Low Grade Thermal Energy Harvesting

Low-Grade Thermal Energy Harvesting: Advances in Thermoelectrics, Materials, and Emerging Applications provides readers with fundamental and key concepts surrounding low-grade thermal energy conversion while also reviewing the latest research directions. The book covers the most promising and emerging technologies for low-grade heat recovery, harvesting and conversion, including wearable thermoelectrics and organic thermoelectrics. Each chapter includes key materials, principles, design and fabrication strategies for low-grade heat recovery. Special attention on emerging materials such as organic composites, 2D materials and nanomaterials are also included. The book emphasizes materials and device structures that enable the powering of wearable electronics and consumer electronics. The book is suitable for materials scientists and engineers in academia and R&D in manufacturing, industry, energy and electronics. Introduces key concepts and fundamental principles of low-grade thermal energy harvesting, storage and conversion Provides an overview on key materials, design principles and fabrication strategies for devices for low energy harvesting applications Focuses on materials and device designs that enable wearable thermoelectrics and flexible electronics applications

Low-Grade Heat Harvesting Harvest a vast untapped reservoir of energy with this essential resource The search for widely available, sustainable energy sources is arguably the defining challenge of the current era. Low-Grade Heat, a term referring to temperatures under 100 degrees Celsius, is an incredibly abundant form of energy in the natural world, but not one which existing sustainable technologies have been able to harvest efficiently and sustainably. The ubiquity of this energy, however, gives it huge potential to address the looming energy crisis. Low-Grade Heat Harvesting surveys existing technologies for utilizing low-grade heat and the related techniques for storing and converting low-grade heat energy. Beginning with the basic thermodynamic principles underlying low-grade heat, it proceeds to work systematically through the major categories of low-grade heat harvesting device, offering a comprehensive overview of the state of the field. Low-Grade Heat Harvesting readers will also find: A focus on emerging technologies Detailed discussion of thermoelectric devices for low-grade heat harvesting, liquid-based thermocells for heat-to-current conversion, and many more Authored by an acknowledged expert in energy storage and conversion Low-Grade Heat Harvesting is ideal for materials scientists, electrochemists, electronics engineers, and anyone else working to address energy needs.

Contains comprehensive cutting-edge information on pyroelectric materials and their preparation, properties and applications, such as uncooled wideband infrared detectors, particle generators and ambient energy harvesters. The complete lifecycle of a pyroelectric material is presented - from the theory of operation, to structure and processing and applications - providing a cohesive overview of all of the necessary concepts, including theoretical background and current developments.

This book provides the fundamental concepts required for the development of an efficient small-scale wind turbine. For centuries, engineers and scientists have used wind turbines of all shapes and sizes to harvest wind energy. Large-scale wind turbines have been successful at producing great amounts of power when deployed in sites with vast, open space, such as in fi elds or in offshore waters. For environments with limited space, such as dense urban environments, small-scale wind turbines are an attractive alternative for taking advantage of the ubiquity of wind. However, many of today’s tools for aerodynamic design and analysis were originally developed for large-scale turbines and do not scale down to these smaller devices. Arranged in a systematic and comprehensive manner, complete with supporting examples, Wind Energy Harvesting: Micro- To Small-Scale Turbines is a useful reference for undergraduate and graduate level classes on energy harvesting, sustainable energy, and fl uid dynamics, and an introduction to the field for non-technical readers.

This book discusses the history of thermal heat generators and focuses on the potential for these processes using micro-electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) technology for this application. The main focus is on the capture of waste thermal energy for example from industrial processes, transport systems or the human body to generate useable electrical power. A wide range of technologies is discussed, including external combustion heat cycles at MEMS ( Brayton, Stirling and Rankine), Thermoacoustic, Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs), Multiferroics, Thermionics, Pyroelectric, Seebeck, Alkali Metal Thermal, Hydride Heat Engine, Johnson Thermo Electrochemical Converters, and the Johnson Electric Heat Pipe.

Power Generation Technologies for Low-Temperature and Distributed Heat presents a systematic and detailed analysis of a wide range of power generation systems for low-temperature (lower than 700-800°C) and distributed heat recovery applications. Each technology presented is reviewed by a well-known specialist to provide the reader with an accurate, insightful and up-to-date understanding of the latest research and knowledge in the field. Technologies are introduced before the fundamental concepts and theoretical technical and economic aspects are discussed, as well as the practical performance expectations. Cutting-edge technical progress, key applications, markets, as well as emerging and future trends are also provided, presenting a multifaceted and complete view of the most suitable technologies. A chapter on various options for thermal and electrical energy storage is also included with practical examples, making this a valuable resource for engineers, researchers, policymakers and engineering students in the fields of thermal energy, distributed power generation systems and renewable and clean energy technology systems. Presents a wide range of power generation technologies based on thermomechanical cycles, membrane technology, thermochemical, thermoelectric, photoelectric and electrochemical effects Explains the fundamental concepts and underlying operation principles in each case, and provides theoretical performance expectations and practical technical and economic characteristics Reviews the cutting-edge technical progress, key applications, markets, emerging and future trends, and includes practical examples of all technologies Details advantages and disadvantages of each technology to allow the reader to make informed decisions of their own for different applications

The need to more efficiently harvest energy for electronics has spurred investigation into materials that can harvest energy from locally abundant sources. Ferroelectric Materials for Energy Harvesting and Storage is the first book to bring together fundamental mechanisms for harvesting various abundant energy sources using ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials. The authors discuss strategies of designing materials for efficiently harvesting energy sources like solar, wind, wave, temperature fluctuations, mechanical vibrations, biomechanical motion, and stray magnetic fields. In addition, concepts of the high density energy storage using ferroelectric materials is explored. Ferroelectric Materials for Energy Harvesting and Storage is appropriate for those working in materials science and engineering, physics, chemistry and electrical engineering disciplines. Reviews wide range of energy harvesting including solar, wind, biomechanical and more Discusses ferroelectric materials and their application to high energy density capacitors Includes review of fundamental mechanisms of energy harvesting and energy solutions, their design and current applications, and future trends and challenges

Pyroelectric Materials An authoritative and practical discussion of pyroelectric materials and their applications In Pyroelectric Materials: Physics and Applications, the authors deliver a comprehensive exploration of the physics of pyroelectric materials and their applications. With authoritative coverage of a wide variety of critical topics in the field, the authors provide the readers with chapters on dielectric fundamentals, pyroelectricity, pyroelectric materials and their applications such as pyroelectric infrared detectors, pyroelectric energy harvesting, and pyroelectric fusion. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to the fundamentals of dielectrics, including discussions of polarization, dispersion, relaxation, and the molecular theory of induced charges in a dielectric Comprehensive explorations of pyroelectricity, including its history, theory, and a simple model of pyroelectric effect Perfect for researchers and professionals with an interest in pyroelectric materials, the book is also useful for graduate students taking courses involving pyroelectric materials and their applications.