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A MicroPower Chip (a new semiconductor device) can efficiently and cost-effectively convert heat directly into electricity, leading to significant energy savings. This is a clean, green technology which will save energy, reduce harmful emissions, and may lead to the availability of substantial carbon credits.
The technology can do this so effectively that MicroPower Chips could become the de facto standard throughout industry, serving existing markets and opening up new global markets in excess of $330 billion. This cutting-edge technology has been invented, patented and independently verified, and an experienced team is now working to complete the necessary engineering development work and to bring the technology to market.
To complete product development, and commence production as quickly and cost-effectively as possible, MicroPower has partnered with Texas State University, based near Austin, which provides key technical expertise and world-class facilities/equipment for the project.
The MicroPower Chip is a new solid-state semiconductor without moving parts. It has two operational modes, (i) the Power Mode which converts heat directly into electricity, and (ii) the Cooling Mode which converts electricity directly into refrigeration/cooling. The science behind this combines the best thermoelectric and thermionic principles to deliver breakthrough efficiencies. The key performance characteristics are:
- Energy and power conversion three to four times more efficient than current alternatives;
- Products three to four times cheaper on a cost per watt basis than current alternatives, with $1-$2 per watt for higher temperature applications;
- Reduced size and weight creates scalability to tackle multiple markets from very small to very large applications, without losing efficiency or cost-effectiveness;
- Semiconductor design allows for efficient modular manufacturing for long life, low maintenance and lower production costs.
- The technology already has widespread patent protection (48 patents issued or filed in the US and internationally) and has been independently validated by recognized sources, including the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and two US Department of Energy Laboratories. Indeed, there is an entire chapter dedicated to the technology in the Thermoelectrics Handbook, an industry recognized guide to the latest developments in this area.
Some of these markets include:
- Industrial - factory, furnace and smelter waste heat recovery; central power plants; geothermal efficiency improvement.
- Transportation - 10% increase in fuel efficiency by generating electricity from engine waste heat.
- Consumer - refrigerators and coolers; portable power.
- Aerospace and Government - aircraft waste heat reclamation; portable battery chargers; power generation for submarines; cooling for infrared devices.
- Silicon Chips and Solar - computer hot-spot cooling; computer fan replacement, concentrated solar plants.