KIYOSU, Japan—Toyoda Gosei has invested in a Japanese startup which has developed a technology to convert heat to electricity in order to power Internet of Things sensors in batteries.
Based in Kyoto, E-ThermoGentek has designed a flexible thermoelectric module, called "Frequina," which it says can sustainably and wirelessly power sensors, cutting the costs and complexity of laying power wiring.
The module, according to E-ThermoGentek, can be mounted on heat sources, such as exhaust pipes or waste heat pipes of plants and infrastructure to provide a self-sustaining power supply for electric sensors.
Toyoda Gosei said the investment was in line with its 2050 carbon neutrality commitment and efforts to switch to energy-saving equipment and machinery. The investment amount was not disclosed.
Toyoda Gosei said it expected the investment to help it effectively use the thermal energy emitted during the molding and processing of its rubber- and plastics-based products.