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https://theconversation.com/how-wasted-heat-from-our-bodies-could-generate-green-energy-242748>
"If you’ve ever seen yourself through a thermal imaging camera, you’ll know
that your body produces lots of heat. This is in fact a waste product of our
metabolism. Every square foot of the human body gives off heat equivalent to
about 19 matches per hour.
Unfortunately, much of this heat simply escapes into the atmosphere. Wouldn’t
it be great if we could harness it to produce energy? My research has shown
this would indeed be possible. My colleagues and I are discovering ways of
capturing and storing body heat for energy generation, using eco-friendly
materials.
The goal is to create a device that can both generate and store energy, acting
like a built-in power bank for wearable tech. This could allow devices such as
smart watches, fitness trackers, or GPS trackers to run much longer, or even
indefinitely, by harnessing our body heat.
The author won the editor’s choice award in Vitae’s three minute thesis
competition.
It isn’t just our bodies that produce waste heat. In our technologically
advanced world, substantial waste heat is generated daily, from the engines of
our vehicles to the machines that manufacture goods.
Typically, this heat is also released into the atmosphere, representing a
significant missed opportunity for energy recovery. The emerging concept of
“waste heat recovery” seeks to address this inefficiency. By harnessing this
otherwise wasted energy, industries can improve their operational efficiency
and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
The thermoelectric effect is a phenomenon that can help turn heat into
electricity. This works by having a temperature difference produce an electric
potential, as electrons flow from the hot side to the cool side, generating
usable electrical energy.
Conventional thermoelectric materials, however, are often made from cadmium,
lead or mercury. These come with environmental and health risks that limit
their practical applications."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
