Thin Film Thermoelectric File for Energy Harvesting

This SBIR Phase I proposes the development of thin film thermoelectric piles for energy harvesting devices. The patented thin film technology, which is successfully used for the production of nanolaminate high density capacitors, allows to produce thermopiles with an extreme high density of active thermocouples, typically app. 500 couples per mm laminate thickness. The serial connection of the thermocouples performed during the production process allow to generate electric energy with a convenient voltage level at temperature gradients of a few degrees only. The proposed investigation will develop an energy harvesting device based on thin film thermopiles. In the Phase I work the basics for the adaptation of the nanolaminate process with the required modifications for the production of thermopiles will be evaluated. The thermopile structures obtained from this work will be tested thoroughly to explore the potential and the limitations of the process. The Phase II work will install an automated process for the high speed production of thermopile laminates. Additionally a complete concept for energy harvesting devices including power management unit and energy storage system will be developed.