Better Batteries from Waste Heat

May-31-14 A novel method of transforming waste heat into electricity allows industrial waste heat be incorporated into more efficient batteries.

The method takes advantage of the thermogalvanic effect—which describes the way the voltage of rechargeable batteries is dependent upon their temperature. When an uncharged battery is heated with the waste heat, it can be charged at a lower-than normal voltage. Then, once the battery has cooled, its lower temperature will allow it to be discharged at a higher voltage and thus release more energy than was originally used to charge it. This extra energy, which was added in the form of waste heat, increases the battery's efficiency.

The waste-energy harvesting system is able to capture very small differences in temperature fairly efficiently, and it is made of common materials that could be manufactured easily into a larger version suitable for industrial use.

More Info about this Invention:

[MIT.EDU]
[IEEE]

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