Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting waste heat from a low temperature heat source, such as an electrical component, to work energy and for efficiently transferring unconverted or remaining waste heat away from the heat source. The apparatus includes a chamber having a first location adapted to receive heat from the heat source, and a second location adapted to dissipate heat transferred via an acoustic wave in the chamber. The acoustic wave may be produced by a first vibration member coupled to an interior surface of the chamber and disposed at an end of the chamber, where the first vibration member is adapted to vibrate at a resonant frequency of the chamber. Alternatively, a first and a second vibration member that are both adapted to vibrate at the resonant frequency of the chamber may be disposed equidistant from opposing ends of the chamber to produce a standing acoustic wave within the chamber.

Abstract: A method for converting low temperature dissipated heat to other useful energy and apparatus therefor. Heat energy is transferred to a shape memory alloy using natural conduction of the heat. The kinetic energy of the shape memory alloy resulting from cyclic temperature variations is transferred to another type of energy such as electrical energy.