Abstract: A thermoelectric energy harvesting device including a first thermal-coupling interface, a second thermal-coupling interface, and a membrane. The membrane arranged between the first thermal-coupling interface and the second thermal-coupling interface and connected to the first thermal-coupling interface by a supporting frame. A thermal bridge between the second thermal-coupling interface and a thermal-coupling portion of the membrane. A thermoelectric converter on the membrane configured to supply an electrical quantity as a function of a temperature difference between the thermal-coupling portion of the membrane and the supporting frame.

Abstract: A thermoelectric energy harvesting device including a first thermal-coupling interface, a second thermal-coupling interface, and a membrane. The membrane arranged between the first thermal-coupling interface and the second thermal-coupling interface and connected to the first thermal-coupling interface by a supporting frame. A thermal bridge between the second thermal-coupling interface and a thermal-coupling portion of the membrane. A thermoelectric converter on the membrane configured to supply an electrical quantity as a function of a temperature difference between the thermal-coupling portion of the membrane and the supporting frame.

Abstract: A chip for biological and/or biochemical analyses includes: a supporting body, including a substrate of semiconductor material and a structural layer of biocompatible material; and a plurality of wells, designed to contain a liquid solution for the biological and/or biochemical analyses. Each well is formed by: a bottom chamber, defining a first containment volume for containing the liquid solution, and a top chamber, extending at least partially vertically aligned to, and in fluid communication with, the bottom chamber and defining a second containment volume greater than the first containment volume. The bottom chamber is formed, at least in part, in the biocompatible structural layer.

Abstract: A microfluidic system through which a solution of at least an oxidable compound is fed to a feed manifold of an energy converting electrochemical device includes a flow connector. The flow connector includes a silicon platform having a bottom side and an opposing top side, and through holes extending therethough. The silicon platform includes first and second channels defined on the bottom side for communicating with the through holes. The second channel forms an inlet for the feed manifold of the energy converting electrochemical device when the bottom side of the silicon platform is coupled to a flat coupling area of the device. A micropump module is coupled to the top side of the silicon platform for communicating with the through holes in the first and second channels. First and second supply cartridges are coupled to the top side of the silicon platform for communicating with the through holes in the first channel.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydrogen for micro fuel cells, comprises the successive steps of: continuously supplying a catalytic bed with an aqueous solution of sodium borohydride, the catalytic bed being made of at least one metal chosen among cobalt, nickel, platinum, ruthenium with obtainment of hydrogen and of a by-product comprising sodium metaborate, continuously recovering the hydrogen thus obtained and supplying, with said hydrogen as it is as obtained, a micro fuel cell which transforms hydrogen into electric energy. An apparatus provides continuous supply of hydrogen to a micro fuel cell. An integrated system structured for continuously producing and supplying hydrogen to a micro fuel cell and for converting the continuously supplied hydrogen into electric energy.

Abstract: A device for producing energy for portable applications including at least one micro fuel cell and a microreactor, having a reaction chamber including a catalyst, for producing hydrogen gas to be fed to the micro fuel cell. The microreactor includes at least one substrate of a composite material for making printed circuits micromachined with printed circuit technology suitable for making the reaction chamber and having a semipermeable membrane on top of it. The substrate and the membrane are connected to the micro fuel cell to make a single body through a single pressure assembly step.

Abstract: An embodiment of a cartridge for hydrogen production comprises a reaction chamber having a catalyst and a tank chamber comprising a reactant suitable for reacting with said catalyst for the production of gaseous hydrogen and comprising a fluidic conduit of connection between the tank chamber and the reaction chamber, the cartridge comprising a single body associated with a piston element, said piston element being suitable for defining in said single body said tank chamber and said reaction chamber, said piston element being activated for regulating the flow of the reactant in said fluidic conduit.

Abstract: A device for producing energy for portable applications including at least one micro fuel cell and a microreactor, having a reaction chamber including a catalyst, for producing hydrogen gas to be fed to the micro fuel cell. The microreactor includes at least one substrate of a composite material for making printed circuits micromachined with printed circuit technology suitable for making the reaction chamber and having a semipermeable membrane on top of it. The substrate and the membrane are connected to the micro fuel cell to make a single body through a single pressure assembly step.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydrogen for micro fuel cells, comprises the successive steps of: continuously supplying a catalytic bed with an aqueous solution of sodium borohydride, the catalytic bed being made of at least one metal chosen among cobalt, nickel, platinum, ruthenium with obtainment of hydrogen and of a by-product comprising sodium metaborate, continuously recovering the hydrogen thus obtained and supplying, with said hydrogen as it is as obtained, a micro fuel cell which transforms hydrogen into electric energy. An apparatus provides continuous supply of hydrogen to a micro fuel cell. An integrated system structured for continuously producing and supplying hydrogen to a micro fuel cell and for converting the continuously supplied hydrogen into electric energy.

Abstract: A microfluidic system through which a solution of at least an oxidable compound is fed to a feed manifold of an energy converting electrochemical device includes a flow connector. The flow connector includes a silicon platform having a bottom side and an opposing top side, and through holes extending therethough. The silicon platform includes first and second channels defined on the bottom side for communicating with the through holes. The second channel forms an inlet for the feed manifold of the energy converting electrochemical device when the bottom side of the silicon platform is coupled to a flat coupling area of the device. A micropump module is coupled to the top side of the silicon platform for communicating with the through holes in the first and second channels. First and second supply cartridges are coupled to the top side of the silicon platform for communicating with the through holes in the first channel.