Nextreme Thermal Solutions and Arkansas Power Electronics International, Inc. are developing a thermal energy harvesting solution for a wireless sensor system designed to monitor the health of bearings in turbine engines. The energy harvester is based on Nextreme’s Thermobility wireless power generation platform and will be integrated into APEI’s high-temperature wireless sensor electronics package. The turbine health management system will allow for detection, diagnosis, and prognosis of problems occurring within an engine bearing assembly. Real-time monitoring of temperature, vibration, strain and pressure can provide critical information on the health of bearings for both aircraft turbines as well as power generation systems. By analyzing data from these systems, engine maintenance will not be required until the sensor shows it is necessary. The Thermobility power generation technology uses heat as a power source, eliminating the need to use traditional wired power sources or replaceable batteries. When paired with wireless transmitters, the Thermobility solution can provide a source of power for years of maintenance-free operation.
Companies Team up to Develop Thermal Energy Harvester
