CAREER: Ambient Thermal Energy Harvesting for Power Production

摘要研究目标和方法本研究的目标是通过环境热能收集来提高能源效率和可持续性。该方法的重点是利用小型设备捕获和利用太阳能热等能源。微加工和系统设计有助于实现现实世界的优秀指标。该系统在一个新的热力学工作循环中运行，重点是在与环境热能收集相关的低温下运行。研究成果包括一种新的太阳能集热器、先进的热交换器和一种适用于多种应用的新型膨胀器。这项研究的重点是利用高度可利用的热能，而这些热能目前基本上未被利用。此外，该方法还代表了一种依赖于膨胀器的相位变化和谐振操作的新工作周期。这是第一次如此规模的应用和热能来源。先进的制造技术将在前人很少工作的领域取得研究进展。最后，该研究非常适合应用于其他技术，如先进的热电发电机。更广泛的影响本研究通过K-12外展和大学生整合，广泛参与代表性不足的学生和社区。在这次拓展活动中，未被充分代表的群体占学生的比例很高。一个新的本科能源课程进一步拓展和影响。研究成果将发表在主要期刊、会议和研讨会上。这些结果也为外展活动提供了现实世界的例子。这种推广在多个层面上显著影响能源教育，并鼓励学生参与先进的能源研究。

ECCS - 1053729 CAREER: Ambient Thermal Energy Harvesting for Power ProductionABSTRACTResearch Objectives and ApproachesThe objective of this research is to increase energy efficiency and sustainability through ambient thermal energy harvesting. The approach is focused on the capture and use of energy like solar thermal using small-scale devices. Microfabrication and system design contribute to excellent metrics for real-world implementation. The system operates on a new thermodynamic working cycle, focused on operation at low temperatures associated with ambient thermal energy collection. Research results in a new solar thermal collector, advanced heat exchangers, and a novel expander suitable for operation in many applications.Intellectual MeritThis research focuses on the use of highly available thermal energy sources that are largely unused today. In addition, the approach represents a novel operating cycle dependant on phase change and resonant operation of the expander. This is a first for this scale of application and thermal energy source. Advanced fabrication techniques will result in research progress in areas with little prior work. Finally, the research is well suited for application to other technologies like advanced thermoelectric generators.Broader ImpactsThis research engages a broad spectrum of underrepresented students and community via K-12 outreach and university student integration. Underrepresented groups make up a high percentage of students in this outreach. A new undergraduate energy course furthers outreach and impact. Research results will be published in leading journals, conferences, and workshops. These results also provide real-world examples for outreach activities. This outreach significantly impacts energy education on multiple levels and encourages student involvement in advanced energy research.