R&D of Eco-Friendly/low-cost thermoelectric modules
～Low-cost thermoelectric generation and electronic cooling without using rare metals! ~
Under development for 2022
What is a thermoelectric module
Electronic components that utilize thermoelectric materials, which convert electricity into heat and heat into electricity
Features of Developed Products
Previous Technology
Thermoelectric module using rare metals
Issues
- Environmental Considerations
→Bismuth and tellurium, the constituent materials, are both rare metals.
→Tellurium reserves of less than 40,000 tons. - High cost
→Most of the modules are tellurian prices.
→Price fluctuates widely due to a bias towards resource reserve areas.
→ Only uses that are cost effective (Temperature control of semiconductor lasers for communication)
New Technology
Thermoelectric module using raw materials (magnesium, silicon and tin) that do not contain rare metals
Features
- Abundant raw materials
→The constituent materials, magnesium, silicon, and all tin is a common element.
→1,800 trillion tons of magnesium reserves. - Low cost
→Rare metal free, so significant cost reductions
→Composed of raw materials that can be mined around the world
→In fields that have not been used in the past. Applicable as a cooling method
Realizing high-performance thermoelectric conversion materials using ceramic manufacturing technology for lightning protection products
The target of this research
Porous thermoelectric conversion materials based on Mg/Si/Sn
Production process for commercial production. (vacuum and inert gas replacement firing)
Proprietary porous treatment technology. (PVA addition: solid polyol method)
Application fields
Thermoelectric cooling
・ Cooling of high-performance processors
・ Temperature control for communication lasers
・ Heatstroke prevention
Thermoelectric power generation
・Power generation using waste heat from incinerators, etc.
・Independent power supply for IoT sensors, etc.
Recent Development and Progress
2022 Provision of prototypes
2024 Commercialization
Development of materials, devices and modules is underway
We are always looking for research and development partners for materials, devices, modules and applications for commercialization.
Kanazawa R&D Center
2-1 Kuratsuki, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Incubator 2, Ishikawa Prefectural Industrial Research Center, 5F
Established February 1, 2016
