KENT, USA: Kent Displays announced today a $1 Million award from the Ohio Third Frontier Commission's Advanced Materials Program. The award will be used to develop and advance display materials for flexible liquid crystal films.
The advancements of these materials will result in improved performance across the Reflex flexible LCD product line. The program will be managed and executed at the company's headquarters in Kent over the next two years.
Kent Displays' program collaborators include Akron Polymer Systems, a globally-recognized polymer and materials company, as well as Kent State University, a leading research institution in liquid crystal technology.
This project represents a highly concentrated and coordinated effort to develop materials specifically engineered for the four Reflex flexible LCD product lines: writing tablets (including the Boogie Board LCD writing tablet), electronics skins, eCard displays, and eMedia.
The benefits of highly engineered materials specifically developed for Reflex flexible LCDs include lower drive voltages and improved temperature/color performance, brightness, contrast and color gamut. These enhancements will significantly impact the marketability and sustainability of the four product lines.
Kent Displays CEO, Dr. Albert Green, stated: "Funding from Ohio Third Frontier has helped Kent Displays make significant advances in flexible LCD performance and manufacturing. Ohio Third Frontier has also been instrumental in creating a critical mass of technical talent to facilitate creation of a new and solid foundation for Ohio's economic future and put Kent Displays, the state, and even the United States on the global map in this large and growing flexible LCD industry."
Friday, April 2, 2010
Seven major automakers expand commitment to HD Radio technology
NEW YORK, USA: iBiquity Digital Corp., the developer of digital HD Radio Technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting, has announced expanded support for HD radio technology from a wide array of leading automakers.
"The auto industry is accelerating its commitment to HD Radio Technology," said Bob Struble, iBiquity Digital President and CEO. "HD Radio Technology is now a core element of the entertainment package offered by leading automakers. Our technology provides a digital pipeline to the consumer, with crystal-clear audio, more content choices and new services such as iTunes Tagging, Real Time Traffic, Journaline and other information."
Several carmakers have used this week's annual New York International Auto Show to highlight their expanded commitments to HD Radio Technology. BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Lincoln, Scion and Volvo have all extended their commitments to the technology with a mix of new vehicle launches, broader application and new services.
Expanded commitment and more vehicles in dealerships
Ford, confirmed two new models equipped with HD Radio Technology are now available at dealerships – the 2011 model year Mustang and Super Duty. Ford, which earlier this year announced plans for the first ever vehicles to feature factory installed iTunes Tagging, will additionally include HD Radio technology in the Taurus, Econoline, Escape, F-Series, Flex, and Fusion line-ups.
Lincoln previously announced that the first vehicle line to offer HD Radio Technology as a factory-installed option would be the MKX. Other models that will include HD Radio Technology are the MKS, MKT and Navigator.
With BMW's recent launch of the 2011 model year 5 Series, the automaker's entire product line has HD Radio Technology as standard equipment. The 7 Series, 6 Series, 3 Series, 1 Series, X5, X6, X3, Z4 Roadster and 5 Series Gran Turismo make up the rest of the balance of the HD Radio-equipped lineup.
Hyundai is also offering HD Radio technology as standard with the introductory inclusion in the Equus, their high-end flagship model. Other Hyundai models offering HD Radio technology as a factory-installed option include the Genesis sedan and the 2011 model year Sonata.
Also embracing HD Radio technology, Kia has confirmed plans for factory-installed HD Radio receivers in multiple 2011 model year vehicles, including select sedans and SUVs.
The New York Auto Show will also be the venue for Scion to announce the arrival of the all new 2011 model year iQ and tC. Both these vehicles offer HD Radio Technology in the upgraded audio system packages. Those vehicles join the xB and xD in offering HD Radio-enabled enhanced audio systems.
And rounding out the announcements, Volvo will make HD Radio Technology standard on the new 2011 model year S60. The C30, C70, S40, TC, S80, V50, V70, XC60, XC70 and XC90, which are already standard, are currently available at dealerships today.
