Researchers at Cardiff University have unveiled plans to turn waste heat from exhaust pipes into a green power supply for vehicles.
The project will be led by Professor Mike Rowe, a specialist in thermoelectric generation which employs thermocouples to convert heat into electricity.
Professor Rowe explained that the conversion technology is used in everyday applications such as controlling central heating systems and refrigerator temperature.
"The main interest in cars is to decrease petrol consumption and reduce CO2 emissions," he said. "If you can utilise the exhaust heat you could replace the alternator providing a five per cent saving in fuel straightaway."
Vehicle manufacturers in the US are already investing in the technology, but Professor Rowe complained that interest in the UK is lukewarm.
"Thermoelectric generation is a green solution and can cost less than solar energy in many instances," he said. "It has huge future potential but has been neglected to date in the UK."
Intel is betting that 2 quad-core processors will help it win the Darpa robotic car challenge 20 Jun 2007
Researchers at Newcastle University develop catalyst designed to turn carbon emissions into cyclic carbonates used in paint stripper, solvents and plastic bags 29 Apr 2008
Company claims new heat-to-electricity material could bolster energy efficiency of everything from solar farms to refrigerators 01 May 2008
Wide range of environmental taxes and targets increase pressure on firms to cut emissions from transport and buildings, but renewables and green investment sectors left disappointed 12 Mar 2008
New legislative package to enable Bush's climate change fund pledge 18 Jul 2008
Iconic yellow taxi fleet to move to hybrids at a rate of 300 a month 18 Jul 2008
New outsourcing contract's sustainability criteria hoped to be used as template for future government IT deals 18 Jul 2008
More news
Every business seems to want a green label or quality mark, but with so many certification schemes now available which one should they choose? Tilde Herrera investigates 18 Jul 2008
Green motoring doesn't mean having to sacrifice style and speed - many premium makes combine fuel economy with carbon cutting features that help preserve the planet as well as your credibility 17 Jul 2008Having a green fleet is also the better value option 17 Jul 2008 More in-depth
Post your comment
Send an email to the Business Green editor at feedback@businessgreen.com
