The Thermal Floater represents a paradigm shift in renewable energy generation, addressing critical challenges faced by over 1.2 billion people lacking access to affordable, reliable clean energy. Unlike traditional solar panels that suffer efficiency losses in extreme heat, the innovative floating device converts solar thermal energy directly into electricity using advanced nanostructured thermoelectric materials.
This compact, modular technology floats on water surfaces, eliminating land scarcity constraints while maintaining superior performance in harsh climatic conditions. The system combines a custom-designed geodesic Fresnel lens with high-efficiency thermoelectric components, achieving projected energy densities exceeding conventional solar solutions.
The Thermal Floater is a winner of the College of Design and Engineering Innovation Day Impact Award, the London CleanTech Award and Runner Up at the MIT Climate and Energy Prize. Thermal Floater is developed by Sparsh (CDE student), working with Assistant Professor Dr Yu Qian Ang (yuqian@nus.edu.sg) at the Department of the Built Environment.
