Background

The Passenger Tire Waste Heat Recovery System is based on the concept of tire rolling resistance. The greatest amount of tire rolling resistance occurs when the tire is being constantly deformed as it rotates. Energy is expended as the tire repeatedly deforms and recovers during its rotation under the weight of the vehicle. Almost all the energy used to deform the material is simultaneously converted into heat, which is stored inside the tire. However, this energy escapes to the air when the load is removed and the tire returns to its original shape. The repeated cycle of deformation and recovery is known as hysteresis. Our system is designed to harness this heat and thus create an alternative source of energy.