OEMs moving toward standardization of HD radio
More automakers are accelerating their HD Radio adoption from a factory-installed option to standard equipment. BMW and Volvo both offer the technology as standard across their entire vehicle line-up. Other OEMs have committed to offering digital radio as standard on specific models, including Audi, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mercedes, and Rolls-Royce.
HD Radio adoption firmly entrenched in auto industry
Additional OEM brands that have announced intentions to install HD Radio receivers as either standard or optional equipment include:
* Audi - standard on A6, A8 and Q7 2011 models; available on the navigation radio on A4, A5, and Q5 2011 models.
* Jaguar - standard feature on the flagship 2010 Jaguar XJ, XF and XK models offer it as factory-installed option.
* Land Rover - factory-installed option across entire Land Rover and Range Rover vehicle offering.
* Mercedes - factory-installed option in popular premium packages in the E-, E-Coupe/Sedan , GL-, M-, R- and SLK- Class and standard equipment in the CL-, CLS-, G-, S-, and SL -Class models in dealerships today.
* Mercury - factory-installed option on the 2011 model year Mariner.
* MINI USA - factory-installed option in MINI Cooper, Convertible and Clubman in dealerships today.
* Rolls-Royce - standard feature in Phantom Series.
* Volkswagen announced that select 2010 models equipped with the DVD navigation system will include HD Radio Technology as a feature.
"The auto industry is accelerating its commitment to HD Radio Technology," said Bob Struble, iBiquity Digital President and CEO. "HD Radio Technology is now a core element of the entertainment package offered by leading automakers. Our technology provides a digital pipeline to the consumer, with crystal-clear audio, more content choices and new services such as iTunes Tagging, Real Time Traffic, Journaline and other information."
Several carmakers have used this week's annual New York International Auto Show to highlight their expanded commitments to HD Radio Technology. BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Lincoln, Scion and Volvo have all extended their commitments to the technology with a mix of new vehicle launches, broader application and new services.
Expanded commitment and more vehicles in dealerships
Ford, confirmed two new models equipped with HD Radio Technology are now available at dealerships – the 2011 model year Mustang and Super Duty. Ford, which earlier this year announced plans for the first ever vehicles to feature factory installed iTunes Tagging, will additionally include HD Radio technology in the Taurus, Econoline, Escape, F-Series, Flex, and Fusion line-ups.
Lincoln previously announced that the first vehicle line to offer HD Radio Technology as a factory-installed option would be the MKX. Other models that will include HD Radio Technology are the MKS, MKT and Navigator.
With BMW's recent launch of the 2011 model year 5 Series, the automaker's entire product line has HD Radio Technology as standard equipment. The 7 Series, 6 Series, 3 Series, 1 Series, X5, X6, X3, Z4 Roadster and 5 Series Gran Turismo make up the rest of the balance of the HD Radio-equipped lineup.
Hyundai is also offering HD Radio technology as standard with the introductory inclusion in the Equus, their high-end flagship model. Other Hyundai models offering HD Radio technology as a factory-installed option include the Genesis sedan and the 2011 model year Sonata.
Also embracing HD Radio technology, Kia has confirmed plans for factory-installed HD Radio receivers in multiple 2011 model year vehicles, including select sedans and SUVs.
The New York Auto Show will also be the venue for Scion to announce the arrival of the all new 2011 model year iQ and tC. Both these vehicles offer HD Radio Technology in the upgraded audio system packages. Those vehicles join the xB and xD in offering HD Radio-enabled enhanced audio systems.
And rounding out the announcements, Volvo will make HD Radio Technology standard on the new 2011 model year S60. The C30, C70, S40, TC, S80, V50, V70, XC60, XC70 and XC90, which are already standard, are currently available at dealerships today.
OEMs moving toward standardization of HD radio
More automakers are accelerating their HD Radio adoption from a factory-installed option to standard equipment. BMW and Volvo both offer the technology as standard across their entire vehicle line-up. Other OEMs have committed to offering digital radio as standard on specific models, including Audi, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mercedes, and Rolls-Royce.
