Abstract: A thermoelectric generator that reduces the size of an entire exhaust apparatus for an internal combustion engine, while ensuring the amount of electric power generated by a thermoelectric generation element and the purging effect of a catalyst device. The thermoelectric generator includes a catalyst device, arranged in the exhaust passage, for purging exhaust. A thermoelectric generation element, which is arranged on the catalyst device, converts thermal energy of the exhaust passing through the exhaust passage to electric energy. The thermoelectric generation element is arranged at a downstream portion of the catalyst device with respect to the flow of the exhaust.

Abstract: An exhaust apparatus for and engine is mounted on a vehicle, which includes an engine compartment, a passenger compartment, a dash panel, which separates the engine compartment and the passenger compartment from each other, a floor panel of the passenger compartment, and a seat, which includes a bottom arranged on the floor panel. A recess is formed in the lower surface of the floor panel located below the bottom. The exhaust apparatus includes an exhaust passage, which extends from the engine compartment to below the floor panel, a catalytic converter located in the exhaust passage, and a muffler located in the exhaust passage. The catalytic converter is located forward of the dash panel. The muffler is accommodated in the recess. It is preferable that the seat be located at the front portion of the vehicle, the recess be located below the seat, and the muffler be accommodated in the recess.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator for an internal combustion engine that prevents a thermoelectric generation element from being damaged. The thermoelectric generator includes a casing, which is arranged in an exhaust passage, and a sleeve. A cooling mechanism is arranged outside the sleeve. Thermoelectric generation elements are arranged between the sleeve and the cooling mechanism in a manner movable relative to both the sleeve and the,cooling mechanism. The thermoelectric generation elements convert heat energy from exhaust in the exhaust passage to electric energy.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator that reduces the size of an entire exhaust apparatus for an internal combustion engine, while ensuring the amount of electric power generated by a thermoelectric generation element and the purging effect of a catalyst device. The thermoelectric generator includes a catalyst device, arranged in the exhaust passage, for purging exhaust. A thermoelectric generation element, which is arranged on the catalyst device, converts thermal energy of the exhaust passing through the exhaust passage to electric energy. The thermoelectric generation element is arranged at a downstream portion of the catalyst device with respect to the flow of the exhaust.