Job's description

New energy harvesting concepts are currently being developed to convert waste heat into electrical energy. Promising candidates are freely movable film devices of shape memory alloys (SMAs). When brought in contact to a heat source, they generate work due to the shape memory effect, which can be converted into electrical energy. Thus, small temperature differences in the environment can be used to power, e.g., wireless sensor networks for the “Internet of Things“. A sketch of such an energy harvesting device in its two equilibrium positions is shown in the Figure.

This interdisciplinary work focuses on energy generation on a miniature scale covering different fields of materials science, mechanical and electronic engineering. The focus of the work can be adjusted to the interests and competences of the applicant in a direct interview.

Tasks:

• Characterization of material properties (structure, mechanical, thermal, magnetic)
• Modelling, design and simulation (FEM Multiphysics, Lumped Element Modelling)
• Rapid prototyping (Optical lithography, 3D Printing, laser technology)
• Characterization of demonstrator variants (thermo-mechanical, electrical properties)
• Design optimization

IMT has extensive state-of-the-art equipment (600 m² clean room, rapid prototyping processes such as 3D printing and laser cutting, assembly and joining technology laboratories, various metrological laboratories). Intensive support ensures that the work can be carried out within the desired time frame.

Schematic layout of a thermal energy harvesting device

Duration: 3 / 6 months (Bachelor / Master Thesis) 

Starting date: on appointment

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