LAUSR

Abstract Traditionally, pyroelectric energy conversion research has focused on improving energy output per cycle between fixed temperature bounds; however, most end-uses have fixed power, not energy, demands. Here, we analyze pyroelectric energy harvesting systems through the lens of maximizing power output, focusing specifically on the oft-overlooked details of the average temperature amplitude of the pyroelectric material which can be far smaller than the temperature amplitude of the available thermal resource. We describe this average temperature amplitude as a function of thermophysical properties, geometry, and other system variables for two different types of thermal energy sources. Ultimately, we identify figures of merit (FOMs) for locally improving the power harvesting performance within each of three distinct frequency regimes, as well as provide guidance for maximizing the power harvesting performance under certain constraints. This combination of FOMs and maximization guidance will aid in the future design and optimization of pyroelectric energy harvesting systems.