Thanks Randy and Chuck for today's session. I wasn't aware of the options for energy harvesting. You've opened some new thoughts and potential opprotunities.
For solar applications, there are some nice chips that automatically limit current to keep operation in the most efficient oprating zone for the PV cell (MPPT). But they seem to be very expensive, and not widely stocked. For example, the LTC3105 is $3.33 at 2500, but only 419 in stock at Digi-Key. Do you know of any good chips that are inexpensive and available enough for consumer products?
Some info provided at teh following link but I do not know if the MPPT is part of their capability:
@Chuck Yesterday you asked about suggestions for new classes. Energy harvesting is really interesting and would make a great week long topic. Thanks for including this today Randy.
Do switches like the one shown on slide 12 require a lot of force to operate?
They replace a typical wall switch so the force cannot be excessively greater but they most likely require a little more effort to achieve the snap action.
For solar applications, there are some nice chips that automatically limit current to keep operation in the most efficient oprating zone for the PV cell (MPPT). But they seem to be very expensive, and not widely stocked. For example, the LTC3105 is $3.33 at 2500, but only 419 in stock at Digi-Key. Do you know of any good chips that are inexpensive and available enough for consumer products?
The MEMS thermoelectric harvester would have to be connected to a hot and cold reservoir. How is this done on a MEMS scale?
The heat exchanger actually is about the same size as a bulk TEG in products that I have seen. The big advantage of the MEMS TEG is similar to MEMS sensors: the wafer level processing can provide consistent, high volume production and a ongoing cost reduction.
The TEG is usually thermall connected to the heat source and the other side is exposed to the cooler ambient air & uses a heat sink to create the temp differential.
Some systems use the temp differential a heating system warm air in the heat plenum and the cooler ambient air of the environment. The reverse could also be used.
Also the differential between hot and cold pipes in a hot water heat system...
The key is the thermal coupling for many of these applications.
Combination of energy sources for harvesting is a great idea, maximizing effectiveness. Perhaps solar and human motion combination would be a useful pair.
We are interested in harvesting energy from railroad track. We have battery powered sensors that are connected to the rail and being able to harvest some of that energy would give our sensors longer life.
Good Morning to everyone as well and the weather is not so nice here. Its a cold dreary day, but I am excited to hear todays lecture as well. Thank you Randy Frank for letting us have part of your time today!
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