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Thermoelectric generator pulls energy from room temperature heat | Scientists in Japan have developed a new organic device that can harvest energy from heat. Unlike other thermoelectric generators, this one works at room temperature without a heat gradient.

Scientists in Japan have developed a new organic device that can harvest energy from heat. Unlike other thermoelectric generators, this one works at room temperature without a heat gradient.

Thermoelectric devices are designed to tap into a simple law of physics: heat energy moves from hotter regions to colder ones. In theory, thermoelectric generators, materials and paints could produce electricity from small temperature differences in engines, power plants, even body heat. Different types of these compounds are stacked in thin layers like stairs, and the heat gives the electrons or holes enough energy to jump up to the next “step.”

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