Mounting the device to a hot side of 20 degree centigrade above ambient results in a milliwatt net output, equal to about 3AA cells per year. Between 25 degree centigrade and 90 degree centigrade, 10 milliwatt net are generated, equivalent to as much as 30AA cells worth of energy as an annual budget for a 3V application.
The TE-Power Probe collects thermal energy at the most optimal hot spot in proximity to its sensor to be powered. Thus, the thermoelectrically harvested power is maximized in favor of more energy and flexibility for the connected application, the company said.
The Thermoharvester with its cylindrical 2 inches diameter by 4.2 inches long aluminum body connects to the heat source via a threaded copper thermal input pin.
The TE-Power Probe is offered with different levels of power conditioning, including Thermogenerator DC output, externally configurable 1.6V to 5V, and fully regulated discrete voltages including 2.4V, 3.6V and 4.5V.
The TE-Power PROBE is priced at EUR730 for single units and will be sold through Mouser as a worldwide distributor, starting with the 4.5V version.
Fritz Volkert, CEO of Micropelt, said: ”This Thermoharvester eliminates all the battery-related operational costs of wireless sensors while giving them virtually infinite service life.
”When ordered in batches the unit price will be very competitive. Our customers thus can take full advantage of deploying sensors wherever useful for better process management or more efficient maintenance.”
