Pyroelectric power generator for autonomous systems

Developing sustainable electricity sources remains a critical challenge of this century. Pyroelectric materials offer a promising approach for transforming waste heat into electric power. However, their practical application has been constrained by very low power outputs, typically ranging from microwatts to milliwatts. Here we present a macroscopic pyroelectric generator that continuously delivers 1 W of electric power by running an Olsen cycle with 4.3 cm³ of active pyroelectric material. Moreover, the maximum power density of our generator reaches 400 W per litre of active materials. We also demonstrate an autonomous system exclusively powered by a pyroelectric generator following a Stirling cycle. This advancement underscores the potential of nonlinear pyroelectric generators as a highly competitive technology for harvesting low-grade waste energy.