Harnessing waste heat and reducing wasted lighting : three mechanical structures for efficient energy systems

Abstract

This thesis presents three mechanical structures designed for efficient energy systems. In [3], Cooley presents a modification of a fluorescent lamp which allows it to detect nearby occupants and dim itself automatically. This modification presents marketability challenges, as a metal electrode must be suspended from the lamp, but one solution is to integrate an electrode holder into the bulb socket. We present one design for such an integrated electrode. Second, we discuss the creation of a homopolar motor to convert the low-voltage electrical power available from a thermoelectric wafer, which could be powered by waste heat. We are able to achieve brushes and bearings with electrical resistance as low as 70 m[Omega] and friction torque under 300 ,/N.m to demonstrate a proof-of-concept test setup. The demonstrated electromotive force constant is 82 V/rad/s using a 1 inch diameter, 5500 gauss magnet. Finally, we discuss the application of waste heat harvesting to household water heating, and discuss several designs for a water heater with integrated attachment points for waste heat producing devices.