Nano-thermotunneling systems for efficient power generation

Mehmet Arik; Jim Bray; Stanton Weaver

doi:10.1117/12.850914

5 May 2010 Nano-thermotunneling systems for efficient power generation

Mehmet Arik, Jim Bray, Stanton Weaver

Proceedings Volume 7679, Micro- and Nanotechnology Sensors, Systems, and Applications II; 76791F (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.850914
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2010, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Thermoelectrics have been investigated for their cooling and energy harvesting uses over the last six decades. Those devices can be bought from a number of commercial suppliers. Thermotunneling (TT) devices, on the other hand, have been known only for the last two decades, and nobody has been able to practically manufacture or demonstrate the performance of those devices. In this study, we will discuss the high thermodynamic efficiency of these systems and design bottlenecks to reach the high efficiencies such as thermal back path and electrical losses. Concepts for possible device designs will be discussed in detail. Efficiency of those devices will be compared with the conventional power generation as well as solid-state power generation systems. Thermodynamic limits of TT systems will be compared, and first order economic analysis will be performed.

Citation Download Citation

Mehmet Arik, Jim Bray, and Stanton Weaver "Nano-thermotunneling systems for efficient power generation", Proc. SPIE 7679, Micro- and Nanotechnology Sensors, Systems, and Applications II, 76791F (5 May 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.850914

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