Otimização e aplicações de geradores termoelétricos alimentados através do calor corporal

Atualmente, os problemas ambientais são cada vez mais uma realidade preocupante e uma prioridade para as organizações ambientalistas e governamentais. Os excessivos consumos energéticos, os elevados custos associados e os problemas ambientais relacionados são as principais razões para se procurarem alternativas ao uso de pilhas e baterias para alimentação de dispositivos eletrónicos. Perante este problema, procuram-se cada vez mais alternativas para alimentar dispositivos eletrónicos que proporcionem redução de custos, redução de consumo energético e redução dos efeitos nocivos para o ambiente. Neste contexto, o uso de energias renováveis tem sido uma forte aposta no combate aos problemas de nível ambiental e de consumo energético. De entre as diversas formas de obter energia elétrica através de energias renováveis, o presente trabalho destaca o uso de geradores termoelétricos que utilizam o gradiente de temperatura entre o ambiente e o corpo para obtenção de energia elétrica. Os geradores termoelétricos fazem uso da termoeletricidade, essencialmente do efeito de Seebeck e do efeito de Peltier para gerar energia através da diferença de temperatura que se consegue captar à superfície da pele. A energia captada pelo gerador termoelétrico tem como finalidade alimentar dispositivos eletrónicos de pequenas dimensões tais como relógios de pulso, oxímetros de pulsos ou até pacemakers. Desta forma podemos substituir o uso de pilhas ou baterias por esses mesmos dispositivos. O presente trabalho apresenta um estudo das possíveis aplicações de um gerador termoelétrico bem como o estudo dos fatores que influenciam o seu desempenho. Ainda, apresenta-se a otimização do gerador termoelétrico, tendo em conta os seus diferentes parâmetros e características, com o objetivo de obter uma maior potência.Nowadays environmental problems are an increasingly worrying and a priority for environmental and governmental organizations. Excessive energy consumption, high associated costs and related environmental problems are the main reasons for looking for alternatives to the use of batteries in power electronic devices. In view of this problem, more and more alternatives are being sought to power electronic devices that can present cost savings, reduced energy consumption and reduced harmful effects on the environment. In this context, the use of renewable energies has been a strong bet in fighting against environmental problems and in reducing energy consumption. Among the different ways to obtain electric energy from renewable energies, the present work highlights the use of thermoelectric generators that use the body temperature gradient to obtain electric energy. Thermoelectric generators use thermoelectricity, essentially the Seebeck effect and the Peltier effect to generate energy through the temperature difference that can be captured at the skin surface. This energy captured by the thermoelectric generator has the purpose of feeding small electronic devices such as wristwatches, pulse oximeters or even pacemakers. In this way we can replace the use of batteries for those same devices. The present work presents a study of the possible applications of a thermoelectric generator as well as the study of the parameters that influence their performance. Also, the optimization of a thermoelectric generator is presented, considering its different parameters and characteristics, with the objective of obtaining maximum power

Space station systems: A bibliography with indexes (supplement 6)

This bibliography lists 1,133 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system between July 1, 1987 and December 31, 1987. Its purpose is to provide helpful information to the researcher, manager, and designer in technology development and mission design according to system, interactive analysis and design, structural and thermal analysis and design, structural concepts and control systems, electronics, advanced materials, assembly concepts, propulsion, and solar power satellite systems. The coverage includes documents that define major systems and subsystems, servicing and support requirements, procedures and operations, and missions for the current and future Space Station

NASA SBIR abstracts of 1992, phase 1 projects

The objectives of 346 projects placed under contract by the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are described. These projects were selected competitively from among proposals submitted to NASA in response to the 1992 SBIR Program Solicitation. The basic document consists of edited, non-proprietary abstracts of the winning proposals submitted by small businesses. The abstracts are presented under the 15 technical topics within which Phase 1 proposals were solicited. Each project was assigned a sequential identifying number from 001 to 346, in order of its appearance in the body of the report. Appendixes to provide additional information about the SBIR program and permit cross-reference of the 1992 Phase 1 projects by company name, location by state, principal investigator, NASA Field Center responsible for management of each project, and NASA contract number are included

Proceedings of the Seventh Annual Summer Conference. NASA/USRA: University Advanced Design Program

The Advanced Design Program (ADP) is a unique program that brings together students and faculty from U.S. engineering schools with engineers from the NASA centers through integration of current and future NASA space and aeronautics projects into university engineering design curriculum. The Advanced Space Design Program study topics cover a broad range of projects that could be undertaken during a 20-30 year period beginning with the deployment of the Space Station Freedom. The Advanced Aeronautics Design Program study topics typically focus on nearer-term projects of interest to NASA, covering from small, slow-speed vehicles through large, supersonic passenger transports and on through hypersonic research vehicles. Student work accomplished during the 1990-91 academic year and reported at the 7th Annual Summer Conference is presented

Space Station Systems: a Bibliography with Indexes (Supplement 8)

This bibliography lists 950 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system between July 1, 1989 and December 31, 1989. Its purpose is to provide helpful information to researchers, designers and managers engaged in Space Station technology development and mission design. Coverage includes documents that define major systems and subsystems related to structures and dynamic control, electronics and power supplies, propulsion, and payload integration. In addition, orbital construction methods, servicing and support requirements, procedures and operations, and missions for the current and future Space Station are included

Proceedings of the 8th Annual Summer Conference: NASA/USRA Advanced Design Program

Papers presented at the 8th Annual Summer Conference are categorized as Space Projects and Aeronautics projects. Topics covered include: Systematic Propulsion Optimization Tools (SPOT), Assured Crew Return Vehicle Post Landing Configuration Design and Test, Autonomous Support for Microorganism Research in Space, Bioregenerative System Components for Microgravity, The Extended Mission Rover (EMR), Planetary Surface Exploration MESUR/Autonomous Lunar Rover, Automation of Closed Environments in Space for Human Comfort and Safety, Walking Robot Design, Extraterrestrial Surface Propulsion Systems, The Design of Four Hypersonic Reconnaissance Aircraft, Design of a Refueling Tanker Delivering Liquid Hydrogen, The Design of a Long-Range Megatransport Aircraft, and Solar Powered Multipurpose Remotely Powered Aircraft

Scientific and technical papers presented or published by JSC authors in 1986

A compilation of Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center contributions to the scientific and technical literature in aerospace and life sciences made during calender year 1985 is presented. Citations include NASA formal series reports, journal articles, conference and symposium presentations, papers published in proceedings or other collective works, and seminar and workshop results

Large space structures and systems in the space station era: A bibliography with indexes

Bibliographies and abstracts are listed for 1219 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system between July 1, 1990 and December 31, 1990. The purpose is to provide helpful information to the researcher, manager, and designer in technology development and mission design according to system, interactive analysis and design, structural and thermal analysis and design, structural concepts and control systems, electronics, advanced materials, assembly concepts, propulsion, and solar power satellite systems

Space Station Program Description Document. Books 1-7

The Space Station Program Description Document is summarized. The six volumes include: (1) introduction and summary; (2) mission description; (3) systems requirements and characteristics; (4) advanced development; (6) system operations; and (7) program plan. Volume 5 was deleted as a separate book

Large space structures and systems in the space station era: A bibliography with indexes (supplement 05)

Bibliographies and abstracts are listed for 1363 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system between January 1, 1991 and July 31, 1992. Topics covered include technology development and mission design according to system, interactive analysis and design, structural and thermal analysis and design, structural concepts and control systems, electronics, advanced materials, assembly concepts, propulsion and solar power satellite systems