Conversion of Low-Grade Heat to Electricity Using Pyroelectric Copolymer

A conceptual-scale continuous pyroelectric converter was constructed and tested. Low-grade heat was converted to electricity using a single 25 @ m thick 60%-40% P(VF 2 -TrFE) copolymer film. A pyroelectric conversion cycle conceived by Olsen was adopted; external control voltage was cycled between high and low in synchronization with cycling of film temperature. Control voltage was cycled between 100 and 1200V and heat source temperature between 30°C and 82°C. Conversion cycle time was varied between 3 and 4s. The ratio of electrical output to electrical input ranged between 1.2-1.5. Experimental data showed that the energy density was between 15-52 J/L of copolymer used. The pyroelectric converter system and preliminary data are presented.

Keywords:

• pyroelectric Conversion
• waste Heat
• Olsen Cycle