Poyczone

Poyczone is a term used to describe a form of micro‑thermal energy converter designed to harvest waste heat from industrial processes. The device operates on the principle of a solid‑state thermoelectric module that converts temperature gradients into electrical voltage without moving parts or fluids. Typical poyczone units measure 15 cm by 10 cm and are fabricated from a composite of bismuth telluride crystallites embedded in a polymer matrix, allowing for easy integration into existing heat exchangers.

The concept was first formalized by a research group at the University of Brama in 2010, where the name was coined from the Greek word pōyko, meaning “to heat,” combined with the suffix ‑zone, indicating an area of conversion. Early laboratory prototypes achieved conversion efficiencies of 5 % under a 200 K temperature differential, although commercial implementations have yet to surpass 3 % in real‑world settings. Subsequent patents filed in 2012 and 2015 expanded the application scope to include automobile catalytic converters and metal‑working furnaces.

In practice, poyczone systems are most commonly employed as secondary power sources for sensor arrays in remote facilities, where collecting energy from unavoidable exhaust gases can extend operational life without the need for external supplies. Some manufacturers market pilot‑scale units for renewable energy farms, aiming to capture heat from diesel generators and grid transformers.

As of 2025, research into new material blends—such as skutterudite nanocomposites—has shown promise in raising the device’s efficiency to the 8–9 % range. However, commercial deployment remains limited by cost and the relatively low power output compared to conventional generators.