More Power, Less Weight from Thermoelectric Generators

Thermo Life Energy Corp. has introduced an improved model of its low power thermoelectric generators (LPTGs). The improved LPTGs provide a viable energy source for low-powered devices such as micro sensor systems, ZigBee chipsets, wearable electronics, implantable medical devices, active RFID tags and numerous other applications.

The latest design weighs 50% less than previous LPTGs and offers improved energy conversion efficiencies. Wherever a temperature difference exists in any environment, Thermo Life LPTGs are capable of producing an output power. Even small temperature differences of less than 5 Kelvin can provide a source of thermal energy.

A 5°C temperature difference generates nearly 6V open voltage at matched load 3V, 10µA of current or 30µW of power. A 10°C temperature difference generates 11V open voltage at matched load 5.5 V, 25µA of current or 135µW of power. Larger temperature difference creates larger power output with a maximum temperature difference of 100°C.

Using thin film technology, a miniaturized construction, and a high number of thermopiles in series, a volume less than 0.08 cm³ has been achieved for the first time and its performance is compatible with the requirements of many recent micro systems such as ZigBee devices, wireless sensor networks, wearable electronics, implanted devices, and so on.

Features of these LPTGs include: Shockproof supply with no mechanical parts; No movement, light or clean environment is required to generate the electrical energy; Unlimited shelf life and no self discharge; And they are solid state with no compressed gases or chemicals, an environmentally "green" renewable energy resource.