Maker Faire Austin 2007

Thermal Electric Photo Voltaic

Topic(s): Engineering | Green | Science

Tags: PV+panels Photo+Voltaic Seebeck+effect Peltier+effect Voltaic+series Solar+cells "Solar

Combining stock solid-state cooling devices with standard photovoltaic panels in a novel way yields unexpected results. Generate electricity by heating two metals orthogonally in voltaic series using the Seebeck effect. This method improves panel efficiency (watts per dollar) and life expectancy.

Project photo.

About the Maker(s)

Alex Conn

Alex Conn has worked with existing early stage capital sources, ranging from venture capitalists to local angel networks to private family offices. Alex has helped develop incubators and accelerators, and holds United States and international patents, in nutraceuticals and in photochemical activation. He is also co-inventor of technologies for display systems.

Email

Michael Perkins

Michael Perkins has worked for some of the leading engineering companies in the United States. He founded Perkins Engineering, an R&D company with emphasis on the "D", over 20 years ago. PE designs and prototypes a wide range of first-of-their-kind products. Michael has built fully composite ultra-high performance exotic cars, wearable computers, thermo-electric cooling systems, and, most recently, a novel turbo charger. He holds several patents and is a registered USPTO agent.

comments powered by Disqus