Microenergy Supply without Battery and Cable
April 25, 2018 | KITEstimated reading time: 3 minutes
Power plants not larger than a sugar cube that can be used for both domestic and industry purposes: Thermoelectric generators (TEG) convert even small ambient temperature differences into electrical energy. otego GmbH, a spinoff of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), has now commercialized the first electronic component of its kind: “oTEG” will be presented by the developers at the Hannover Messe from April 23 to 27, 2018.
The team of otego makes thermoelectdric generators (TEG) fit for the mass market by using novel materials and large-scale production processes. Production of a prototype series is about to start this year. The “oTEG” innovative energy converter is suited for a large range of applications in the areas of Industry 4.0 and Smart Homes. Similar to solar cells that convert light into electrical energy, TEGs can extract electrical power from the ambient heat and, in this way, ensure continuous supply. “Various sensors, evaluation electronics, and wireless systems can be operated without a battery: From simple products, such as a wireless data tracker, to distributed sensor nodes of industrial facilities to future electronic thermostats of radiators,” says Frederick Lessmann, one of the founders of the company. TEGs not only are an ideal energy source for comfort applications in the domestic environment, they can also be used for the power supply of a number of autonomous industry sensors in larger facilities. Polymer materials make the oTEG mechanical flexible and insensitive to impacts and vibrations. It can be operated for a longer term without any maintenance being required. Heavy metals are not needed at all, consumption of natural resources is reduced.
Conversion of energy from ambient heat is based on the Seebeck effect: The temperature gradient in the thermoelectric semiconductor material induces an electric voltage. When combined with another semiconductor material generating a complementary voltage, if possible, the potential of this “thermocouple” can be used as a source of voltage for small consumers. In oTEG, thousands of these thermocouples are connected in series. The generated voltage in the single-digit volt range is sufficient to operate microelectronic circuits. The difference of the oTEGs lies in the self-developed production process: “We print the electronic conducting paths onto extremely thin plastic foils – the time needed corresponds to about the time needed for printing a newspaper. Then, we use our special automated origami folding method to bring these printed foils into a compact form. In the past years, we intensively worked on implementing this method on the industrial scale for rapid production at low costs,” Lessmann says.
In the second half of this year, otego plans to produce a prototype series to realize concrete product applications with company partners. The startup does not only want to integrate generators in existing systems, but also enters new ground. Whereas battery storage systems or supply cables have been indispensable so far, the autonomous and maintenance-free oTEGs enable entirely new product approaches.
About otego GmbH
The patented thermoelectric generator technology by otego is the result of several years of research and development at the Light Technology Institute (LTI) of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. otego GmbH was established in 2017 and currently works on the commercialization of the generators. Work of otego’s interdisplinary team covers the complete value chain from the development of materials to generator production and its electronic connection. The concept of the young business has also convinved investors: otego completed the first capitalization round with seed funds in the seven-digit range.
Being "The Research University in the Helmholtz Association“, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility and information. For this, about 9,300 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 26,000 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life.
Suggested Items
ZESTRON Academy Launches 2024 Advanced Packaging & Power Electronics Webinar Series
05/01/2024 | ZESTRONZESTRON, the leading global provider of high-precision cleaning products, services, and training solutions in the electronics manufacturing and semiconductor industries, proudly announces the launch of its highly anticipated webinar series on Advanced Packaging & Power Electronics, a webinar series on the latest innovations, cleaning, and corrosion challenges.
On the Line With… Talks With Cadence Expert on SI/PI for PCB Designers
05/02/2024 | I-Connect007In “PCB 3.0: A New Design Methodology—SI/PI for PCB Designers,” subject matter expert Brad Griffin, Cadence Design Systems, discusses how an intelligent system design methodology can move some signal and power integrity decision-making into the physical design space, offering real-time feedback.
The New Industry: Will the Growth Continue?
04/30/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamHow sustainable are the primary financial models in the United States regarding PCB fabrication shops? In this interview with economic experts Shawn DuBravac and Tom Kastner, we explore what’s happening with U.S. printed circuit board shops in today’s market, how consolidation affects the industry, and what can be done.
TTM’s High Tech Expansion and Industry Innovation
04/30/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineTom Edman has been the CEO of TTM Technologies since 2014 and has an extensive background in electronics and manufacturing. TTM is a leading global manufacturer of technology solutions, including mission systems, RF component and RF microwave microelectronics assemblies, and quick turn and advanced technology printed circuit boards.
U.S. Companies Invest Heavily in Robots
04/30/2024 | IFRManufacturing companies in the United States have invested heavily in more automation: total installations of industrial robots rose by 12% and reached 44,303 units in 2023. Number one adopter is the car industry followed by the electrical and electronics sector.