WSURF Case 512
MEMS: Piezoelectro Micro Heat Engine & Energy Harvesting Device
Summary
Micro and nano power generation systems are in demand today. Devices such as portable computers, cell phones, robotic systems and distributed biological, chemical and environmental sensing systems all require electrical power from compact power supplies with large energy storage capability.
A set of such micro power technologies has been developed at the MEMS Lab at Washington State University. This technology was designed to convert thermal to electrical energy using piezoelectric membranes and the expansion of a two phase fluid, as a novel engine cycle. It can be tailored to harvest mechanical vibrations for electrical power generation.
Applications & Advantages
Potential applications:
- Thermal energy harvesting
- Electronics waste heat utilization
- Fuel cell rejected heat utilization
- Mechanical vibration harvesting (kinetic to electrical)
- Low power sensor systems
- Biometic sensors
- More information: http://www.mems.wsu.edu/
IP Status
US & multiple foreign patents including US patent # 7,235,914. Available for licensing.
For more information about this technology please contact WSURF:
1610 NE Eastgate Blvd, Suite 650
Pullman, WA 99164
Phone: (509) 335-5526
Fax: (509) 335-7237
wsurf@wsu.edu
