A research team at Jimei University in China has made significant progress in developing a new thermoelectric generator (TEG) that can continuously generate electricity using heat from the sun and a radiative cooling emitter (RCE). This breakthrough could potentially revolutionize the way small electronic devices are powered, providing a sustainable and continuous energy solution.
Reliable Power Source for Small Devices
Traditional power sources like batteries often pose limitations in terms of capacity, requiring regular replacement or recharging. However, the newly designed TEG has the potential to overcome these constraints. Led by research team leader Jing Liu, the team at Jimei University has successfully created a device that can produce electricity day and night, even during cloudy conditions, ensuring a reliable power source for small electronic devices such as outdoor sensors.
The innovative design of the TEG is based on two key components: the ultra-broadband solar absorber (UBSA) and the planar radiative cooling emitter (RCE). The UBSA captures sunlight and heats one side of the generator, while the RCE cools down the other side by releasing heat. These components can be applied to a flexible substrate, making them suitable for wearable devices as well.
Continuous Electricity Generation
During testing, the TEG demonstrated its ability to generate electricity consistently throughout the day and night, including cloudy daylight. Even under reduced sunlight intensity, the device still produced a measurable temperature difference that could be harnessed to generate electricity, albeit at a lower efficiency compared to sunny conditions.
The team recorded peak voltage outputs of 166.2 mV during clear daytime conditions, which is sufficient to power small sensors or devices. During clear nighttime and cloudy daytime conditions, the TEG generated 14.7 mV and 95 mV, respectively. These results demonstrate the device’s adaptability to different weather conditions, ensuring a continuous power supply.
The research team is focused on further optimizing the TEG’s efficiency, durability, and scalability. They plan to conduct long-term stability and reliability tests under various conditions. Additionally, the researchers aim to explore the potential for mass production at a reasonable cost while making improvements in the device’s performance and adaptability to different applications.
The development of this self-powered thermoelectric generator represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. By addressing the limitations of traditional power sources, this innovative technology has the potential to impact a wide range of applications, from remote sensors to wearable electronics.
