TEC-G CELLS: Electricity from Ambient Heat
The battery-free future of ultra-low-power sensor systems
THE PRINCIPLE
Energy Harvesting Where Other Sources Are Not Available
Many established energy-harvesting technologies require light, motion, or a sustained temperature gradient. TEC-G cells, on the other hand, use ambient and low-temperature heat as a thermal driving force – without the need for an external temperature gradient. The technology is specifically designed for applications that require only low average power over long periods and can temporarily store energy for measurements or data transmission.
1
WITHOUT AN EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE GRADIENT
Uses thermal energy from the environment without requiring a hot side and a cold side.
2
INDEPENDENT OF LIGHT AND MOVEMENT
It can also be used in dark, stationary, or fully enclosed locations.
3
FOR ULTRA-LOW-POWER DEVICES
Designed for energy-efficient wireless sensors with low average power consumption.
What is a TEC-G cell?
A TEC-G cell consists of two electrodes and a patent-pending electrolyte developed by HEIONTEC. Within the closed-cell architecture, this electrolyte enables a reversible electrochemical process that delivers electrical energy, after which the cell is regenerated using ambient heat.
The current development focus is on TEC-G cells in a pouch format. This format allows for flexible adaptation of the cell size and the amount of material contained to different energy requirements and integration spaces.
How the TEC-G Cycle Works
A TEC-G cell consists of two electrodes between which the HEIONTEC material is applied. Ambient heat acts as the driving force, triggering chemical reactions in this material. When a load is connected, thereby closing the external circuit, electrons flow through the load into the positive electrode; metal ions diffuse back, and the charge is dissipated. As a result, the cell cools down. After discharge, ambient heat is absorbed, and the cell moves back toward its initial state. The process can be triggered again by closing the circuit with the load.
01 - ENERGY SUPPLY
Generate electrical energy
When the circuit is closed, the electrochemical process releases electrical energy. As a result, the TEC-G cell cools down.
02 - REGENERATION
Absorb ambient heat
The cell then absorbs heat from its surroundings and returns to its initial state.
03 - SYSTEM-INTEGRATION
Power the sensor as needed
Power electronics and buffer storage devices collect and condition the energy and make it available for measurements and wireless data transmission.
