The objective of this study is to explore possibilities of using systems with fluidic/thermal coupling to harvest the thermal energy released by an electronic device and then convert it into electricity that can be stored or used again. In those systems, the fluidic can be also used for a cooling purpose.
The two main steps will be the design of devices allowing controlling the operating regimes of the fluidic system submitted to a constant heat source (thermo-fluidic coupling) and the characterization of the best coupling conditions with the electrical conversion devices, in particular piezo-electrical. The studies will also explore new mechanisms taking place in the small scale fluidic systems compared to models known macroscopically. The work will be mostly experimental but will also include a simulation part.
The study should also provide an estimation of the harvesting efficiency as well as the power densities taking place in this kind of new devices.