Thermoelectric Device Could Help Save Gas

As the price of gasoline continues its’ upward shift, the scramble for fuel efficiency rages on. The most notable technology in recent years has been the release of hybrid cars. Although hybrid cars get better efficiency than cars without the technology they are significantly more expensive. Now there is a new technology making its rise, that if produced on a mass scale could conserve gasoline while being cost effective.

Researchers at Ohio State & Caltech are busy devising a thermoelectric material that could convert much of a car’s fuel into electric power. What’s probably unknown to most drivers is that a vehicle typically only uses a 1/4th of its gasoline. The rest usually is exhaust. With the material that the researchers are working a car’s efficiency could rise nearly 10 percent.

The idea for using thermoelectric technology in cars has been around for awhile. When gasoline was still relatively cheap it wasn’t plausible to use thermo-electrics. Ever since oil has been going through the roof, and saving gas has been the trend this is the time for it to make a push. The researchers are currently applying for patent, and hope to combine this device with other fuel saving technologies.

The researchers are confident that if their invention catches on and is produced on a mass scale it could cost as less as $10/unit. At the most their invention could be ready within the next decade. It’s quite a bit of time to wait, but it’s always good to hear anything about saving money at the pumps.