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Passive thermal oscillators

a passive thermal and oscillator technology, applied in the direction of dielectric constant thermal change thermoelectric devices, thermoelectric devices with magnetic permeability, electrical devices, etc., can solve the problem of only being able to achieve periodic oscillating temperature differences, and achieve the effect of improving the overall system efficiency

Active Publication Date: 2020-06-18
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THE AS REPRESENTED BY THE SEC OF THE ARMY
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about a device that can efficiently convert thermal energy into electrical energy using multiple technologies. The device includes a curie point energy converter which can be connected to a thermoelectric device. This combination of technologies can create a highly efficient system for energy conversion.

Problems solved by technology

To date, a periodically oscillating temperature difference has only been possible by active electrical control that requires active external electrical input.

Method used

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  • Passive thermal oscillators
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Embodiment Construction

[0017]The novel passive thermal oscillator of the present invention uniquely combines a thermoelectric device and a passive analog electrical circuit to produce a time-oscillating temperature difference across the thermoelectric device.

[0018]FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a passive thermal oscillator 10 according to embodiments. The passive thermal oscillator 10 includes a thermoelectric device 20 and a passive analog electrical circuit 30.

[0019]The passive thermal oscillator 10 produces a time-varying temperature difference in response to an imposed static, nominally constant temperature difference. It uses the adventitious energy within the system to drive the oscillation, and is therefore entirely self-powered. No external electrical input power is necessary.

[0020]The thermoelectric device 20 accepts a thermal (heat) input, Qinput. Preferably, the oscillator receives a constant or static thermal (heat) input. The constant or static heat input generates a sinusoidal thermal oscillati...

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Abstract

A passive thermal oscillator combines a thermoelectric device and a passive analog electrical circuit to produce a time-oscillating temperature difference. The oscillator makes use of a temperature difference imposed across a thermoelectric device to produce a Seebeck voltage to periodically trigger electrical current to pass through a switch. The periodic electrical current causes periodic Peltier cooling producing a time-oscillating temperature difference across the thermoelectric device. There is no requirement for additional external energy input because the thermal energy generates a voltage that is used as the driving force. The operation is purely passive. So long as there is a temperature difference across the thermoelectric device, then the passive thermal oscillator oscillates. The passive thermal oscillator can integrate multiple energy conversion device technologies to operate cooperatively. The cooperation of multiple energy conversion technologies yields a much higher overall system efficiency than just the conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy.

Description

GOVERNMENT INTEREST[0001]The invention described herein may be manufactured, used and licensed by or for the U.S. Government without the payment of royalties thereon.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of Invention[0002]The present invention relates to thermal oscillators, and more particularly to, passive thermal oscillators.Description of Related Art[0003]To date, a periodically oscillating temperature difference has only been possible by active electrical control that requires active external electrical input. A passive system would be useful.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0004]According to embodiments, the passive thermal oscillator of the present invention uniquely combines a thermoelectric device and a passive analog electrical circuit to produce a time-oscillating temperature difference. The thermoelectric device is configured to generate an electrical output from thermal energy. The passive analog electrical circuit comprises an electrically-controlled switch and a switch biasi...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): H01L35/28H01L37/02H01L37/04H03L1/02H10N10/10H10N15/10H10N15/20
CPCH01L37/04H01L37/02H01L35/28H03L1/02H10N10/10H10N15/10H10N15/20
Inventor TAYLOR, PATRICK J.MADDUX, JAYWILSON, ADAM A.
Owner UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THE AS REPRESENTED BY THE SEC OF THE ARMY