Thermal Floater

As cities and communities around the globe strive to adapt to the realities of climate change, the demand for sustainable energy solutions has never been greater. However, the extensive land requirements of traditional solar and wind farms pose a significant obstacle, particularly in densely populated regions and areas with geographical constraints.

This land scarcity problem is felt acutely in coastal communities and cities, where the effects of climate change are most pronounced. The scale of this problem is staggering. Globally, over 40% of the world's population lives within 100 kilometers of the coast, and this number is only expected to grow. In many of these coastal areas, land is already at a premium, with competing demands from housing, agriculture, and industry. This land scarcity is particularly acute in developing countries, where rapid urbanization and population growth are putting immense pressure on limited resources.

Take my hometown of Patna, Bihar, for example. Situated along the banks of the river Ganga, this city is home to over 2 million people. Like many other cities in India and around the world, Patna faces the dual challenge of meeting the growing energy needs of its population while also protecting its natural resources and ecosystems. The river Ganga, a lifeline for millions, is not only a source of water but also a potential source of clean energy. However, the lack of affordable and efficient renewable energy solutions has hindered the city's ability to tap into this potential.

This problem is not unique to Patna. Globally, over 1.2 billion people lack access to electricity, with many of them living in coastal and riverine areas. These communities are often the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, more frequent and intense storms, and ecosystem degradation. Moreover, the high cost and land requirements of traditional renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind farms, have made them inaccessible to many communities in developing countries. In India alone, over 600 million people live in areas where the per capita income is less than $2 per day. For these communities, the upfront cost of installing solar panels or wind turbines is simply out of reach.

At the same time, India's energy demand is projected to double by 2040, and meeting this demand with clean energy sources will require a significant expansion of renewable energy infrastructure. The Indian government has set a target of installing 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, but the country is currently falling short of this goal, with only around 100 GW installed as of 2021. This gap is largely due to the lack of affordable and efficient renewable energy solutions that can be deployed in land-scarce and low-income areas. Fixing this is a daunting task, and one that will require solutions that can overcome the barriers of cost, land availability, and accessibility.

The Thermal Floater is an device that addresses the challenges of land scarcity and accessibility in renewable energy generation. It is a compact, modular device that converts solar-thermal energy into electricity, without the need for extensive land area. The Thermal Floater is designed to float on water bodies, such as oceans, lakes, and rivers, making it an ideal solution for coastal and riverine communities where land is at a premium.

The entire device is kept afloat on water using a modular hollow casing. This casing is designed to withstand waves and other environmental factors, ensuring the device's stability and durability. The modular nature of the Thermal Floater allows for multiple units to be connected together, forming an array that can generate power on a larger scale. Power can be drawn from this array using a single connector, making it easy to integrate the Thermal Floater with existing power grids.

The Thermal Floater works on the Seebeck Effect, using a custom thermoelectric peltier that converts heat into electrical energy. The device consists of a lens that concentrates sunlight onto a conductive surface. This conductive surface is in contact with the custom peltier module. When the peltier module is provided with a hot and cold side, it creates a temperature differential that generates electrons, thereby producing electricity. The peltier module is made with a specific combination of materials to optimize its performance as compared to the traditionally existing peltier devices. It is designed to cool down using a connected heatsink that is immersed in the water body on which the Thermal Floater is placed. This unique design allows the device to maintain a consistent temperature differential, ensuring optimal electricity generation.

One of the key advantages of the Thermal Floater is its efficiency. Utilizing our research and breakthroughs in nano-structured thermoelectric modules, each Thermal Floater module can produce 540W under average conditions, with an energy density of 670W/m². This is three times more efficient than traditional solar PV systems, and it comes at a cost of just $0.64 per watt. This makes the Thermal Floater not only more efficient but also more affordable than many other renewable energy solutions.

The Thermal Floater's modular design also makes it highly adaptable to different power needs and available space. Multiple units can be interconnected to form scalable arrays, allowing for customized installations that can meet the specific energy requirements of different communities and industries.

