Devices for utilizing molecular movements

Abstract

Devices for utilizing molecular movements, characterized in that geometric structures or different materials are incorporated into a construction.

Description

[0001] Brownian ("molecular") motion is the thermal motion of small particles in liquids and gases. However, here we are not dealing with small particles, but rather with the motion of liquids and gases at the molecular level.

[0002] Liquid and gas molecules travel at speeds of a few meters or hundreds of meters per second, depending on the temperature, and contain a large amount of energy even at ambient temperature. The molecules of liquids and gases have different speeds, and this speed distribution is temperature-dependent. However, these liquid and gas particles only travel very short distances in a straight line because they constantly collide with each other. Every liquid or gas molecule collides with another particle extremely frequently. Ambient air at, for example, 10° Celsius (283.15 Kelvin) has a generally underestimated energy content and is available in unlimited quantities.

[0003] To exploit molecular motion, methods are needed that can create structures at the nanometer scale. Conventional 3D printing methods are far too coarse. However, techniques now exist that can produce structures on the smallest scale. For example, 3D nanoprinting is used in electron microscopes. A highly focused electron beam is used for the printing process. The material is deposited layer by layer. Direct laser 3D nanoprinting (su) also offers nanoscale resolution and can therefore produce complex structures with very high precision. Other methods include electron beam lithography (EBL), ion beam lithography / focused ion beam (FIB), photolithography (including EUV), nanoimprint lithography (NIL), RIE / ICP etching, scanning probe lithography (e.g., dip-pen, AFM nanolithography), specialized scanning electron microscopes, and so on.

[0004] Self-organization / self-assembly (molecular monolayers, block copolymers) results in regular patterns; the chemical synthesis of nanoparticles / nanowires allows control over size / shape through synthesis parameters; epitaxial growth (MBE, MOCVD), e.g., atomic layer build-up of semiconductors, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), conformal layer-by-layer deposition, template-assisted growth (e.g., porous anodic aluminum oxide templates), etc.

[0005] Some methods are better suited for metals, semiconductors or polymers, and others are better suited for complex 3D geometries.

[0006] Solutions based on the invention exist, e.g.: WO2018119180, Energy generation via membrane / structural approaches, US11588418B2, portable energy generation using graphene, among other things, US20200402782A1, Ion pump ratchets with membranes, EP000000924838A1, a normal-sized single-phase generator, EP000003247034A1, an electrostatic induction generator, DE202021101169U1, Electricity from ambient heat.

[0007] The existing solutions fulfill their function according to the circumstances (or are still under development), but do not have the capabilities of the aforementioned invention.

[0008] A universally installable solution is desired. The invention of devices for utilizing molecular movements and thus converting the kinetic energy of liquid and gas molecules through geometric structures or the construction of various materials, as specified in claim 1, fulfills these requirements.

[0009] One example: The invention can serve as a demonstration object in thermodynamics and for generating electricity or heat with millions of layers ( Fig. 2) are used, which are installed, for example, in a device with frame 4, support structure 3 and “primary” partitions 2. As described in claim 2, depending on the requirements, metals, plastics, other materials or combinations thereof may be used.

[0010] According to claim 3, various design features 1 are designed and created such that randomly moving molecules move into a preferred liquid or gas flow: Certain design features at the nanometer scale, such as in Fig. Figure 1 and claim 4 also show, for example, nanovalves, Tesla valves, or other liquid and gas "diodes". The flow is almost unimpeded in one direction, while in the other direction the liquid or gas flow is obstructed in various ways. According to claim 5, directed channels / flows are also possible that attract or repel liquids or gases due to their properties with different molecules (as a structure or coating) (construction of different materials: hydrophilic / hydrophobic, positively / negatively doped / charged, etc.). For example, hydrophobic or hydrophilic properties of a structure or coating are advantageous in this context with water. The same is naturally possible for other liquids and gases.

[0011] The small liquid and gas flows are bundled and combined – as described in claim 6 – to create larger flows. These can be used in various ways: as a demonstration object, for generating electricity and heat using different types of generators.

[0012] As described in claim 7, the interior of the device is a closed "cleanroom area". The finest passages are thus completely separated from the environment.

[0013] According to claim 8, the methods / various manufacturing processes for nanostructures already mentioned in the introduction are conceivable: direct structuring with electrons, electron-induced processes, focused ion beam, chemical processes, etc.

[0014] The modules are arbitrarily scalable, as described in claim 9.

[0015] According to claim 10, generators are operated by the directed and “collected” liquid and gas flows, which are constructed differently depending on the structure.

[0016] When electricity and / or heat is generated, heat exchangers are installed - as described in claim 11.

[0017] Such a flow of liquid or gas, potentially combined with electricity or heat generation, is possible around the clock and is independent of the time of day or year. The goal is decentralized heat and electricity generation that requires no disruptive infrastructure, no large new buildings, is hardly vulnerable to hackers, and causes minimal environmental impact. Reference symbol list 1. Liquid or gas flow directing structure 2 “Primary” partition 3 Support structure 4 frames QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2018119180

[0006] US 11588418B2

[0006] US 20200402782A1

[0006] EP 000000924838A1

[0006] EP 000003247034A1

[0006] DE 202021101169U1

[0006]

Claims

Devices for utilizing molecular movements, characterized in that geometric structures or different materials are incorporated into a construction. Devices for utilizing molecular movements, according to claim 1, characterized in that metals, plastics, other materials or combinations thereof are used, depending on the requirements. Devices for utilizing molecular movements, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that randomly moving molecules move into a preferred liquid or gas flow through the various design features. Devices for utilizing molecular movements, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, for example, nanovalves, Tesla valves or other liquid and gas “diodes” are installed. Devices for utilizing molecular movements, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that channels / conduits are installed which attract or repel the liquids or gases due to their properties with different molecules (as structure or coating) (construction of different materials: hydrophilic / hydrophobic, positively / negatively doped / charged, etc.). Devices for utilizing molecular movements, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that liquid and gas flows are bundled / combined in lines / channels. Devices for utilizing molecular movements, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interior of the device is a closed "cleanroom area". The finest passages are completely separated from the environment. Devices for utilizing molecular movements, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that various manufacturing processes for the nanostructures are conceivable: direct structuring with electrons, electron-induced processes, lasers, focused ion beams, chemical processes, etc. Devices for utilizing molecular movements, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modules are arbitrarily scalable. Devices for utilizing molecular movements, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that generators are operated by the directed and “collected” liquid and gas flows, which are constructed differently depending on the structure. Devices for utilizing molecular movements, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that heat exchangers are additionally installed for corresponding power and / or heat generation.

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