HD Radio adoption firmly entrenched in auto industry
Additional OEM brands that have announced intentions to install HD Radio receivers as either standard or optional equipment include:
* Audi - standard on A6, A8 and Q7 2011 models; available on the navigation radio on A4, A5, and Q5 2011 models.
* Jaguar - standard feature on the flagship 2010 Jaguar XJ, XF and XK models offer it as factory-installed option.
* Land Rover - factory-installed option across entire Land Rover and Range Rover vehicle offering.
* Mercedes - factory-installed option in popular premium packages in the E-, E-Coupe/Sedan , GL-, M-, R- and SLK- Class and standard equipment in the CL-, CLS-, G-, S-, and SL -Class models in dealerships today.
* Mercury - factory-installed option on the 2011 model year Mariner.
* MINI USA - factory-installed option in MINI Cooper, Convertible and Clubman in dealerships today.
* Rolls-Royce - standard feature in Phantom Series.
* Volkswagen announced that select 2010 models equipped with the DVD navigation system will include HD Radio Technology as a feature.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
AU Optronics to acquire Toshiba Mobile Display's Singapore subsidiary
HSINCHU, TAIWAN: AU Optronics Corp. has signed an MOU with Toshiba Mobile Display Co. Ltd (TMD) to purchase 100 percent shares of AFPD Pte. Ltd, a subsidiary of TMD in Singapore and a leading manufacturer of LCD panels based on low temperature polysilicon (LTPS) technology.
Meanwhile, AUO and TMD intend to enter into certain agreements relating to each party's intellectual property rights. This acquisition, when it becomes effective, will hopefully help AUO to gain business opportunities in high-end notebook and smart phone market.
"AUO has devoted to developing LTPS technologies for a long time," AUO's CEO and President, Dr. L. J. Chen said, "With AFPD's fab, capacity, talents and technologies, AUO's competence in high-end display market is further strengthened. In addition, the acquisition could help to place AUO in a special strategic position in slim notebook and smart phone for the high-end markets and new application markets such as tablet PC. We expect AUO to soon provide value-added LTPS technologies to our customers and to the end consumers."
Having demonstrated numerous achievements in LTPS technologies, Toshiba Mobile Display has long held a leading position in the high end notebook display sector. Currently, the world's latest generation fab capable of producing LTPS is G4.5. The G4.5 fab of AFPD has a capacity of approximately 45,000 sheets per month.
The acquisition of AFPD in Singapore will allow AUO to establish a new operating manufacturing base in Asia in addition to Taiwan and China. With its outstanding geographic location and logistics for resources, the new site will hopefully be able to serve the high-end display markets in South Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.
In meeting the future trend for smart phones equipped with LTPS technologies, AUO will not only be a step faster but also be ready for better visibility and competitiveness in the high-end cell phone market.
The proposed transaction is subject to the signing of definitive agreements between AUO and TMD, as well as to any necessary approvals.
Meanwhile, AUO and TMD intend to enter into certain agreements relating to each party's intellectual property rights. This acquisition, when it becomes effective, will hopefully help AUO to gain business opportunities in high-end notebook and smart phone market.
"AUO has devoted to developing LTPS technologies for a long time," AUO's CEO and President, Dr. L. J. Chen said, "With AFPD's fab, capacity, talents and technologies, AUO's competence in high-end display market is further strengthened. In addition, the acquisition could help to place AUO in a special strategic position in slim notebook and smart phone for the high-end markets and new application markets such as tablet PC. We expect AUO to soon provide value-added LTPS technologies to our customers and to the end consumers."
Having demonstrated numerous achievements in LTPS technologies, Toshiba Mobile Display has long held a leading position in the high end notebook display sector. Currently, the world's latest generation fab capable of producing LTPS is G4.5. The G4.5 fab of AFPD has a capacity of approximately 45,000 sheets per month.
