Gathering Power From Hot Water Delivery

Jan-03-13 Panasonic has developed a new thermoelectric device able to generate electricity as hot water moves through its pipes, making use of the heat energy lost naturally during hot water delivery.

Previously, thermoelectric generation has been inefficient because the elements have been attached to the exterior of pipes. The new design from Panasonic features four thermoelectric tubes about 10 cm long contained within a generator unit. As hot water moves through the tubes the outside is cooled with cold water, causing all four tubes together to generate about 10 watts—enough electricity to power an LED light.

The team at Panasonic is now looking into ways to manufacture the device more efficiently, with the goal of producing a commercial version in 2018.

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[DIGINFO.TV]
[PANASONIC]

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