Thermobility wireless power

Thermobility, the next generation of power generation technology, uses heat as a source of electricity for low-power wireless applications. Thermobility uses innovative solid-state thin-film thermoelectric technology to convert heat into electricity for a variety of self-contained, autonomous systems. Thermobility uses differences in temperature to enable “wireless power” anywhere there is an adequate heat source and eliminates the need to use traditional wired power sources or replaceable batteries. When paired with wireless transmitters, the Thermobility solution can provide electric power for decades of maintenance-free operation, thus expanding the possibilities for new wireless sensor applications in industrial control, transportation, automotive and building management. The Thermobility WPG-1 provides a constant voltage output of 3.3, 4.1, or 5.0 Vdc to electrical loads of 15k or higher. The WPG-1 is about the size of a golf ball and consists of a pin-fin heat sink, a custom circuit board, eTEG(TM) HV56 thermoelectric power generator module, and a metal attachment plate that is applied to the desired heat source.
The WPG-1 is designed for ease of use with any flat-surface heat source. For simple bench-top testing, the WPG-1 can be placed directly on a laboratory grade hotplate with temperature control. For evaluation with other surfaces, the attachment plate can be mated with either thermal grease for normal horizontal application or double-stick thermal pad for vertical mounting. The integrated circuit board includes DIP switches for setting the output voltage. Electrical connections can be made using the on-board 2-pin or 6-pin connectors. The 6-pin connector is a Texas Instruments proprietary connector that mates to the eZ430 wireless target board, making the WPG-1 an ideal wireless power source for the eZ430 development platform.