Energy harvesting that are able to operate in higher temperature gradients, and that can conduct electricity well without also conducting heat (something that was until recently thought impossible ), will result in increased efficiency. Future work in thermoelectrics could be to convert wasted heat, such as in automobile engine combustion, into electricity. This type of harvesting is based on the changing capacitance of vibration-dependent capacitors. Vibrations separate the plates of a charged variable capacitor, and mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy. Electrostatic energy harvesters need a polarization source to work and to convert mechanical energy from vibrations into electricity. The polarization
University of Campinas School of Mechanical Engineering fluids, vibrations and noise. Some companies and institutions may be cited are Alcan, Eletrobras, Vale, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Brazilian Army, US Air Force and other institutions and industries can be seen on FEM website. FEM also have agreements and sponsorship with other industries and coorporations like Schaeffler Group that also sponsors extracurricular projects. In 1992, inspired by MEJ, was created Motriz - Junior Enterprise of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. The Motriz is a nonprofit civil association that aims to optimize productivity and contribute in resolutions to problems in Mechanical Engineering. With the help of teachers of the University, the