PyroDelta Energy, a majority-owned subsidiary of First Tellurium, has announced its plan to develop and demonstrate a new thermoelectric generator that could replace traditional vehicle alternators. The company is currently seeking a facility in Florida to assemble the prototype and install it in a vehicle for testing. This device is designed to generate electricity from the temperature differentials within a combustion engine, offering a more efficient alternative to current alternators.
“The PyroDelta thermoelectric generator has been under development for eight years,” said Michael Abdelmaseh, Head of Engineering at PyroDelta. “We’ve successfully demonstrated that it can produce electricity from extreme temperature differences, far beyond what is achievable with current thermoelectric devices on the market.” Abdelmaseh explained that the generator uses hot liquid passing through a thermoelectric pipe, cooled by outside air, to generate electricity — potentially making the traditional alternator obsolete and reducing fuel consumption.
Abdelmaseh, who previously worked as an engineer for both Toyota and General Motors, invented the generator using tellurium-based alloys and a proprietary manufacturing method. The device’s advantages include its durability, low production cost, lightweight design, and capacity to withstand high temperatures. Patents for the technology have been filed in both the U.S. and Canada.
While thermoelectric devices are not new, Abdelmaseh emphasized that existing models are not suited for long-term commercial use in high-heat environments. “Our generator can endure temperatures over 1800 degrees Celsius, making it ideal not only for combustion engines but also for a range of industrial applications,” he said. He also noted that the technology could improve energy efficiency in electric vehicles (EVs) by utilizing the heat differentials around batteries.
“We believe this device will enhance EV performance,” Abdelmaseh added. “However, the shift away from combustion engines will take time. Any immediate improvements in fuel efficiency and emissions during this transition will be highly valuable.”
First Tellurium President and CEO Tyrone Docherty echoed these sentiments, highlighting the global demand for more fuel-efficient technologies amid government pressure to reduce carbon emissions. “We expect a short timeline to complete the working prototype and develop a production-ready model,” Docherty said.
In addition to vehicle applications, PyroDelta has identified other potential markets for the thermoelectric generator, including solar panels, drones, and greenhouses. “As the news spreads, we’re also hearing from industries we hadn’t even considered,” Docherty remarked, expressing optimism about future applications of the device.