抄録
A novel pyro/piezo-electric energy converter, which is based on pyroelectric and piezoelectric energy conversion caused by periodic temperature and pressure change of a ferroelectric material, is developed. A bulk lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) ceramic is attached on a bimetal disk. This bimetal disk is placed between hot and cold sources, which causes reciprocatory motion between the hot and cold sources. The temperature of the PZT ceramic is periodically changed due to the heat transfer, which produces pyroelectric current. At the moment of the forward and reverse buckling, piezoelectric current due to deformation of PZT ceramic is also caused. Maximum output power of 2.1 nW is obtained with the reciprocation frequency of 1.6 Hz when temperature difference is 258°C. This converter can be driven at hot source temperature higher than Curie point of PZT ∼330°C.