The acquisition of AFPD in Singapore will allow AUO to establish a new operating manufacturing base in Asia in addition to Taiwan and China. With its outstanding geographic location and logistics for resources, the new site will hopefully be able to serve the high-end display markets in South Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.
In meeting the future trend for smart phones equipped with LTPS technologies, AUO will not only be a step faster but also be ready for better visibility and competitiveness in the high-end cell phone market.
The proposed transaction is subject to the signing of definitive agreements between AUO and TMD, as well as to any necessary approvals.
SAGE intros world’s most energy-efficient window glass
FARIBAULT, USA: SAGE Electrochromics Inc., unveiled the world's most energy-efficient window glass. The new suite of window glass products is the first to marry electronically tintable “dynamic window” technology with high R-value, triple-pane construction. The result is a window that provides greater thermal and visual comfort than any equivalently configured glazing product in the history of the industry.
The new glass innovation comes just a few weeks after the company announced more than $100 million in Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantees and government tax credits, spurred on by the Department of Energy’s Loan Guarantee Program which was established under the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Combining unprecedented energy savings with breakthrough improvements in occupant comfort sets a new standard for high performance architectural windows, says SAGE CEO and Founder, John Van Dine. “In terms of true sustainability for the built environment, the bar has been raised significantly,” he said.
“In addition to reducing energy usage and making the space more comfortable, productive and enjoyable, we can eliminate costly building features such as mechanized shades and blinds, and exterior add-ons like sunshades. Our windows can also contribute to LEED building credits, and decrease HVAC system size. This not only reduces the natural resources and energy consumed in the construction process, it also decreases the building owner’s investment in the building, making SAGE’s dynamic glazing product a low-cost sun management solution as well.”
Tests show the dynamic, triple-glazed glass has an insulating R-value higher than 8, compared to an R-3 value typical of most low-E double pane glass. Combining super insulation with the glazing’s dynamic tinting capability provides a 16 percent energy improvement over state-of-the-art static triple pane glass with low-E, and better than a 50 percent improvement over single pane glazings. This makes the product an ideal solution for new construction and retrofit primarily in heating-dominated climates where high R-value glazings are needed.
SAGE's dynamic tinting technology uses nanotechnology to produce its glazing, which people can change electronically to manage daylight, as if they were controlling the way transition lenses in sunglasses work. The technology saves building energy by managing natural daylight and solar heat gain, while enhancing occupant comfort and well-being by eliminating glare.
Why the world needs new window glass innovations?
Buildings are responsible for 40 percent of the energy consumed in the US – more than transportation or industry – and 38 percent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.
US Department of Energy (DOE) officials long ago recognized the need for more efficient buildings if meaningful reductions in energy consumption are to be realized. According to researchers at the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, highly insulating, electronically tintable windows can save up to five percent of the US energy budget. This potential energy savings is equivalent to over 160 gigawatts of electricity generated annually by fossil fuels, and could result in a 300 million metric ton reduction in CO2 emissions.
Tom Paladino, founder and president of Paladino and Company, a pioneer and leader in the sustainable/green building movement, says that a highly insulating, dynamic window would be an important addition to the nation’s portfolio of sustainable building technologies. “It is very exciting to see the commercialization of a building product as energy efficient as the high R-value window,” Paladino said.
“The combination of variable tinting and triple-glazed construction will result in a product with superior thermal properties that can contribute to dramatic reductions in both passive energy usage and peak cooling load.”
The trend toward building designs that incorporate the extensive use of glass continues to grow because people want a view and connection to the outside world. The energy inefficiency of glass, however, has historically challenged architects and builders who seek to create sustainable designs. Moreover, once in the space, occupants usually find that the view they so desired is the source of intolerable glare and heat. They pull the blinds and close off their view, negating the very purpose of the window.
“The only reason windows are put into buildings is for the people inside,” Van Dine added. “The dynamic, triple-pane glass enables building owners to optimize the comfort and productivity of the occupants as well as the energy performance of the building. It’s the best of both worlds.”
