Electricity from Waste-Heat Harvesting

Default ARPA-E Project Image


Program:
OPEN 2015
Award:
$3,565,018
Location:
Wheaton, Illinois
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
05/26/2016 - 02/25/2020

Technology Description:

The team led by RedWave Energy will develop a waste heat harvesting system, called a rectenna, that converts low-temperature waste heat into electricity. Rectennas are nanoantennas that convert radiant energy to direct current (DC) electricity. The rectennas are fabricated onto sheets of flexible material in tightly packed arrays and placed near key heat sources such as the turbine's condenser, heat exchanger, and flue gas cooling stack. Heat radiates onto the nanoantennas and energizes electrons on the antennas’ surface. These electrons are rectified by the system, resulting in DC power. This technology will target the waste heat in industrial processes and thermoelectric power generation.

Potential Impact:

If successful, innovations from RedWave Energy’s project will allow widespread utilization of waste heat produced by power plants and industry. Capturing this heat and converting it to electricity will dramatically improve the overall energy efficiency of U.S. power plants.

Security:

Improving the energy output of U.S. power plants will increase the resiliency of electricity production.

Environment:

The increased electricity captured from waste-heat is generated without the greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional electricity production from fossil fuels.

Economy:

Power plants implementing this technology could yield up to a 30% increase in efficiency, helping to reduce costs for utilities and consumers.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Isik Kizilyalli
Project Contact:
Mr. Pat Brady
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
pat.brady@redwaveenergy.com

Partners

University of Colorado, Boulder
University of Missouri
MicroContinuum, Inc.

Related Projects


Release Date:
01/07/2015