TITLE:
Electricity Generation from Heatwaves
AUTHORS:
Diandong Ren, Mervyn J. Lynch
KEYWORDS:
Heatwaves, Climate Warming, Clean Energy Generation by Thermoelectric Generator, Ameliorate and Transcend Heatwaves, Climate Warming Mitigation and Adaptation, Thermoelectric Generator (TEG), IR Interaction with Periodically Arranged Nanostructures, Optical Properties of Nano Fabricating, Passive Clean Energy Tapping/Generation
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Geosciences,
Vol.15 No.5,
May
31,
2024
ABSTRACT: We chose a definition of heatwaves (HWs) that has ~4-year recurrence frequency at world hot spots. We first examined the 1940-2022 HWs climatology and trends in lifespan, severity, spatial extent, and recurrence frequency. HWs are becoming more frequent and more severe for extratropical mid- and low-latitudes. To euphemize HWs, we here propose a novel clean energy-tapping concept that utilizes the available nano-technology, micro-meteorology knowledge of temperature distribution within/without buildings, and radiative properties of earth atmosphere. The key points for a practical electricity generation scheme from HWs are defogging, insulation, and minimizing the absorption of infrared downward radiation at the cold legs of the thermoelectric generators. One sample realization is presented which, through relay with existing photovoltaic devices, provides all-day electricity supply sufficient for providing air conditioning requirement for a residence (~2000-watt throughput). The provision of power to air conditioning systems, usually imposes a significant stress on traditional city power grids during heatwaves.