The Elements of Innovation Discovered
The Elements of Innovation Discovered
Metal Tech News - June 20, 2024
The drone industry is investigating new technologies that can extend flight times.
PyroDelta thermoelectric generators that convert differences in temperature on opposite sides of the solid-state device into clean electricity
Tellurium is a natural semiconductor used to convert sunlight and heat into electricity.
Can tellurium-based thermoelectric generators provide extra lift to drones? First Tellurium believes they can and a company it created to advance research and development of thermoelectric devices for clean energy generation is developing a prototype specifically for drone applications.
Thermoelectric generators transform the differences in temperature on opposite sides of the device into clean electricity. This technology is already being used to transform waste heat from industrial processes into low-cost and low-carbon electricity – simply attach these devices to a hot surface and they generate electricity without any moving parts.
Tellurium is a natural semiconductor used to convert sunlight and heat into electricity.
Tellurium, which is naturally a powerful semiconductor, has proven to be an ideal ingredient for high-performance thermoelectric devices that can withstand extreme temperatures.
PyroDelta Energy Corp., a new company created and majority owned by First Tellurium, is researching and developing thermoelectric generators that can convert heat differentials into electricity that can extend the range of electric vehicles; replace the need for alternators and radiators in internal combustion engine (ICE) automobiles; and generate solar electricity from the hot sun-facing and the cooler shady sides of the device.
PyroDelta is now working on a lightweight and compact tellurium-based thermoelectric device that leverages the cooling effect of propellor downwash to generate electricity that extends the range of drones for civilian and military use.
"Our research and development is aimed at producing a thermoelectric device that fits seamlessly into existing commercial drone systems, without modification," said First Tellurium President and CEO Tyrone Docherty. "We believe this feature offers a significant advantage for drone industry adoption and deployment."
Global View Research estimates that the value of the global drone market was roughly $64.3 billion in 2023 and forecasts that the sector will expand by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 14.5% to roughly $166 billion by 2030.
"Considering the size and projected growth of the drone market, we believe that a product offering significant advantages in range and efficiency should generate strong industry interest," said Docherty.
Flight times for multi-rotor drones powered by a lithium-ion battery are typically around 20 to 30 minutes, with some advanced models going as high as one hour. With these flight times limiting the scope of missions, the drone industry is investigating range extending technologies.
"Overcoming the flight-time conundrum will unlock the full potential of drones, enabling an array of new applications and services that are currently beyond our reach," ClearSpot.ai penned in a LinkedIn post on overcoming the limited battery life of drones.
PyroDelta thermoelectric generators that convert differences in temperature on opposite sides of the solid-state device into clean electricity
PyroDelta's tellurium-based thermoelectric generator may offer one solution to the drone flight-time challenge.
The planned power generation system for drones would leverage the temperature differentials associated with the propellor downwash to generate electricity while the drone is in flight. Because these devices would be compact and lightweight, carrying them around will not consume much of the extra power they generate.
Because these thermoelectric devices inherently have no moving parts, they operate silently.
For defense applications, the device would enhance operational capabilities for longer missions without reliance on frequent power resupply.
These thermoelectric range extenders could also be advantageous for industrial applications like mine mapping, environmental monitoring, and drone deliveries.
"We can support longer delivery routes, optimizing supply chain efficiency," said Docherty.
Washington, DC-based RESOLVE Inc., a solution-focused global non-governmental organization that bridges the gap between people and the planet, recently formed a joint venture with First Tellurium called Tellurium Electric to help manufacture and market PyroDelta thermoelectric devices.
With more than 16 years of covering mining, Shane is renowned for his insights and and in-depth analysis of mining, mineral exploration and technology metals.
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