University of South Africa
Overview of innovation

The technology relates to a system which harvests thermal energy from various sources (e.g., sunlight, cars, power plants, factories and other industries) and converts it into electricity. In this system, heat energy is harvested and then stored in a storage tank, using water as energy storage medium. Hereafter, it flows along a gradient to an energy radiator, and converts a portion of the thermal energy into electrical energy through a special semiconductor array device. To ensure maximum harvesting and conversion efficiency, the system run cycles both during day- and night-time, creating a continuous supply of electricity to household appliances.  

 

Type of Intellectual Property protection
Patent
Innovation Opportunity Type
Investment
Partnership
Industry
​Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
Renewable Energy
Electricty, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply
Energy
Technology Readiness Level
TRL 6 – Prototype tested in real-world settings