Quantum Dot Nanocomposite Based Novel Thermoelectric Materials

ABSTRACT: Energy harvesting has emerged as a critical need for many current and future Air Force missions to enable their long lifetime requirements. Traditional approaches have focused on harvesting solar and vibration (i.e., via the use of piezoelectric materials) energy. More recently, substantial interest has developed in harvesting energy derived from thermal gradients (e.g., due to solar radiation and/or waste heat) as it has the potential to greatly surpass the power generation capabilities of more traditional approaches. Unfortunately, deficiencies in the state-of-the-art thermoelectric materials have prevented their widespread use in energy harvesting / conversion systems. To address the need for higher performing thermoelectric materials, ADA Technologies, Inc., in collaboration with the University of Colorado, propose the development of a novel, high performance (i.e., high figure of merit or, ZT) and highly scalable thermoelectric material based on nanocomposite technology. BENEFIT: Energy harvesting and conversion is a critical need for numerous military applications. For example, future micro air vehicles are intended to meet a mission operation that extends over several days, which is only achievable by combining an efficient energy harvesting and storage system. Further, structural health monitoring for applications such as airframes and spacecraft is only feasible when combined with an energy harvesting system. Beyond the military applications, there exist numerous commercial applications that could make use of a structural health monitoring system enabled by an efficient energy harvesting system. Examples include wind turbine blades and civil infrastructure for enhanced performance and safety.