Near-Field Thermal Energy Conversion by Tunneling to a Waveguide

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel method for converting thermal energy into electricity by directly extracting electromagnetic energy from the thermal near-field through tunneling and waveguiding, potentially improving efficiency over traditional heat engines.

Contribution

It introduces a new approach to thermal energy conversion using near-field tunneling and waveguiding, advancing beyond conventional heat engine and thermophotovoltaic methods.

Findings

Demonstrates feasibility of near-field tunneling for energy extraction

Shows potential for higher efficiency in thermal-to-electrical conversion

Provides a theoretical framework for waveguide-based energy transfer

Abstract

Energy is a vital resource and hence there is a continuous strive to improve upon existing technologies and to find new ones that address that basic need. The conversion of thermal energy is the primary method of generating electrical energy from a broad range of sources, for example fossil fuels, solar thermal, geothermal, and nuclear energy. A common need in all cases is the ability to efficiently extract the generated electromagnetic and thermal energy and to convert it to electricity. The current methods of thermal energy extraction are based on heat engines, thermoelectric and thermophotovoltaic conversion systems. In this report a method based on the direct extraction of Electromagnetic energy from the thermal near-field through tunneling and subsequent waveguiding, is presented.