SAGE has shipped its first dynamic, triple-pane product, joining a product line of dynamic, double-pane glass that has been on the market since 2004 with hundreds of installations worldwide.
The new glass innovation comes just a few weeks after the company announced more than $100 million in Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantees and government tax credits, spurred on by the Department of Energy’s Loan Guarantee Program which was established under the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Combining unprecedented energy savings with breakthrough improvements in occupant comfort sets a new standard for high performance architectural windows, says SAGE CEO and Founder, John Van Dine. “In terms of true sustainability for the built environment, the bar has been raised significantly,” he said.
“In addition to reducing energy usage and making the space more comfortable, productive and enjoyable, we can eliminate costly building features such as mechanized shades and blinds, and exterior add-ons like sunshades. Our windows can also contribute to LEED building credits, and decrease HVAC system size. This not only reduces the natural resources and energy consumed in the construction process, it also decreases the building owner’s investment in the building, making SAGE’s dynamic glazing product a low-cost sun management solution as well.”
Tests show the dynamic, triple-glazed glass has an insulating R-value higher than 8, compared to an R-3 value typical of most low-E double pane glass. Combining super insulation with the glazing’s dynamic tinting capability provides a 16 percent energy improvement over state-of-the-art static triple pane glass with low-E, and better than a 50 percent improvement over single pane glazings. This makes the product an ideal solution for new construction and retrofit primarily in heating-dominated climates where high R-value glazings are needed.
SAGE's dynamic tinting technology uses nanotechnology to produce its glazing, which people can change electronically to manage daylight, as if they were controlling the way transition lenses in sunglasses work. The technology saves building energy by managing natural daylight and solar heat gain, while enhancing occupant comfort and well-being by eliminating glare.
Why the world needs new window glass innovations?
Buildings are responsible for 40 percent of the energy consumed in the US – more than transportation or industry – and 38 percent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.
US Department of Energy (DOE) officials long ago recognized the need for more efficient buildings if meaningful reductions in energy consumption are to be realized. According to researchers at the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, highly insulating, electronically tintable windows can save up to five percent of the US energy budget. This potential energy savings is equivalent to over 160 gigawatts of electricity generated annually by fossil fuels, and could result in a 300 million metric ton reduction in CO2 emissions.
Tom Paladino, founder and president of Paladino and Company, a pioneer and leader in the sustainable/green building movement, says that a highly insulating, dynamic window would be an important addition to the nation’s portfolio of sustainable building technologies. “It is very exciting to see the commercialization of a building product as energy efficient as the high R-value window,” Paladino said.
“The combination of variable tinting and triple-glazed construction will result in a product with superior thermal properties that can contribute to dramatic reductions in both passive energy usage and peak cooling load.”
The trend toward building designs that incorporate the extensive use of glass continues to grow because people want a view and connection to the outside world. The energy inefficiency of glass, however, has historically challenged architects and builders who seek to create sustainable designs. Moreover, once in the space, occupants usually find that the view they so desired is the source of intolerable glare and heat. They pull the blinds and close off their view, negating the very purpose of the window.
“The only reason windows are put into buildings is for the people inside,” Van Dine added. “The dynamic, triple-pane glass enables building owners to optimize the comfort and productivity of the occupants as well as the energy performance of the building. It’s the best of both worlds.”
SAGE has shipped its first dynamic, triple-pane product, joining a product line of dynamic, double-pane glass that has been on the market since 2004 with hundreds of installations worldwide.
Kyocera to acquire TFT LCD design and manufacturing facility from Sony
KYOTO, JAPAN: Kyocera Corp. has reached a definitive agreement with Sony Corporation and its subsidiary Sony Mobile Display Corp. (SMD) to acquire part of its Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) design and manufacturing business.
The acquisition will be undertaken by means of a corporate split, where Kyocera will acquire the TFT LCD facilities of SMD located in Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, effective June 1, 2010. Existing employment contracts will be assigned to Kyocera and employees transferred on the same date.
