Microenergy Supply without Battery and Cable

KIT’s Startup otego GmbH Has Developed “oTEG,“ the First Commercial Printed Thermoelectric Generator Worldwide

Der Thermoelektrische Generator „oTEG“ ist vielseitig einsetzbar, etwa zur Versorgung von drahtlosen Industriesensoren. (Abbildung: otego GmbH) — The “oTEG“ thermoelectric generator is versatile and can be used for the power supply of wireless industry sensors. (Figure: otego GmbH)

Thermoelektrischer Generator von otego – nicht größer als ein Zuckerwürfel. (Abbildung: otego GmbH) — Thermoelectric generator made by otego – as small as a sugar cube. (Figure: otego GmbH)

Power plants not larger than a sugar cube that can be used for both domestic and industry purposes: Thermoelectric generators (TEG) convert even small ambient temperature differences into electrical energy. otego GmbH, a spinoff of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), has now commercialized the first electronic component of its kind: “oTEG” will be presented by the developers at the Hannover Messe from April 23 to 27, 2018.

The team of otego makes thermoelectdric generators (TEG) fit for the mass market by using novel materials and large-scale production processes. Production of a prototype series is about to start this year. The “oTEG” innovative energy converter is suited for a large range of applications in the areas of Industry 4.0 and Smart Homes. Similar to solar cells that convert light into electrical energy, TEGs can extract electrical power from the ambient heat and, in this way, ensure continuous supply. “Various sensors, evaluation electronics, and wireless systems can be operated without a battery: From simple products, such as a wireless data tracker, to distributed sensor nodes of industrial facilities to future electronic thermostats of radiators,” says Frederick Lessmann, one of the founders of the company. TEGs not only are an ideal energy source for comfort applications in the domestic environment, they can also be used for the power supply of a number of autonomous industry sensors in larger facilities. Polymer materials make the oTEG mechanical flexible and insensitive to impacts and vibrations. It can be operated for a longer term without any maintenance being required. Heavy metals are not needed at all, consumption of natural resources is reduced.

Full Text: Press Release 036/2018

fa, 05.04.2018