PowerTex is an innovative, thermophotovoltaic, fibre-based assembly capable of converting waste heat energy emissions into electrical energy. The thermophotovoltaic fabric will be integrated with high temperature, thermal insulation materials currently installed in for example, vehicle exhausts by converting energy from an adjacent heat source. This requires a flexible and conformable structure that is capable of fitting around three-dimensional heat sources found in car, passenger vehicles and truck exhausts including commercial vehicles. The PowerTex product is engineered to operate both as thermal and acoustic insulation with integrated energy exchange capabilities.

PowerTex is designed to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by converting the waste heat that is routinely generated by automotive exhausts into electricity. The energy is intended to charge on-board batteries or to be powered back to the engine or other electrical units. The concept is also applicable in other sectors where high temperature heat energy is wasted e.g. radar and power plants and high capacity computer installations.