For a demonstration of how the Thermal Floater works, please visit this link:

The Thermal Floater is designed to serve communities and regions where land scarcity and extreme temperatures make traditional renewable energy solutions less viable. Our primary focus is on coastal areas in the Arabian Peninsula, India, and Singapore, where the demand for clean energy is high, but the availability of land for solar and wind farms is limited.

In these regions, many communities still rely heavily on fossil fuels for their energy needs. This dependence not only contributes to greenhouse gas emissions but also leaves these populations vulnerable to the fluctuations in fuel prices and supply. Moreover, the lack of reliable and affordable electricity can hinder economic development and quality of life.

The Thermal Floater offers a solution that directly addresses these challenges. By providing an affordable, compact and efficient way to generate clean energy, the Thermal Floater can help these communities reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and improve their energy security. This can have far-reaching impacts on their lives as it addresses the needs of these underserved communities by offering a solution that can be easily deployed on water bodies, eliminating the need for valuable land space.

For example, in coastal villages where the main source of income is fishing, the Thermal Floater can provide a reliable source of electricity to power cold storage facilities, enabling the community to preserve their catch and fetch better prices in the market. In urban areas, the Thermal Floater can help reduce the strain on the grid during peak hours, lowering energy costs for households and businesses. Additionally, the cost savings associated with the Thermal Floater can have a significant impact on these communities. By replacing traditional and floating solar panels with this more efficient and affordable solution, communities can potentially save billions of dollars in energy costs. These savings can be reinvested in local infrastructure, education, and healthcare, further improving the lives of residents.

Moreover, by partnering with governments and utilities, we aim to make the Thermal Floater accessible to a wide range of users, including low-income households and small businesses. This can help bridge the energy access gap and bring the benefits of clean energy to those who need it most. Our estimates suggest that by targeting our beachhead market, we could potentially bring 130 million people into the renewable energy trend. This would not only help mitigate power blackouts and reduce non-renewable energy usage but also have a significant environmental impact. The adoption of Thermal Floaters in our target market could offset 191 Mega-tonnes of CO2 per year, contributing to the global fight against climate change.

Growing up in Patna, Bihar, I experienced firsthand the challenges of unreliable electricity supply and the impact it has on people's lives. This proximity to the problem has been a driving force behind our mission to develop an affordable and efficient renewable energy solution.

My teammate, Shivansh, shares a similar background, and together, we have channeled our shared experiences and our six-year high-school friendship into a partnership dedicated to sustainable innovation. Our journey with the Thermal Floater began when we were still in high school, motivated by the power outages and energy challenges faced by our hometown during the COVID-19 lockdowns. We realized that although there are various methods of renewable energy generation, none of them provided a consistent and regular supply of electricity. This led us to research the challenges associated with renewable energy, and we discovered that it is often very expensive to set up, and requires a significant amount of land, which is scarce in densely populated areas. Frustrated and unable to find a suitable, affordable, and compact alternative, we took it upon ourselves to develop a solution.

Throughout the development process, we have actively sought input and feedback from the communities we aim to serve. We conducted interviews with individuals and businesses facing energy challenges to gather valuable insights into their needs and preferences. This feedback has directly influenced the design of the Thermal Floater, from its modular nature to its focus on portability and cost-effectiveness. Similarly, when we encountered stability issues with our initial prototypes in water, we turned to the communities for inspiration. By redesigning the hollow tubular membranes into a hexagonal shape, inspired by the stability of honeycombs, we were able to ensure the device's durability in dynamic ocean environments. This redesign was a direct result of the input and ideas we received from the communities we talked with.

For instance, when we received suggestions to enhance the portability and affordability of the device without compromising efficiency, we worked closely with our mentors and teammates to devise solutions such as a custom peltier module and a geodesic Fresnel lens. These innovations allowed us to concentrate sunlight effectively while ensuring that light could reach adjacent modules, thereby optimizing the device's performance.

