Nano-Network CeNIDE scientists at the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) in Germany are attempting to create advanced thermal generators from nanomaterials. These devices would trap waste heat and convert it back into useful energy such as electricity.
For instance, in the car, a small thermoelectric generator would absorb heat from the exhaust gases and convert it into electrical energy. This would then be fed into the electrical system. The energy taken from exhaust heat would be enough to run all electrical components in the car. Since a thermoelectric generator could capture a portion of wasted energy that would in turn reduce the fuel consumption.
With the current thermoelectric generators about three per cent of energy can be captured and used, effectively, however, the potential exists to capture up to ten percent in the relative near term according to Gabi Schierning, head of UDE research group investigating nanoparticles for thermoelectric generators.
With the current thermoelectric generators about three per cent of energy can be captured and used, effectively, however, the potential exists to capture up to ten percent in the relative near term according to Gabi Schierning, head of UDE research group investigating nanoparticles for thermoelectric generators.
The group is researching nano-structured thermoelectric materials that are stable in air. The technology is of great interest to auto makers and also for power plant operators. They follow the research at UDE closely and are waiting for a breakthrough in materials.
The best current thermoelectric generators operate with tellurium-containing compounds, an element that is extremely rare and very expensive . "The material needs to fulfill several functions: It must be able to convert temperature gradients into electrical voltage, have high electrical conductivity and simultaneously have a low thermal conductivity," said Schierning. " "These are contradictory requirements. “
Because at the moment is not clear which material system can be optimized for suitable thermoelectric applications, UDE researchers are experimenting with different materials. There are several German projects working in parallel to develop thermoelectric generation.
Collaboration partners include the Institute for Energy and Environmental Technology (IUTA), the University of Duisburg-Essen Welding and Technical Education and Research Institute (SLV).
CeNIDE coordinates research in nanotechnology at the UDE. There are more than 200 researchers from the natural sciences and engineering backgrounds. Applications include material sciences, medicine and energy technology. CeNIDE structural research includes procedures which enable the production of nanopowders and nanoparticles in large quantities as well as the subsequent process steps of processing.
gabi.schierning@uni-due.de For more information: Gabi Schierning, Tel: 0203-3793296, gabi.schierning @ uni-due.de
The best current thermoelectric generators operate with tellurium-containing compounds, an element that is extremely rare and very expensive . "The material needs to fulfill several functions: It must be able to convert temperature gradients into electrical voltage, have high electrical conductivity and simultaneously have a low thermal conductivity," said Schierning. " "These are contradictory requirements. “
Because at the moment is not clear which material system can be optimized for suitable thermoelectric applications, UDE researchers are experimenting with different materials. There are several German projects working in parallel to develop thermoelectric generation.
Collaboration partners include the Institute for Energy and Environmental Technology (IUTA), the University of Duisburg-Essen Welding and Technical Education and Research Institute (SLV).
CeNIDE coordinates research in nanotechnology at the UDE. There are more than 200 researchers from the natural sciences and engineering backgrounds. Applications include material sciences, medicine and energy technology. CeNIDE structural research includes procedures which enable the production of nanopowders and nanoparticles in large quantities as well as the subsequent process steps of processing.
gabi.schierning@uni-due.de For more information: Gabi Schierning, Tel: 0203-3793296, gabi.schierning @ uni-due.de
