Thermoelectric-based power generation systems and methods

Abstract

Some embodiments provide a waste heat recovery apparatus including an exhaust tube having a cylindrical outer shell configured to contain a flow of exhaust fluid; a first heat exchanger extending through a first region of the exhaust tube, the first heat exchanger in thermal communication with the cylindrical outer shell; a second region of the exhaust tube extending through the exhaust tube, the second region having a low exhaust fluid pressure drop; an exhaust valve operatively disposed within the second region and configured to allow exhaust fluid to flow through the second region only when a flow rate of the exhaust fluid becomes great enough to result in back pressure beyond an allowable limit; and a plurality of thermoelectric elements in thermal communication with an outer surface of the outer shell.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A power generation apparatus comprising:
 at least one exhaust tube having a curved outer shell configured to contain a flow of exhaust fluid;   at least a first heat exchanger extending through a first region of the at least one exhaust tube, the first heat exchanger in thermal communication with the curved outer shell;   a second region of the at least one exhaust tube extending through the at least one exhaust tube, the second region having a low exhaust fluid pressure drop;   at least one exhaust valve operatively disposed within the second region and configured to allow exhaust fluid to flow through the second region only when a flow rate of the exhaust fluid becomes great enough to result in back pressure beyond an allowable limit; and   at least one thermoelectric element in thermal communication with an outer surface of the curved outer shell, the at least one thermoelectric element configured to accommodate thermal expansion of the at least one exhaust tube during operation of the waste heat recovery system.