Kyocera's Corporate Thin Film Components Group develops, manufactures and markets small- and medium-sized (under 10.4 inch) LCDs for industrial applications worldwide. The company is known as a stable supplier of STN (passive) and TFT (active) LCDs, with strong capabilities in accommodating specific customer requirements, even in low-volume orders.
Strong growth in demand for more cost-competitive, larger, higher resolution industrial-use TFT LCDs is expected to continue. The acquisition of SMD's TFT LCD business is intended to strengthen Kyocera's ability to respond to this growth.
This acquisition will enable Kyocera to expand its diverse TFT LCD line with products of even higher added value to meet a wider range of customer needs.
The acquisition will be undertaken by means of a corporate split, where Kyocera will acquire the TFT LCD facilities of SMD located in Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, effective June 1, 2010. Existing employment contracts will be assigned to Kyocera and employees transferred on the same date.
Kyocera's Corporate Thin Film Components Group develops, manufactures and markets small- and medium-sized (under 10.4 inch) LCDs for industrial applications worldwide. The company is known as a stable supplier of STN (passive) and TFT (active) LCDs, with strong capabilities in accommodating specific customer requirements, even in low-volume orders.
Strong growth in demand for more cost-competitive, larger, higher resolution industrial-use TFT LCDs is expected to continue. The acquisition of SMD's TFT LCD business is intended to strengthen Kyocera's ability to respond to this growth.
This acquisition will enable Kyocera to expand its diverse TFT LCD line with products of even higher added value to meet a wider range of customer needs.
Micropelt infinite wireless power supply field-tested at Dutch refinery
FREIBURG, GERMANY: Micropelt, an innovator in thermal energy harvesting technology, has collaborated with Royal Dutch Shell to prove the concept of converting waste heat into a sustainable, maintenance-free power supply for wireless sensor devices.
Shell sees wireless sensor networks as a strong contributor to increasing productivity and lowering maintenance costs through better status information. The concept of energy harvesting eliminates the need for primary batteries in many wireless sensors. Deployment in restricted access or even explosive areas, and those previously considered too costly, become commercially viable if both wiring and battery maintenance can be eliminated.
Shell’s team, led by Don Mulder, who is responsible for development and implementation of energy saving new technologies, combined a Micropelt TE-Power PROBE Thermoharvester with an IPS thin film battery to create a buffered perpetual power source for a prototype Rosemount wireless pressure transmitter running WirelessHART, an industrial mesh networking protocol.
Mulder summarizes Shell’s field trial: “We assembled the thermoharvester, energy buffer and wireless transmitter in an explosion-proof manner. In our factory in Den Helder we mounted the thermoharvester to a hot water pipe of 75°C (167°F) and the wireless transmitter some feet away. This took less than an hour. The set-up worked flawlessly for the couple of weeks we had it out in the field, transmitting data once per minute to the associated Emerson wireless gateway. We are very pleased with both the easy set-up and reliable function of this novel energy source.”
The TE-Power PROBE thermoharvester replaces a primary battery pack of more than 16 amp hours capacity, designed for 5 to 10 years of life. One version of the TE-Power PROBE supports attachment to a heat source via a 1/4” thread, while the other features a straight copper pin that inserts into a 15 mm T-joint to harvest more efficiently from hot fluids.
A temperature gradient of 20°C (36°F) produces 1 milliwatt of harvested power, equivalent to three 2,000 milliamp hour AA cells annually in a 3 Volt system. A 65°C gradient (117°F) leads to 10 times more energy, providing an annual budget of 30 AA cells.
“We sincerely hope the instrumentation industry will soon start offering products which integrate Micropelt’s energy harvesting technology,” comments Shell’s Mulder. “The benefit for both existing and new production sites will be invaluable due to substantial cost savings along with largely increased operational flexibility and process optimization.”
Micropelt GmbH develops and markets the world’s smallest and most effective thermoelectric elements. A world leading position has been achieved in clean-tech energy harvesting (energy scavenging). Other markets addressed include thermal sensing, cycling and cooling. Standard chip-like products are available from a pilot-production plant at the company’s headquarters in Freiburg, Germany. Volume production, leveraging Micropelt’s highly scalable proprietary processes, is scheduled to start in Q3.2010, raising production capacity to some 10 million devices per year.
