Technology

Q. What is Flexible Thermoelectric Film™ and how does it work?
A. Flexible Thermoelectric Film is Perpetua’s trademark name for the company's proprietary renewable thermoelectric generator technology. Our thermoelectric thin-film material harvests energy from naturally occuring or man-made temperature differences. For more information on thermoelectric energy, click here for details.

Q. Do you manufacture your own Flexible Thermoelectric Film?
A. Yes. By owning our own U.S. manufacturing facilities, we can maintain our quality standards and better control production timeframes.

Q. Why have you focused mainly on thermoelectric energy?
A. Our customers are searching for an energy source for their wireless sensors that does not require regular maintenance (such as replacing batteries).

Because temperature differences occur naturally indoor, outdoor, day and night, thermoelectric energy is a reliable renewable resource solution for wireless sensors. We are very excited about the advancements our engineers have made over the last few years and the opportunities a new flexible thin-film energy harvesting material means to companies searching for a green solution.

Q. Does your Flexible Thermoelectric Film deliver power directly to a wireless sensor?
A. Our Flexible Thermoelectric Film harvests energy from temperature differences, but our electronics store and manage the power that is delivered to a wireless device. We integrate electronics like capacitors and overflow protection into an energy module called a Perpetua Power Puck™.  A Power Puck then delivers the managed power directly to a wireless module.

Q. Will a Perpetua™ Power Puck replace batteries in wireless sensors?
A. Yes, it can. Our Power Pucks are designed to extend the life of an existing battery, or replace it altogether.

In some instances, we team our Power Puck up with other energy sources such as solar, vibration or battery.

Q. How do Perpetua™ Power Pucks ‘plug in’ with wireless sensors?
A. We utilize standard off-the-shelf power connectors and can also offer custom solutions.

Our Flexible Thermoelectric Film™ can also be integrated directly inside a wireless sensor unit. Click here for details.

Q. When do Perpetua’s Power Pucks need maintenance or replacing?
A. Because thermoelectric energy is a renewable energy source, we anticipate that our Power Pucks will last the life of the sensor electronics without needing maintenance or replacing.

Q. Will Perpetua Power Pucks power other electronics besides wireless sensors?
A. Our energy modules are currently designed specifically for the wireless sensor market. In time, we anticipate migrating our technology into other industries, such as consumer electronics, health care, wearables, etc.

Q. Can you combine thermoelectrics with other renewable energy sources?
A. Yes, we have built solar/thermoelectric hybrids and there are opportunities to combine with vibration-based harvesters, amongst others. We will keep you posted on our Web site as we release additional products.