A web-accessible robotics monitoring system powered by a thermoelectric generator connected to a battery

In small source power generation scenarios in industrial or remote settings a viable small electrical supply for security and monitoring systems is often problematic due to the variability of the energy sources and the stability of the power generated. These small scale systems lack the advantages of a larger power grid. Therefore peak power requirements can be beyond the power generator necessitating energy storage such as batteries. The authors have developed and documented a reliable thermoelectric generator and a test bed. The generator was combined with a battery in order to meet peak power requirements beyond the unassisted range of the generator. This paper presents a test case result with the thermoelectric generator powering a complete web accessible mobile robot system. The robot system can be used for monitoring, physical manipulation of the environment, routine maintenance and in emergencies.