Technology Applications, Inc. (TAI) and MicroPower Global have completed the first phase of a collaborative effort to develop portable power generators for military use.
The portable power generator pairs the thermal-exchange properties of TAI's proprietary Graphite Fiber Thermal Straps with the efficiency and durability of MicroPower's Series 200 thermoelectric modules, with a design target of at least 35 watts of electrical power per kilogram on demand. The companies entered into a collaborative agreement in September 2017, under which MicroPower provides thermoelectric modules, design-engineering consultation, test equipment and testing services to TAI.
TAI, headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, is a leading provider of thermal straps, the flexible thermal links used in aerospace and laboratory thermal-management systems, supplying aerospace organisations, electronics companies, national laboratories and universities worldwide. TAI reported that MicroPower's modules had exceeded expectations for efficient thermoelectric power generation and that the MicroPower team had contributed valuable input to the design and development of the system.
"TAI is a highly valued customer and technology partner, established as a leader in thermal-management system design and development," said Ed Sadjadi, VP of Applications Support at MicroPower Global. "Portable power generation is a key focus for MicroPower, and the partnership with TAI adds tremendously to our knowledge and experience."
About MicroPower: MicroPower Global develops advanced thermoelectric generators and cooling systems that convert industrial waste heat into clean electricity. With an international patent portfolio and third-party testing and validation across NREL, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, NIST, Bechtel-Bettis, and Texas State, MicroPower's technology operates at 3–5× the efficiency of any commercial alternative.