Hey didn't someone mention this? (Car related)

[LotusExcelle]

In a car thread that I either started or participated in... someone mentioned scavenging waste heat with thermoelectrics. I'm pretty sure I dismissed the idea but I'll eat crow:

http://jalopnik.com/5167948/bmw-partners-with-nasa-on-new-thermoelectric-exhaust-system

They mention getting 200W out of the system. I wonder if this is for mild hybrid applications of full-bore hybrids?

[geonuc]

I didn't see any mention of the technology being applicable just to hybrids. Seems like it would work best for non-hybrids, which have a lot more waste exhaust heat to capture.

[LotusExcelle]

Work best in what capacity? It may be capable of 200W but I doubt it could ever put out the kind of amperage needed to do away with an alternator.

[geonuc]

The article mentioned that it might allow BMW to install a smaller alternator, not do away with it.

I think it would work best in non-hybrids simply because of the larger volume of exhaust flowing out the tailpipe.