System Draws Power from Daily Temperature Swings to Produce Electricity

Power Management INSIDER

The thermal resonator (black box) with its radiative cooling fins across the top. The device is filled with a phase-change material that allows it to capture energy from changing temperatures. (Image: Melanie Gonick)

Thermoelectric devices generate power when one side of the device is a different temperature from the other. Instead of requiring two different temperature inputs at the same time, a new thermal resonator system takes advantage of the swings in ambient temperature that occur during the day-night cycle.

The system could enable continuous, years-long operation of remote sensing systems, for example, without requiring other power sources or batteries. The system does not need direct sunlight; it generates energy from ambient temperature changes, even in the shade. That means it is unaffected by short-term changes in cloud cover, wind conditions, or other environmental conditions, and can be located anywhere that's convenient.

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