Harvesting low grade heat to generate electricity with thermosyphon effect of room temperature liquid metal

摘要

Based on thermosyphon effect of room temperature liquid metal, a technical strategy of harvesting low grade heat to generate electricity was proposed. A conceptual system was constructed and an open circuit voltage of 2.62 V with an electrical output power of 110 mW was yielded when the heating power was 45.6 W. This method resolves the difficulty of installing an electric generator in confined space and significantly enlarges the area for converting heat to electricity. Due to its simplicity, avoidance of moving parts, wide working temperature range, and self powering feature, this electric generation system is extremely reliable, completely silent, and flexible.