Thermal Difference Powers Battery Cells

Researchers in the United States have made a significant breakthrough in the field of energy harvesting for the Internet of Things (IoT). The innovative pyroelectrochemical cell (PEC) developed by a team from the University of Utah’s College of Engineering represents a promising advancement in sustainable energy technology.

The PEC is designed to harness thermal energy generated by fluctuating temperatures in the environment, converting it into stored energy within a battery cell. This groundbreaking technology opens up new possibilities for powering sensors in IoT applications that would otherwise be challenging to recharge regularly.

Led by associate professors of mechanical engineering, Roseanne Warren and Shad Roundy, the research team successfully developed and tested the device in their labs. The key component of the PEC is a pyroelectric composite material used as a separator in the electrochemical cell, comprising porous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and barium titanate nanoparticles.

As the material undergoes temperature variations, its electrical properties change, leading to alterations in the polarization of the pyroelectric separator. This dynamic process creates an electric field within the cell, facilitating the movement of ions and enabling the storage of energy efficiently.

Warren, the senior author of the study showcasing the proof of concept, emphasized the potential applications of the PEC in the IoT landscape. She highlighted the device's ability to harvest ambient thermal energy and convert it directly into stored electrochemical energy, offering a sustainable power solution for distributed sensors and IoT devices.