Nextreme Thermal Solutions, the leader in micro-scale
thermal and power generation solutions, today introduces the Thermobility Wireless
Power Generator WPG-1S evaluation kit with on-board energy storage using the
INFINERGY D-MPM101 micro power module from Infinite Power Solutions. The WPG-1S
uses innovative 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 Thermobility 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. Thermobility is the ideal
power source for wireless transmission applications.
As the second in a series of wireless power generators from
Nextreme, the Thermobility WPG-1S uses the INFINERGY D-MPM101, a development
micro power module from Infinite Power Solutions (IPS) that provides efficient
battery management, near loss-less energy storage, and output regulation. The D-MPM101
integrates IPS’ ultra-thin and rechargeable THINERGY® solid-state micro-energy
cells (MECs) to supply up to 2.0 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 3.3V.
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(TM) 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 LTC®3108
ultralow voltage step-up converter and power management chip to provide up to
1mW of electrical power, and operates at temperature differentials as low as
15-20 degrees K relative to ambient. Larger temperature differences can
generate significantly more power.
“The WPG-1S is the ideal energy harvesting solution for
autonomous, self-powered sensor networks,” said Dave Koester, Nextreme’s
vice president of engineering. “With the addition of IPS’ INFINERGY power
module, our Thermobility solutions can store energy and provide on-demand power
while reducing the total cost of ownership by eliminating the prohibitive cost
of battery replacement.”
The WPG-1S evaluation kit is designed for ease of use with
any flat-surface heat source and can be customized for pipes and other non-flat
surfaces. For simple bench-top testing, the WPG-1S 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 ideal wireless power source for the
eZ430 development platform.