There are many large scale thermal to electric systems operating today, many with low delta-T's (temperature change) like the Ener-G-Rotor system that takes the waste heat from steam turbines and produces 50 KW. -- (NEC Advisor, Jim Dunn; Sept. 6, 2007)
Such devices fall into one of two categories:
Thermopower Waves: MIT’s Invention That Could Change Batteries and Devices Forever - Thermopower waves are a phenomenon that happens when powerful waves of energy shoot through carbon nanotube wires, creating electricity. The researchers from MIT are responsible for this discovery, thus opening a new area of rare energy research.
Matteran Energy produces electricity and refrigeration from near ambient heat - An experimental small scale power plant is producing electricity and refrigeration temperatures fueled simply by the heat in warm water - typically 150 degrees Fahrenheit.Matteran Energy produces electricity and refrigeration from near ambient heat - An experimental small scale power plant is producing electricity and refrigeration temperatures fueled simply by the heat in warm water - typically 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fellows' Thermoacoustic Cycle (TAC) Generator - Texas inventor's technology uses heat to amplify acoustic waves (sound waves) in a high pressure gas, which drive a linear generator and produce electric power. The system can allegedly be built at a very low cost.
Far Infrared Radiation (FIR) energy extraction methods at room temperature - Basic introduction on the science of how all matter radiates electromagnetic waves in the far infrared region; e.g., 450+ watts per square meter -- aka T-rays (THz rays). Includes very basic experiment to verify this well known and understood science.