The fluid flow is a powerful form of energy which can be used to make such a device autonomous or to extend its operating conditions. Two kind of energy harvesting solutions are developed converting fluid into electricity. The aims are:
1. To supply in-line intelligent water meters able to work for years without any human intervention by replacing batteries.
2. To improve the quality and to reduce the costs of water networks monitoring (flowrate, temperature, pressure, leakage detection, pH meters).
The peculiarity of our systems is to have minimal volume occupations (a few cm3) and to operate in environments where fluid velocities are very low (a few m/s).

Water flow harvester
High output powers at high flow rates (490mW@9m3.h-1) in both cold and hot water with very low pressure losses in the pipe (<50 mbars). Mean power of 5mW.
Air flow harvester
High output power at high temperature gradient: Peak at 34,8mW in real environment due to high ∆T35°C.

PRODUCT DEVELOPED IN THE FRAMEWORK OF A FUNDED PROJECT 

Project Acronym and Title: InDeal – Innovative Technology for District Heating and Cooling

Funding source: H2020-EE-13-2015 – Technology for district heating and cooling

Grant Agreement Number or Funding reference: G.A. 696174