TIGERS
Waste to Watts - Powering the Planet with TIGERS™
Description
TIGERS (Turbogenerator Integrated Gas Energy Recovery System) is a water cooled switched reluctance generator coupled to an exhaust driven turbine. It is capable of operating in exhaust temperatures > 900ºC, at speeds up to 80,000rpm, delivering a shaft power of 6kW. The TIGERS system includes an electronically controlled full flow by-pass that ensures the desired proportion of exhaust gas is delivered to the turbogenerator as determined by the control system.
TIGERS is currently in the proof of concept hardware test phase and is expected to be production ready by 2012.
Specification Summary
| Maximum Speed | 80,000rpm |
| Maximum Shaft Power | 6kW |
| Generating efficiency @ 14.6V | >70% |
| Generating efficiency @ 340V | >90% |
| Bearings | Sealed for life rolling element |
| Total system weight | ~ 10kg |
| Overall machine length | ~ 150mm |
| Cooling system | Engine coolant |
Applications/Benefits
- More efficient electrical power generation compared with a conventional alternator at medium to high engine load
- Waste exhaust heat energy is converted into useful electrical power
- Compact machine (150mm cube) delivering high power (4.2kW @ 14.6V)
- Can be packaged anywhere in the exhaust system
- Production ready design will have fully integrated power & control electronics
- Fully controllable, full flow by-pass
- Ideally implemented in conjunction with ‘power hungry’ vehicle electrical consumers to deliver a larger overall fuel consumption reduction
Rendered 3D model showing the TIGERS proof of concept hardware and the full flow by-pass
TIGERS proof of concept hardware being tested on a 4 cylinder 2 litre naturally aspirated engine