Development of a Ca3Co4O9-based thermoelectric generator via screen-printing

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Wireless sensor networks represent a key technology for condition monitoring of infrastructure, building automation or complex technical systems. Using energy harvesting, energy can be transformed from the machine environment to run a sensor node with electrical energy. Regarding the potential of energy harvesting thermoelectric generators, which use the waste heat of machines, offer a high importance. The aim of the applied project is the development of a printable flexible thermoelectric generator based on calcium-cobalt-oxide (Ca3Co4O9). The production process includes the application of the thermoelectric material and the electrical contacts by screen printing. The development of a printable thermogenerator enables a specific customization to the operation of the sensor regarding a sufficient amount of energy, because of the flexibility of printing. The following research questions are addressed:- Production of a screen printing paste with calcium-cobalt-oxide- Identification of printable structures for thermal legs and electrical connections- Coordination of a manufacturing process using the screen printing method- Construction of a printable thermoelectric generator prototype