Thermal Energy Harvesting Optimization with Bistable Elements and Collaborative Behavior

A device configured to be thermally coupled between a hot source and a cold source, the device comprising:

• a substrate;
• a first layer partially covering the substrate;
• and
• a first band of bimetallic strips linked mechanically together by their longitudinal ends, the first band partially suspended over a portion of the substrate and extending between a first portion of the first layer and a second portion of the first layer, wherein
• each bimetallic strip of the first band has a first stable state having a first curvature and a second stable state having a second curvature opposite the first curvature, and
• adjacent bimetallic strips have opposite curvature.

A method comprising:

• converting thermal energy into mechanical energy by exposing a first surface of a device to a hot source and a second surface of the device opposite the first surface to a cold source, the device comprising a band of bimetallic strips linked mechanically together by their longitudinal ends, the band partially suspended over a portion of a substrate, wherein
• each bimetallic strip has a first stable state having a first curvature and a second stable state having a second curvature opposite the first curvature, and
• adjacent bimetallic strips have opposite curvature;
• and
• converting mechanical energy into electrical energy by deforming a piezoelectric material covering a portion of a bimetallic strip of the band.