Innovative Wireless Power Devices Using micro-Thermoelectric Generators arrays

Project Information

WiPTherm

Grant agreement ID: 863307

DOI

10.3030/863307

Project closed

EC signature date 13 August 2019

Start date 1 November 2019

End date 30 June 2023

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Future and Emerging Technologies (FET)

Total cost

€ 2 315 892,50

EU contribution

€ 2 315 892,50

Coordinated by

UNIVERSIDADE DO PORTO
Portugal

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - WiPTherm (Innovative Wireless Power Devices Using micro-Thermoelectric Generators arrays)

Reporting period: 2020-11-01 to 2023-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

In today's era, where sensing, monitoring, and interconnectivity play a pivotal role in advancing our society, Micro and Nanosatellites, commonly known as CubeSats, have ushered in a revolutionary shift in space exploration and engineering. They've found their application in diverse fields such as weather analysis, multimedia communication, data distribution, navigation, and more. However, a notable challenge stems from their adherence to stringent conditions including size and weight limitations. Weight, in particular, stands as a significant obstacle for CubeSat technology. For instance, nanosatellites often require bulky batteries and large solar panels, considerably augmenting their overall mass (ranging from 1 to 10 kg).
Conventionally, satellites have predominantly orbit around the Earth, relying heavily on solar energy. However, considering alternative energy sources beyond solar power could potentially introduce complexities for the burgeoning cubesat industry that is pivotal for fostering new applications. This exploration of alternatives might also reverberate into realms like space mobility and deep space exploration.

Hence, a paramount challenge for this industry is to devise a means of supplying electrical energy to CubeSats that not only reduces weight but also ensures efficient battery recharging.
Beyond the realm of space, the capacity to transmit energy also holds great significance for terrestrial systems, particularly in areas where accessing electricity poses challenges. This advancement could lead to a substantial reduction in the reliance on batteries or an extension of their operational lifespan.
This is where the WiPTherm project comes into play – a response to this very challenge.
The project endeavors to pioneer an ingenious energy transfer system, leveraging lasers as an energy source along with a thermoplasmic hybrid converter. Its core objective is to achieve an impressive 5% transmission efficiency over a distance of 500 meters.
By achieving this milestone, the WiPTherm project could potentially usher in a new era of CubeSat capabilities, mitigating their energy limitations and paving the way for a more versatile and impactful space exploration paradigm.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Throughout the project's duration, significant strides were achieved in both scientific and technological realms.
Noteworthy accomplishments include the refinement of cost-effective thermoelectric paints exhibiting impressive efficiencies, applicable to various uses beyond the project's scope. A substantial enhancement in the stability and electrical connectivity between electrodes and thermoelectric materials was confirmed.

Furthermore, the project successfully constructed a high-power fiber laser optimized for 1550 nm wavelengths. A groundbreaking achievement surfaced in the domain of plasmonics, culminating in the creation of a hybrid plasmonic and thermoelectric system. This marked a pioneering instance illustrating the substantial role of plasmonics within the energy transfer system.

Extensive testing was undertaken on the hybrid thermoplasmonic systems, encompassing thermocouple, vacuum, and vibrational assessments. In each scenario, the systems surpassed the prerequisites essential for their potential application in space settings. Additionally, remote energy transfer trials were executed, successfully activating a low-voltage DC-DC conversion board operating at 3.3 V. This breakthrough achievement enables the charging of energy storage systems.

In light of these advancements, a patent application has been submitted for evaluation on a European level. Notably, a business competition hosted by the University of Porto saw the formulation of a comprehensive business model tailored to the developed technology.

Regarding its dissemination, the project has achieved substantial visibility through the publication of numerous scientific articles and active participation in esteemed international conferences. These engagements took the form of guest lectures, as well as both poster and oral presentations, consolidating its presence on a global platform.

The project's remarkable contributions have garnered several prestigious scientific accolades, underscoring its significance in the field. Moreover, its impact extends to the academic realm, facilitating the training of a minimum of 2 PhD candidates and over 5 master's theses. Notably, the project has played a pivotal role in the employment trajectory of multiple researchers, many of whom have secured extended contracts spanning up to 6 years within their respective institutions.

To encapsulate the project's essence and multidisciplinary essence, four promotional videos were conceived, showcasing its convergence across domains such as satellites, energy harvesting, lasers, and plasmonics. These videos, now accessible online, provide a tangible testament to the project's multifaceted nature and its contributions to diverse fields.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

During the course of the project, we achieved the production of high-performance thermoelectric inks. This achievement was primarily accomplished through the meticulous optimization of the figure of merit of these inks, bringing them closer to their bulk counterparts in terms of efficiency. Additionally, we successfully developed an innovative synthesis method for producing nanoparticles, and subsequently incorporated these nanoparticles into the formulation of the ink.

By harnessing the principles of light absorption and plasmonics, we were able to fine-tune the performance of devices designed to convert near-infrared laser light at a wavelength of 1550 nm into electrical energy. Notably, we engineered a 100 W laser tailored to this specific wavelength. Rigorous testing demonstrated effective energy transfer capabilities over considerable distances, reaching 75 meters and even surpassing 150 meters.

Our efforts substantiated the feasibility of energy transfer as a concept. Moreover, we accomplished the ignition of an electronic circuit, effectively converting the initially low voltage output into a level suitable for initiating the charging process of an energy storage system, whether that be a battery or a supercapacitor.

It's important to underline that each of these accomplishments represents the cutting-edge in their respective fields. To this day, we have not encountered any analogous works or technologies, making our achievements truly groundbreaking.
Beyond the accomplished objectives, a robust economic potential was discerned, particularly for targeted applications within the realm of space exploration. Furthermore, in select instances, the identified potential extends to applications here on Earth.

Wiptherm Concept

First test of Wireless Energy Transfer