Russian Scientists Develop Thermoelectric Generator for Round-the-Clock Operation
This could mark a new step in the development of smart microelectronics.
Scientists from Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) and the Institute of Automation and Control Processes of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, together with Chinese and Portuguese colleagues, have developed a thermoelectric generator. It generates energy from the temperature difference between its working surfaces. One is made of silicon. Its complex structure absorbs up to 95% of sunlight and heats up quickly. The other side is made of silicon dioxide, which dissipates heat.
The device was tested during different seasons. It performed best in summer, when there is more sunlight. Performance was lower in spring and fall and reached its minimum in winter. At the same time, power generation continued at night: after dark, the device kept operating as one of its surfaces cooled.
According to the scientists, their technology could be used to create a new generation of thermoelectric devices. These could be used in small electronic devices with low power consumption, particularly various types of IoT equipment.
