Trough filter with integrated thermoelectric generator, vehicle including trough filter, and method of treating exhaust gas

A vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine, a trough filter or substrate integrated with a thermoelectric generator, and an exhaust gas outlet or inlet running from the internal combustion engine through the trough filter, wherein:

• the trough filter or substrate integrated with the thermoelectric generator is positioned downstream from an exhaust manifold of the internal combustion engine;
• the trough filter or substrate separates particulate from the exhaust gas;
• the trough filter or substrate comprises:
• a first annular filter module comprising a first support structure at its inner circumference, a filter element, and a second support structure at its outer circumference;
• and
• a second annular filter module comprising a third support structure at its inner circumference, a filter element, and a fourth support structure at its outer circumference, wherein
• the filter elements are configured to form troughs,
• the first and second filter modules are concentric,
• an inner diameter of the second filter module is larger than an outer diameter of the first filter module, and
• an annular exhaust gas outlet or inlet channel is formed between the first filter module and the second filter module by providing a gap between the second support structure and the third support structure;
• and
• the thermoelectric generator is positioned in the exhaust gas outlet or inlet channel and the thermoelectric generator comprises:
• a first heat exchanger connected to the second support structure;
• a second heat exchanger;
• a first thermoelectric module positioned between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger;
• a third heat exchanger connected to the third support structure;
• and
• a second thermoelectric module positioned between the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger.

A method for converting heat into energy, the method comprising:

• flowing hot gas through a trough filter or substrate, wherein the trough filter or substrate comprises:
• a first annular filter module comprising a first support structure at its inner circumference, a filter element, and a second support structure at its outer circumference;
• and
• a second annular filter module comprising a third support structure at its inner circumference, a filter element, and a fourth support structure at its outer circumference, wherein
• the filter elements are configured to form troughs,
• the first and second filter modules are concentric,
• an inner diameter of the second filter module is larger than an outer diameter of the first filter module, and
• an annular exhaust gas outlet or inlet channel is formed between the first filter module and the second filter module by providing a gap between the second support structure and the third support structure;
• and
• exchanging heat between the flowing exhaust gas and at least one thermoelectric generator that is positioned in the exhaust gas outlet or inlet channel, wherein the thermoelectric generator comprises:
• a first heat exchanger connected to the second support structure;
• a second heat exchanger;
• a first thermoelectric module positioned between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger;
• a third heat exchanger connected to the third support structure;
• and
• a second thermoelectric module positioned between the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger.