T1 Low production costs mean that lower operating efficiencies can be tolerated. Because efficiency is not necessarily a barrier, TAC engines may also fill low temperature niches that are problematic for other power sources. These microminiature TAC engines are called TARs, for Thermo-Acoustic Resonators. Hearing aids, pacemakers, baby crib monitors, personal security alarms for women and children, physiological monitors for policemen, firemen, soldiers and hospital outpatients, in the form of a ring or wristwatch, will all operate indefinitely, and without batteries, acquiring energy through contact with the body. Since they will never require maintenance, they may even be implanted permanently inside the body.
Applications are almost limitless.
The heat generated by the CPU in a laptop computer can be used to recharge the battery, extending operating time between charges. Automobile exhaust heat can be used to charge the vehicle battery, doing away with the alternator and reducing fuel consumption and air pollution. Passenger planes can generate power for aircraft systems from waste engine heat, saving fuel. Pets and wildlife can be monitored via TAR-powered locator beacons.