Waste Heat Capture from Household Appliances

We are Solaride, a non-profit organization dedicated to pushing the boundaries of solar technology and fostering the next generation of innovators. Our flagship project involves the development of a solar-powered car, but our broader mission is to empower people through sustainable technology. We believe in creating solutions that not only address global challenges but also nurture creativity and technical skills.

Challenge description and who is affected?

The goal of this challenge is to design a small device that captures waste heat from household appliances—such as refrigerators, ovens, or dishwashers—and converts it into usable energy, whether it be electricity or heat for other parts of the home. This solution would help households reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint, while also saving on utility costs. The device would benefit homeowners, renters, and anyone looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency.

Why is the challenge important at this time?

With the rise in energy costs and increasing focus on sustainability, finding ways to reduce energy waste is more important than ever. Household appliances, especially those that generate heat, often release energy that is not captured or reused. By recovering this waste heat, we can make homes more energy-efficient, reduce overall consumption, and contribute to global energy sustainability goals. This challenge is timely as it addresses both environmental concerns and the rising demand for energy-saving solutions in homes.

How would success look like?

Success would be the creation of a small, functional prototype that can capture waste heat from appliances and convert it into usable energy. This energy could either be stored as electricity or redirected as heat to other parts of the home, like water heaters or heating systems. The device should be easy to install and operate in a typical household setting. A successful solution would offer tangible benefits in terms of energy savings and environmental impact, while being cost-effective and user-friendly.

Possible/existing directions to find solutions.

There are existing technologies that recover waste heat in industrial settings, but scaling these down to a household level presents new challenges. Potential directions could include thermoelectric generators, heat exchangers, or phase-change materials that store and redistribute heat. Collaborating with experts in energy conversion, thermal dynamics, and smart home technology could help refine and adapt these concepts to everyday home appliances.

Other Resources & Background Information.

Teams can leverage existing research on thermoelectric materials, energy storage systems, and smart home integration to inform their design process. The challenge will require balancing efficiency, cost, and user experience in a real-world application.

How Solaride supports the team after the event?

After the hackathon, successful teams can be paired with mentors who will be able to guide them further in their development and help them take the next steps forward.