The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), a knowledge-based network for Micro and Nanotechnologies, has announced its support for the first UK Thermoelectric Network - Tempest, funded through the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
Thermoelectric materials convert thermal energy into electrical voltage and vice versa, this means they can be used for harvesting waste heat. The Tempest Network will serve as a focal point bringing together individuals in different disciplines to define and address the research challenges presented in realising the potential offered by thermoelectrics.
The initial membership of the Network will include 13 universities (representing Physics, Chemistry, Materials and Engineering disciplines), the National Physical Laboratory, 7 industrial partners covering all aspects of the Thermoelectric module design and manufacture supply chain, and a large number of end users. In total over 32 individual organisations will be represented.
Dr Martin Kemp, Theme Manager at the NanoKTN commented, 'Thermoelectrics offers significant opportunities for UK growth.’ He continued ‘The UK has key strengths in the depth of its academic expertise in thermoelectrics, in particular in nano and micro technologies which offer a new paradigm in materials design and construction.’
The NanoKTN will be working with the Tempest Network on the launch event which will take place in February 2014 in Manchester, UK with a focus on state-of-the-art and challenges in thermoelectric materials and their applications.
