HEIONTEC and the University of South Carolina are conducting research aimed at a tenfold increase in performance

As part of their research collaboration, HEIONTEC and the University of South Carolina aim to increase the power density of TEC-G technology and thereby open up new applications for battery-free electronics.

HEIONTEC and the University of South Carolina (USC) are collaborating to significantly increase the electrical output of TEC-G technology. The goal of the research is to increase the output per gram of electrolyte by a factor of ten—from the current level of about 1 microwatt to 10 microwatts per gram.

The technology developed by HEIONTEC uses ambient heat to generate electricity without requiring an external temperature difference between a hot and a cold side. It thus offers the potential to make electronic devices less dependent on conventional batteries in the long term.

Higher Power Through Optimized Materials and Electrodes

The research focuses on further developing the materials used and increasing the effective electrode surface area. Investigations are underway to determine how this can increase the electrical power output of the TEC-G cells.

The goal of increasing power density tenfold is a development objective whose technical feasibility and reproducibility are being examined as part of the research.

New Prospects for Battery-Free Applications

A higher power density could significantly expand the range of applications for TEC-G technology. In addition to wireless sensors in buildings and industrial facilities, electronic locks and other energy-efficient devices equipped with suitable energy storage systems to handle short-term power spikes could also be viable options in the future.

The collaboration with the University of South Carolina is helping HEIONTEC further develop the technological foundations for more powerful TEC-G cells. The long-term goal is to create low-maintenance power supply solutions that reduce the need for battery replacements and open up new possibilities for battery-free electronics.