A thermal energy conversion system (TECS) or thermal energy harvester are general terms that could be used for any machine that, powered by thermal energy, either generates a mechanical energy or generates electricity. The term can thus refer to:
- heat engines
- devices that make use of the pyroelectric effect[1]
It should be noted that heat engines running on biofuels actually also have their energy coming from the sun (as the sun allows plants to grow which are then converted to biofuel). However, heat engines are still regarded as a form of TECS themselves.
See also
- energy harvesting
- Wind energy conversion system
- Wind energy conversion system
- Solar energy conversion system
- Hydro energy conversion system