May 6 2010
Thermal energy harvesting specialist Micropelt recently launched the TE-Power PROBE that can extend the life of batteries utilized in the modern ISA100, WirelessHART and similar transmitters or even replace these batteries fully.
Micropelt TE Power PROBE thermal energy harvester
This commercial energy harvester can function better than batteries as a source of energy for wireless applications. This device can deliver a milliwatt net output, the equivalent of around 3 AA cells a year, when it is mounted on a hot side with a temperature of 20 °C above ambient.
Thermal energy is gathered by the probe from the most optimal hot spot that is near to the sensor being powered. This results in maximization of the thermoelectrically harvested power in favor of better flexibility and additional energy for the connected application.
The thermoharvester having a cylindrical aluminum body measuring 4.2” (80 mm) long by 2” (52 mm) diameter is capable of connecting easily to a source of heat through a threaded thermal input pin made of copper.
This PROBE is provided with different power conditioning levels, which include completely regulated discrete 4.5, 3.6 and 2.4 V voltages and thermogenerator DC output that is externally configurable for voltages between 1.6 and 5 V,.
Micropelt’ VP Business Development Burkhard Habbe informed that such a source of green power which is self-sustaining can render battery service history for the increasing wireless instruments’ installed base.
Fritz Volkert, CEO at Micropelt revealed that the unit price of this device will be competitive if it is ordered in batches. He added that customers can benefit by installing the sensors wherever they are useful to facilitate more efficient maintenance and better process management. He revealed that the thermoharvester is able to eliminate all battery-based operational costs for wireless sensors while simultaneously offering them with practically infinite service life.