Energy Harvesting From Temperature Variation with Time (HOTT)

NextGen is partnering with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) to develop tiny energy harvesting modules exploiting variation/fluctuation in ambient temperature with time. Our team is proposing to improve electric power generation by an order of magnitude over state-of-the-art thermoelectric power-converters by using pyro-piezoelectric properties of ferroelectric materials. We are proposing thin film layered structure that enhances its pyroelectric coefficient and simultaneously utilizes piezoceramic properties to increase power output. The proposal is based on preliminary work done by Dr. Mossi at VCU. NextGen team will demonstrate the proposed concept at a breadboard level in Phase I and develop fabrication technology to manufacture tiny modular units in Phase II. One of the technological hurdles to wide spread use of wireless sensors for structural and system health monitoring is the continuous power source. Truly “place and forget” types of sensors are required. Energy harvesting from surrounding environment is a way of achieving it. NextGen is continuously monitoring commercial development in energy harvesting area but has not found anything that satisfies miniaturized light weight sensor unit requirements for use in aerospace vehicles. Having already developed tiny wireless sensors with rechargeable batteries, we are keenly interested in developing, integrating with sensors and commercializing tiny energy harvesting modules.