THERMINATOR

THERMINATOR aims to develop a disruptive, integrated electro‐thermal converter – a low‐profile “skin” that harnesses waste heat for electricity and active insulation.

By combining thermoacoustic and electrocaloric technologies, the project aims to enhance thermal management in buildings, solar cells, and electric vehicles, driving energy efficiency and supporting the EU’s climate-neutral goals.

As buildings, solar installations, and electric vehicles increasingly demand efficient thermal management, this project offers an innovative technological solution to mitigate environmental degradation and promote sustainable energy use. By harnessing waste heat, THERMINATOR contributes to the EU’s climate-neutral goals, supporting cleaner energy systems and fostering economic resilience. Moreover, by reducing energy costs and enhancing system performance, the project helps to tackle social inequities and economic disparities, ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.

THERMINATOR sets itself apart by seamlessly integrating thermoacoustic and electrocaloric technologies into a compact, low‐profile energy conversion ‘skin’. Unlike conventional systems, we employ state‐of‐the‐art smart controls and machine-learning algorithms for real‐time optimisation, achieving high power density and efficiency even under variable conditions. This multi-stage integration not only addresses current gaps in energy recovery and thermal regulation but also offers new insights into scalable, sustainable solutions.

Project details

THERMINATOR is a pioneering research project funded by the EU under Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions (Grant Agreement No: 101192831). By combining thermoacoustic and electrocaloric technologies, THERMINATOR enhances thermal management in buildings, solar cells, and electric vehicles, supporting the EU’s climate-neutral ambitions.

Technological innovation

Our approach is unique because it:

• Merges thermoacoustic and electrocaloric principles for dual functionality in energy conversion and thermal regulation
• Utilises advanced power electronics and AI-driven smart control systems for real-time optimisation
• Enables multi-stage integration of thermoacoustic, electrocaloric, and pyroelectric devices, ensuring scalable performance.Methodology
• Device Development: Design and fabrication of high-power ultrasound transducers and low-profile converter “skins”
• Smart Controls: Creation of machine-learning algorithms that provide fast (<10 ms) surrogate models for both steady-state and dynamic performance
• Integration & Testing: Iterative prototyping and evaluation using experimental data from partners such as KIT, UL, and CSEM, coupled with comprehensive life-cycle and economic analyses

Impact and societal relevance

THERMINATOR addresses critical environmental challenges by reducing energy waste and lowering carbon emissions. Key benefits include:

• Enhanced energy efficiency and reduced operating costs in critical sectors
• Contribution to sustainable, low-carbon technologies and improved thermal management
• Promotion of economic resilience and social equity by reducing energy burdens

This innovative project not only bridges gaps in current energy conversion technologies but also paves the way for a sustainable, greener future.