Micropelt TE-Power PROBE Thermoharvesting Power Source


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Self-Sustaining External Power Supply for Wireless Systems

The Micropelt TE-Power PROBE Thermoharvesting Power Source is an integrated proximity or near-field thermoharvester designed for replacing primary batteries in most modern wireless systems operating in duty cycle mode. The Micropelt TE-Power PROBE harvester goes to the nearest hot spot and is wired up to the device(s) to be powered sustainably. A temperature gradient of 20 K (36 °F) is converted to 1 milliwatt (mW) of power, equivalent to 3 amp hours annually for a 3 volt system. A gradient of 54 K (97 °F) will return 10 mW equivalent to 30 AA cells of 2 Ah each, greatly enhancing the energy budget for remote wireless sensors and actuators. The 4.5V output voltage of the Micropelt TE-Power PROBE easily re-charges capacitors, thin film batteries, and conventional secondary cells. Optional configurations are available upon request.


Features
  • Designed for replacing primary batteries in wireless systems
  • Goes to nearest hot spot, wired up to device(s) to be powered sustainably
  • Output voltage of 4.5V easily re-charges capacitors, thin film batteries, and conventional secondary cells
  • Converts temperature gradient of 20°C (68°F) to 1 mW of power, equivalent to 3 amp hours annually for a 3 volt system
  • Gradient of 75°C (167°F) returns 10 mW equivalent to 30 AA cells of 2 Ah each
  • Powerful heat sink ensures a high level of heat dissipation which leads to maximal thermoharvesting results when mounted in horizontal orientation

Applications

  • Most modern wireless systems operating in duty cycle mode
  • Remote wireless sensors and actuators

Cross Section and Position of the TEG chip

TE-Power PROBE Typical TEG Output Power over Ohmic Loads
Hot side temperatures versus 25°C ambient



Electronic Circuit Block Diagram

Internal Block Diagram




The key element of the TE-Power PROBE is the MPG-D751 thermogenerator (TEG). Its unregulated DC output rises with temperature at a rate of 140 mV/K (79 mV/F). The TEG voltage is directly available to the user. The output of the TEG is rather low voltage, so a DC booster is integrated. This accepts the TEG output and delivers both 4.5V regulated DC and a "Power Good" indication. The ground of TEG and DC booster are internally connected. The unit is fitted with two Pt100 temperature sensors, one on the heatsink (T2) and one on the base = copper bolt (T1). They share a common return line (Tret).






  • Micropelt
  • Alternate Energy|Power Management
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