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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/W037300/1
Title: Transformative Recovery of Low-Grade Waste Heat using Ionic Thermoelectrics
Principal Investigator: Bos, Dr J
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
European Thermodynamics Ltd
Department: Sch of Engineering and Physical Science
Organisation: Heriot-Watt University
Scheme: Standard Research - NR1
Starts: 01 October 2022 Ends: 30 April 2023 Value (£): 252,244
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Energy Efficiency Energy Storage
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Energy
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Electronic thermoelectrics use semiconductors to convert waste heat into electricity. This is an established energy generation technology, for example, used by NASA to power the Mars Rovers. However, it is not very suitable for low-grade waste heat recovery due to poor power generation from small temperature differences.

Ionic conductors generate much larger thermal voltages and are better suited to near room temperature operation. However, they cannot be used in the same mode of operation as this would require a continuous flow of ions. The innovative solution proposed is to couple the ionic conductor with an energy storage system that converts the ionic potential to an electronic one.

This proposal will investigate novel ionic thermoelectric power generation devices consisting of an ionic conductor sandwiched between two energy stores, including supercapacitors and insertion materials. This is a novel approach targeted at recovery of low-grade waste heat, increasing the sustainability of industrial processes and reducing carbon emissions.
Key Findings
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.hw.ac.uk