Alternators currently used in automobiles charge batteries by converting mechanical energy into electricity and hence put an extra load on the engine burning extra fuel. But now, the new ‘thermophotovoltaic’ (TPV) generators in pipeline at MIT promises more fuel-efficient scenario where photovoltaic cells will be used to generate the required electricity with the help of light emitted by fuel heated materials.



John Kassakian, MIT electrical engineering and computer science professor, explains:

The system could potentially be a more efficient way to power electrical systems in a vehicle than the current alternator-based one, which wastes energy in two stages: the internal combustion engine converts only about 30 percent of the energy in fuel into movement, and then the alternator is only 50 percent efficient in converting the mechanical energy into electricity.

With the help of TPV generators, vehicular electrical systems will run even when the engine switched off. The technology could also give way to efficient air-conditioning system and as a source of portable power supply.



Thanks: Kevin Bullis



Via: technologyreview