October 2005
Amerigon Incorporated (NASDAQ:ARGN) reported in early
September (2005) that the United States Department of Energy (DOE) has authorized the second phase of a $6.3 million project
for the development of a thermoelectric system that converts the waste heat from automobile exhaust into electricity. The
project is to be undertaken by Amerigon’s subsidiary, BSST LLC. BSST will lead the project, which will also include
staff from BMW of North America, University of California, Santa Cruz; Purdue University, the DOE's National Renewable Energy
Laboratory and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology
BSST has developed a thermoelectric technology that has
the potential to convert exhaust to electrical energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The new system is considered potentially
feasible for adaptation to your typical automobile. According to Lon E. Bell, Ph.D., President of BSST, "We believe this program
will ultimately demonstrate a very practical and commercial application of our thermoelectric technology that works in everyday
vehicles and directly addresses the need to reduce vehicle operating costs by harvesting electrical power from waste heat
in a vehicle's exhaust. Another product of this program is to significantly reduce harmful environmental pollutants, such
as carbon dioxide gas, a contributor to greenhouse warming. It's an exciting and very far-reaching project and we are lucky
to have a tremendous pool of talent from the participating organizations to work with."
The Department of Energy project is part of the FreedomCAR
and Fuel Partnership program between the government and industry. Under that program, 75 percent of the cost will be absorbed
by the Federal funds. The funds are however subject to approval on a phase-by-phase basis, which could limit the actual contribution
Amerigon has been active in the commercial thermoelectric
market. Presently it sells a Climate Control Seat system, which is used to heat and cool seats. That system is already sold
in 18 different types of cars.
