Wireless power generator kit

Design Automation

6 July 2011 Design Automation

Nextreme Thermal Solutions has developed the Thermobility Wireless Power Generator WPG-1S evaluation kit with onboard energy storage using the INFINERGY D-MPM101 micro power module from Infinite Power Solutions.

The WPG-1S uses solid-state, thin-film thermoelectric technology to convert heat into electricity for a variety of self-powered wireless applications. Thermobility uses differences in temperature to enable 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 solution can provide electric power for years of maintenance-free operation, thus expanding the possibilities for new wireless sensor and security applications in industrial control, transportation, automotive and building management.

The D-MPM101 micro power module provides efficient battery management, near lossless energy storage and output regulation. It integrates ultra-thin and rechargeable THINERGY micro-energy cells to supply up to 2 mAh of stored energy for use by an application during periods when the heat source is not available or is intermittent. Reliable power output of up to 200 mW at 25°C is possible at a regulated 3,3 V.

The WPG-1S is about the size of a golf ball and consists of a pin-fin heat sink, a custom circuit board, Nextreme’s eTEG HV56 thermoelectric power generator module and a metal attachment plate that is applied to the desired heat source. The WPG-1S also incorporates a Linear Technologies LTC3108 ultra-low voltage step-up converter and power management chip to provide up to 1 mW of electrical power, and operates at temperature differentials as low as 15 to 20 K relative to ambient. Larger temperature differences can generate significantly more power.

The WPG-1S evaluation kit is designed for ease of use with any flat-surface heat source and can be customised for pipes and other non-flat surfaces. For simple bench-top testing, it 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.

Electrical power output connections can be made using the on-board 6-pin connectors or a two-wire pigtail connected to the 6-pin connector. The 6-pin connector mates directly to the Texas Instruments eZ430 wireless target board, making the WPG-1S an applicable wireless power source for the eZ430 development platform.

For more information visit www.nextreme.com

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