Results of a water based thermoelectric energy harvesting device for powering wireless sensor nodes

C. Knight; M. Collins

doi:10.1117/12.815440

6 April 2009 Results of a water based thermoelectric energy harvesting device for powering wireless sensor nodes

C. Knight, M. Collins

Proceedings Volume 7288, Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2009; 72880Y (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.815440
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Over the last decade, wireless computing and mobile devices have decreased in size and power requirements. These devices traditionally have power requirements that necessitate the need for batteries as a power source. As the power requirements reduce, alternative means of power become available. One of these is the use of thermal energy. The use of thermal energy requires a high temperature source and a lower temperature sink. Energy is extracted as heat flows from the hot side to the cold side. The magnitude of the heat source is not as critical as the magnitude of the temperature difference between the source and sink. One source of temperature difference is that between a body of water and a solar heated object. A device has been designed and tested to capture thermoelectric energy where one side of the device is immersed in water. The other side is exposed to solar radiation. Typically, during the day this is warmer than the water. However, at night this situation is reversed. This paper discusses the design and manufacture of an innovative thermal energy capturing device. This device was used to capture energy across an air water boundary. Theoretical estimations of power available from measured temperature differences are compared with the results of the designed device.

Citation Download Citation

C. Knight and M. Collins "Results of a water based thermoelectric energy harvesting device for powering wireless sensor nodes", Proc. SPIE 7288, Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2009, 72880Y (6 April 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.815440

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