A simple waste heat recovery system based upon the proof of concept completed in phase 1 of the research is being designed for a 2001 Toyota Prius test vehicle. A conceptual schematic of this heat recovery system integrated into the Prius' hybrid architecture is shown below:
Conceptual Schematic of Waste Heat Recovery System for Toyota
Prius
This schematic shows the flow of thermal and electrical energy
through the Prius' hybrid system with the addition of our heat
recovery system under typical cruising operation. The flow of
exhaust through the heat recovery system is shown in red. As the
exhaust heat is transferred to water in counter-flow, steam is
produced. The turbo-alternator produces electrical energy by the
exhaust and steam flowing through its radial inflow turbine. The
electrical energy produced is used to charge the batteries of the
vehicle, which lightens the load requirements of the engine. The
result is an increase in fuel economy, thus covering the expense of
the heat recovery system over a short period of time.