Micropelt thermogenerators (TEGs) feature an intrinsic voltage-boost effect based on a high resolution thermoelectric microstructure. This makes TEGs as small as 12 mm² suitable to drive wireless devices which consume major battery sets over a maintenance period. The smallest standard TEG has a footprint of 6 mm², making it an ideal candidate for compact integral wireless and batteryless designs.
Micropelt markets a range of integral thermoharvesters including a fully functional wireless sensor node (TE-Power NODE) for wireless in-field evaluation, as well as power sources for experimental and industrial use. Target markets include industrial sensing and condition monitoring in all kinds of environments, building automation, HVAC enhanced control, energy saving and metering applications.
Shell sees wireless sensor networks as a strong contributor to increasing productivity and lowering maintenance costs through better status information. The concept of energy harvesting eliminates the need for primary batteries in many wireless sensors. Deployment in restricted access or even explosive areas, and those previously considered too costly, become commercially viable if both wiring and battery maintenance can be eliminated.
Shell’s team, led by Don Mulder, who is responsible for development and implementation of energy saving new technologies, combined a Micropelt TE-Power PROBE Thermoharvester with an IPS thin film battery to create a buffered perpetual power source for a prototype Rosemount wireless pressure transmitter running WirelessHART, an industrial mesh networking protocol.
Mulder summarizes Shell’s field trial: “We assembled the thermoharvester, energy buffer and wireless transmitter in an explosion-proof manner. In our factory in Den Helder we mounted the thermoharvester to a hot water pipe of 75°C (167°F) and the wireless transmitter some feet away. This took less than an hour. The set-up worked flawlessly for the couple of weeks we had it out in the field, transmitting data once per minute to the associated Emerson wireless gateway. We are very pleased with both the easy set-up and reliable function of this novel energy source.”
The TE-Power PROBE thermoharvester replaces a primary battery pack of more than 16 amp hours capacity, designed for 5 to 10 years of life. One version of the TE-Power PROBE supports attachment to a heat source via a 1/4” thread, while the other features a straight copper pin that inserts into a 15 mm T-joint to harvest more efficiently from hot fluids.
A temperature gradient of 20°C (36°F) produces 1 milliwatt of harvested power, equivalent to three 2,000 milliamp hour AA cells annually in a 3 Volt system. A 65°C gradient (117°F) leads to 10 times more energy, providing an annual budget of 30 AA cells.
“We sincerely hope the instrumentation industry will soon start offering products which integrate Micropelt’s energy harvesting technology,” comments Shell’s Mulder. “The benefit for both existing and new production sites will be invaluable due to substantial cost savings along with largely increased operational flexibility and process optimization.”
Micropelt GmbH develops and markets the world’s smallest and most effective thermoelectric elements. A world leading position has been achieved in clean-tech energy harvesting (energy scavenging). Other markets addressed include thermal sensing, cycling and cooling. Standard chip-like products are available from a pilot-production plant at the company’s headquarters in Freiburg, Germany. Volume production, leveraging Micropelt’s highly scalable proprietary processes, is scheduled to start in Q3.2010, raising production capacity to some 10 million devices per year.
Micropelt thermogenerators (TEGs) feature an intrinsic voltage-boost effect based on a high resolution thermoelectric microstructure. This makes TEGs as small as 12 mm² suitable to drive wireless devices which consume major battery sets over a maintenance period. The smallest standard TEG has a footprint of 6 mm², making it an ideal candidate for compact integral wireless and batteryless designs.
Micropelt markets a range of integral thermoharvesters including a fully functional wireless sensor node (TE-Power NODE) for wireless in-field evaluation, as well as power sources for experimental and industrial use. Target markets include industrial sensing and condition monitoring in all kinds of environments, building automation, HVAC enhanced control, energy saving and metering applications.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
