Energy Harvesting by using Exhaust Gases of Heavy Vehicles

Abstract

The main aim of the project is energy harvesting by using exhaust gases of heavy vehicles (Loader trucks and buses) to reduce fuel consumption. We tested our methodology on a small scale. We designed a prototype and used two cars of 29 Kw and 73 Kw engine power to test our methodology. In the case of loader trucks, we have free space at its bottom side. So, we can install any setup at its bottom side. We have proposed the installation location of this setup at the bottom of ISUZU loader truck (F-Series). We did the experimentation in idle conditions of cars. The engine RPM was constant at 1000 RPM. The bent pipe that was fitted inside the pressure cylinder was welded with a 3 feet stainless steel altered pipe that was directly connected with the exhaust system of engine after the catalytic converter. The altered pipe was welded after temperature measurement of exhaust gases. We connected it after the catalytic converter to avoid harmful gases. All the plots show that the generated power increases as Alternator RPM increases. As the time passes, the alternator RPM increases which in turn increases the power. The maximum pressure that was obtained in 6 hours was 20 PSI and generated power was 53.55 watt for car of 29 Kw engine power and the maximum pressure that was obtained in 6 hours was 26 PSI and generated power was 60.96 watt for car of 73 Kw engine power. We also forecasted the power that can be generated by using this setup under these conditions for ISUZU loader truck of 191 kw engine power. We noticed that pressure also increases with time.