Our team's strength lies in our deep understanding of the challenges, our technical expertise, and our commitment to developing solutions that are tailored to their needs. With the support of our mentors from the Innovation Design Programme at NUS and the recognition we have received through awards like the James Dyson Award and the Children's Climate Prize, we are dedicated to bringing the Thermal Floater to market, and to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those who need it most.

Our solution, the Thermal Floater, is currently at the prototype stage.
We have invested significant time and effort into laying a strong
theoretical foundation and conducting initial physical modeling. This
groundwork includes a comprehensive research paper, detailed
simulations, feasibility tests, and a proof of concept.

At lab scale, we have successfully tested the core concept of the Thermal
Floater through small-scale proof of concept experiments. These tests
have validated the fundamental principles behind our solution and have
given us valuable insights into its potential performance.

Moreover, we have conducted full-scale thermal and stress simulations to
assess the feasibility and energy output of the Thermal Floater. These
simulations have not only confirmed the viability of our solution but
have also helped us identify areas for optimization and improvement.

Currently, we are working on refining the prototype, focusing on
enhancing its efficiency and modular mechanism. Our goal is to maximize
the energy output per square meter, ensuring that the Thermal Floater
delivers the highest possible performance in real-world conditions.

While we have not yet served any customers or beneficiaries directly,
our theoretical and practical work has laid a solid foundation
for the future development and deployment of the Thermal Floater.

We're applying to Solve because we believe that the support and guidance can help us overcome the barriers we face in bringing the Thermal Floater to market and maximizing its impact. While funding is important, it's not the only reason we're applying. One of the biggest challenges we face is refining our technical design for manufacturability and scaling up production. We believe that Solve's expertise in this area can help us make our solution more robust and market-ready. The support provided in navigating the complexities of bringing innovative technologies to market will be invaluable as we work to overcome the technical barriers we face.

Another area where we think Solve can help is in refining our business strategy and identifying potential partners. As college students, we don't have a lot of experience in this area, and we know that having a strong business plan and the right partnerships will be crucial for the success of our initiative. Even though we have basic knowlege in this area, Solve's expertise in sustainability, financial modeling, and their global network can help us navigate the complexities of scaling a renewable energy solution, making our initiative more impactful and sustainable.

Ultimately, our goal is to bring the Thermal Floater to as many people as possible and to make a real difference in the fight against climate change. We believe that with Solve's support, we can achieve this goal and create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Unlike traditional solar panels that require large amounts of land, our solution is designed to float on water bodies, making it perfect for areas where land is scarce or expensive. This means that we can generate clean energy without competing for valuable land resources, which is a big problem in many parts of the world.

Another thing that makes our solution innovative is its use of advanced materials and technologies. We've developed a custom thermoelectric peltier that can convert heat into electricity more efficiently than traditional models. We've also used a geodesic Fresnel lens to concentrate sunlight onto the peltier, which helps to maximize energy output. These innovations allow us to generate more power per square meter than other renewable energy solutions, which is a big deal when it comes to scaling up production. But the Thermal Floater isn't just innovative in terms of its technical design. We believe that it has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts in the renewable energy space. By demonstrating that it's possible to generate clean energy efficiently and affordably, even in areas where land is scarce, we hope to inspire others to develop similar solutions. We think that our solution could help to change the market landscape by making renewable energy more accessible and attractive to communities and businesses around the world.

Imagine if every coastal community, every island, every town with a lake or river could generate its own clean energy using the Thermal Floater. It would be a game-changer in terms of reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and combating climate change. And because our solution is modular and scalable, it can be adapted to meet the needs of different communities and industries, from small villages to large cities.

The Thermal Floater, is designed to address the problem of land scarcity and the need for affordable, clean energy in coastal and underserved communities. We believe that by providing a compact, efficient, and water-based renewable energy solution, we can make a significant impact on the lives of people in these communities and contribute to the global fight against climate change.

