Results from third-party testing of MicroPower's thermoelectric modules confirm that they significantly outperform other thermoelectric products on the market.
One of the first outside parties to receive MicroPower's prototype modules was the US Army Research Laboratory (ARL), a recognised authority on thermoelectrics. ARL began independent characterisation and testing of the modules in January 2016, with very encouraging early results. While further testing is needed to establish exact efficiency, the results show MicroPower's modules to be "best in class in terms of normalized Watt/kg level."
Determining exact efficiency is a widespread challenge in the thermoelectric industry: differing metrics, testing methods and standards often make direct comparisons impossible, and customers can become disenchanted when modules do not perform as their data sheets claim. MicroPower believes that by working with recognised bodies such as ARL and the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the company can help develop standards that give the thermoelectric community credible access to efficiency data.
Another third party evaluating MicroPower's modules is Power Practical, which has been searching for more efficient thermoelectric modules for its Power Pot, a product that uses a thermoelectric device in the base of a pot to generate electricity from the temperature difference between a flame and the liquid inside. Power Practical has been testing MicroPower's modules since the second half of 2015, including tests with the US military, and has reported "a significant performance improvement over current TEGs." The companies continued to work towards further collaboration in 2016.
"We have long believed that our modules are substantially more efficient than any other commercial modules available today, so it is reassuring to hear the same from both government and industry customers," said Max Lewinsohn, MicroPower's Chairman. "Today our modules are efficient enough to allow entry into several markets, and we expect to increase power and performance even further in future iterations."
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.