Conversion of low-grade heat to electricity using pyroelectric copolymer

A conceptual-scale continuous pyroelectric converter was constructed and tested. Low-grade heat was converted to electricity using a single 25 mum thick 60%-40% P(VF2-TrFE) copolymer film. A pyroelectric conversion cycle conceived by Olsen was adopted; external control voltage was cycled between high and low in synchronization with cycling of film temperature. Control voltage was cycled between 100 and 1200V and heat source temperature between 30degreesC and 82degreesC. Conversion cycle time was varied between 3 and 4s. The ratio of electrical output to electrical input ranged between 1.2-1.5. Experimental data showed that the energy density was between 15-52 J/L of copolymer used. The pyroelectric converter system and preliminary data are presented.