• Firstly, by deploying Thermal Floaters in coastal areas and on water bodies, we will be able to generate clean electricity without taking up valuable land space. This is particularly important in densely populated regions where land is scarce and expensive. By providing an alternative to land-based solar panels, we can help communities access clean energy without competing for limited land resources.
• Secondly, the Thermal Floater's efficient design and advanced materials allow it to generate more power per square meter than traditional solar panels. This means that we can produce more clean energy with fewer resources, making our solution more cost-effective and scalable. As we deploy more Thermal Floaters, we expect to see a significant increase in the amount of clean energy generated, which will help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.
• Thirdly, by partnering with local governments, utilities, and businesses, we aim to make the Thermal Floater accessible and affordable for communities that need it most. This includes providing training and support to local technicians, so that they can maintain and repair the Thermal Floaters over time. By building local capacity and ownership, we believe that we can create a sustainable and long-lasting impact.

To support our theory of change, we have conducted extensive research on nanostructured alloys and testing on the Thermal Floater's performance and potential impact. This includes simulations and real-world tests that demonstrate the device's efficiency and durability in various water conditions. Our nanostructured Peltier devices proved to be 3x as efficient as solar panels. We have also interviewed potential users and stakeholders to gather feedback and insights on how the Thermal Floater can best meet their needs.

Our primary impact goal is to improve access to clean and affordable energy for underserved coastal communities, while also contributing to the global fight against climate change. To measure our progress towards this goal, we have identified several key indicators:

1. Number of Thermal Floaters deployed: We will track the number of Thermal Floaters installed in target communities, as this directly correlates to the amount of clean energy being generated.
2. Energy output per Thermal Floater: We will monitor the energy production of each Thermal Floater to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. This helps us calculate the total clean energy generated by our solution.
3. Number of households and businesses served: We will keep a record of the households and businesses that benefit from the clean energy generated by our Thermal Floaters. This allows us to assess the direct impact on energy access and affordability in target communities.
4. Reduction in fossil fuel consumption: By comparing energy consumption patterns before and after the deployment of Thermal Floaters, we can measure the reduction in fossil fuel usage and the corresponding decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.

These indicators align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Our ultimate aim is to create a transformational change in the lives of people in underserved communities by democratizing access to reliable energy, while also contributing to a more sustainable future for our planet.

The Thermal Floater combines the ancient principles of thermoelectricity with cutting-edge nanotechnology to harness the power of the sun efficiently and sustainably. At the heart of this innovation lies a custom-designed thermoelectric peltier device, which leverages the Seebeck effect to convert heat directly into electrical energy.

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) have been around for nearly two centuries, with the first TEG invented by Thomas Johann Seebeck in 1821. However, their widespread adoption has been hindered by low efficiency and limited temperature ranges. The Thermal Floater aims to overcome these challenges by incorporating advanced thermoelectric materials, specifically skutterudites and selenium alloys with endotaxial nanostructures.

The core technology powering the Thermal Floater is a custom thermoelectric peltier device that is optimized for high-temperature operation and efficiency. The custom peltier device in the Thermal Floater is made with a precise combination of n-type bismuth tellurium selenide (Bi₂Te₃₋ySey) and p-type lead tellurium selenide (PbTe₁₋ₓSeₓ) alloys. These materials are engineered with endotaxial nanostructures, which are crucial for enhancing thermoelectric performance. The nanostructures effectively scatter phonons, reducing thermal conductivity while maintaining excellent electrical conductivity. This unique combination of properties significantly improves the thermoelectric figure of merit (zT), enabling the Thermal Floater to achieve remarkable efficiency in converting solar thermal energy into electricity.

The n-type Bi₂Te₃₋ySey alloys, structured as vertically aligned nanoforests with pronounced endotaxy, have demonstrated zT values as high as 1.4 at 100°C. This is achieved through the highly crystalline interfaces between the coherent Bi2Te3 matrix and Te nanodroplets, which boost electron mobility along the length of the nanowires without impeding phonon transport. Meanwhile, the p-type PbTe₁₋ₓSeₓ alloys exhibit exceptional efficiency and stability at temperatures beyond 700 K, with nanostructured PbTe₁₋ₓSeₓ achieving record-high zT values approaching 2.3 at 915 K. When combined in the Thermal Floater's peltier device, these advanced alloys enable a highly efficient and stable TEG capable of operating across a wide temperature range from 200 to 900 K.

