THERMOHARV

Thermoharv aims to develop innovative devices based on flexible polymers capable of recovering waste heat in buildings (i.e., lost heat such as the heating of pipes by the passage of hot water or glass surfaces by solar energy) to convert it into electricity. These devices utilize the physical principles of thermoelectricity, where the temperature difference between two surfaces generates an electron flow and thus produces electricity. The partnership between the various French-Belgian stakeholders in the project (Université de Mons, IMT Nord Europe, Centexbel, Université de Lille, and CD2E) aims to optimize the entire value chain of the devices, from the synthesis of materials to their end-of-life valorization.

In this context, IMT Nord Europe, through the Center for Materials & Processes, will ensure the manufacturing of demonstrators and flexible prototypes with innovative geometries using commercial materials and those developed by the project’s partners. For instance, sleeves designed to maximize the conversion of thermal energy into electricity will be manufactured, installed on hot water pipes, and tested in real-world conditions. Ultimately, these devices could generate enough electricity to power home automation sensors such as smoke detectors, motion sensors, temperature sensors, etc.