278
- Assignee:
- GM Global Technology Operations LLC (Detroit, MI)
- Patent Number(s):
- 8,286,424
- Application Number:
- 12/753,144
- OSTI ID:
- 1079468
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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