SITIS Topic Details |
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| Proposals Accepted: | |
| Program: | STTR |
| Topic Number: | AF10-BT22 (AirForce) |
| Title: | Hybrid Energy Harvesting Systems | Research & Technical Areas: | Ground/Sea Vehicles, Materials/Processes |
| Objective: | To develop a new generation of power harvesting systems with increased energy conversion efficiency by combining solar cells with magneto-thermoelectric generator as an active thermal backplane.
| Description: | Efficiency of silicon-based solar cells drops 0.5% for each degree increase in operating temperature. Therefore, lowering the temperature of the solar cells can raise their efficiency. But conventional cooling devices for these systems require large working space for air/water collector. In contrast, the proposed technology of pairing magneto-thermoelectric generator (MTG) to photovoltaic (PV) system of solar cell as an “active thermal backplane” will provide dual benefits of (a) active cooling (via rapid heat transfer) lowering the temperature of the solar cell that subsequently raises their efficiency and (b) active energy harvesting from thermal energy conversion. The idea of MTG stems from an entirely new approach taken by the research community for harvesting of thermal energy. Its design was based on the concept of the "hybrid" system of ferromagnetic and piezoelectric materials operating in the presence of magnetic field. Below the Curie temperature, the magnetic force bends the membrane toward the hot source producing a mechanical strain on the piezoelectric material component. Due to the piezoelectric effect, the mechanical strain produces a net electrical charge on the surface of the laminate. The PV-MTG "hybrid" energy harvesting system is also expected to allow compact thin module.
| PHASE I: Demonstrate the concept of pairing magneto-thermoelectric generator (MTG) to photovoltaic (PV) solar cell into "hybrid" energy harvesting system for simultaneous conversion of solar and thermal energies into electricity.
| PHASE II: Demonstrate the advantages of a new approach when compared to the silicon-based solar cells with conventional cooling devices. Build a bread board version demonstrating the fundamental components of the device. Develop and fabricate a "hybrid" energy harvesting system that can be integrated into commercial rechargeable systems for prolonged energy production.
| PHASE III | DUAL USE COMMERCIALIZATION:
Military Application: The "hybrid" energy harvesting system will allow a significant increase in the use of a wide range of wireless sensor systems including structural health monitoring, jet engine monitoring, etc.
Commercial Application: The "hybrid" energy harvesting system will allow a significant increase in the use of a wide range of wireless sensor systems including pipeline monitoring, bio-sensors for public safety, etc.
| References: | 1. M. Ujihara, D. G. Lee, G. P. Carman,” Thermal Energy Harvesting Device using Ferromagnetic Materials,” Applied Physic Letter, 91, 093508 (2007). 2. H. A. Sodano, D. J. Inman, G. Park, “A Review of Power Harvesting from Vibration Using Piezoelectric Materials,” The Shock and Vibration Digest, Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 197-205 (2004). 3. J. M. Gordon, "Generalized Power Versus Efficiency Characteristics of Heat Engines: The Thermoelectric Generator as an Instructive Illustration," Am. J. Phys., vol. 59, no.6, pp. 551-555 (1991). |
| Keywords: | Energy Harvesting, hybridization, solar cells, thermoelectrics, magneto-thermoelectric generator |
Questions and Answers: |
Q: Does the solution have to include a magneto-thermoelectric generator, or will another type of thermal energy conversion technology that will give the same end result be responsive |
A: . . . response pending . . . |
As of midnight September 1, questions for solicitations SBIR 10.3 and STTR 10.B will no longer be accepted.
To read the solicitation for full proposal preparation and submission details click here. |