University of South Africa
Overview of innovation

The technology relates to a system that harvests thermal energy from various sources (e.g., sunlight, cars, power plants, factories, and other industries) and converts it to electricity. In this system, heat energy is harvested and then stored in a storage tank, using water as an 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 runs cycles both during the day and at night, 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
Electricty, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply
Technology Readiness Level
TRL 6 – Prototype tested in real-world settings
Website link
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Research-&-Innovation/Innovation,-Technology-Transfer-and-Commercialisation