To concentrate solar thermal energy onto the peltier device, the Thermal Floater employs a specialized geodesic Fresnel lens. This lens concentrates the sunlight from all angles, ensuring optimal solar concentration throughout the day. The surrounding water acts as a natural heat sink, maintaining the temperature gradient across the peltier and enhancing the device's efficiency through passive cooling.

The integration of these advanced thermoelectric materials and the innovative floating design enables the Thermal Floater to achieve remarkable efficiency in converting solar thermal energy into electricity. Analytical models predict an output power density exceeding 12 W/cm² at 700 K, representing an 80% enhancement compared to traditional bismuth telluride modules. Moreover, the superior thermoelectric properties of these nanoengineered alloys enhance the system's coefficient of performance by 45% compared to state-of-the-art bismuth selenide antimony TEGs.

By pushing the boundaries of thermoelectric performance and system integration, this technology has the potential to make a significant impact on not just the renewable energy landscape but anything related to the conversion of heat to electricity, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Two people:

• Sparsh - Second Year Computer Engineering Student at National University of Singapore
• Shivansh Anand - Second Year Mechanical Engineering Student at Indian Institute of Technology, Dhanbad

We currently do not have any part-time staff or contractors.

We've been working on the thermal floater since highschool, i.e., 4 years. Our journey began in 2020, and we have been dedicatedly developing and refining this solution since then.

Our business model is centered around providing affordable, efficient, and sustainable renewable energy solutions to communities and regions where land scarcity and extreme temperatures pose significant challenges. We focus on a B2C and B2G model, with a primary emphasis on B2G partnerships with renewable energy corporations, utilities, and governments for large-scale deployments in our beachhead market.

Our key customers and beneficiaries are power grids, governments, companies, and private developers who are looking to transition towards efficient renewable energy sources. We provide them with our main product, the Thermal Floater, which is a modular, scalable, and competitively priced alternative to traditional solar panels. The Thermal Floater's unique design allows it to generate clean energy efficiently without requiring extensive land area, making it an attractive solution for regions with land scarcity and extreme temperatures, such as the coastlines of the Arabian Peninsula, India, and Singapore.

In addition to the Thermal Floater, we offer consultation and maintenance services to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of our deployments. These services provide ongoing value to our clients and partners, helping them to optimize their renewable energy systems and maximize their return on investment.

Our revenue streams include direct sales and maintenance contracts, with bulk orders reducing costs. We are also actively pursuing patent filing and seeking grants for prototype development to further enhance our product and secure our competitive position in the market.

To scale our business, we prioritize partnerships with government bodies and power utilities, leveraging their existing infrastructure and regulatory support. This B2G approach allows us to tap into potential subsidies and incentives that governments offer to facilitate the adoption of renewable energy technologies. By working closely with these key stakeholders, we aim to accelerate the deployment of the Thermal Floater and contribute to the global transition towards clean energy.

Our plan for achieving financial sustainability involves a combination of strategies, including securing service contracts with governments, obtaining sustained grants and donations, and potentially raising investment capital in the future.

In the near term, we will focus on establishing service contracts with government entities and power utilities to deploy the Thermal Floater in targeted regions. These contracts will provide a steady revenue stream to support our operations and continued development of the technology. We will also actively pursue grants and donations from organizations that support renewable energy initiatives and climate change mitigation efforts.

To date, we have been successful in securing some initial funding through awards and grants. Most notably, we were awarded $8,000 USD through the Children's Climate Prize, which we have invested entirely into the research and development of our custom thermoelectric peltier – a key component of the Thermal Floater. This funding has allowed us to make significant progress in optimizing the efficiency and performance of our technology.

In the longer term, after completing our college education (after 2 years from now), we may consider raising investment capital to scale up our operations and expand our reach. However, our primary focus in the coming years will be on further developing the Thermal Floater, establishing strong partnerships, and securing sustained funding through grants and service contracts.