Device for generating electricity in a vehicle

Abstract

A device (100) for generating electricity in a vehicle (200) is disclosed. The device includes a thermionic generator layer (102) attached to a body (202) of the vehicle and having an upper surface (102a) and a lower surface (102b). The device further includes a carbon nanotube array layer (104) disposed on top of the thermionic generator layer and configured to convert light energy into heat energy. On the lower surface of the thermionic generator layer is a thermal grease layer (106) configured to convert the heat energy into electrical energy based on a thermal gradient between the upper surface and the lower surface of the thermionic generator layer.The device improves the fuel efficiency or range of the vehicle while using clean renewable energy to generate electricity.

Description

PREAMBLE FOR DESCRIPTIONIn the following description, the invention and the manner in which it is to be carried out will be explained in more detail.TECHNICAL FIELDThe present disclosure relates generally to the field of motor vehicles. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for generating power in a vehicle. Further embodiments of the disclosure disclose an apparatus that generates power for use in the vehicle using ambient light.BACKGROUNDVehicle power generation typically refers to the process of generating electrical energy for operating various electrical systems and components in a vehicle. Modern vehicles rely on power for a variety of functions, e.g., for lighting, infotainment systems, climate control, and charging electronic devices. There are various methods for generating power in vehicles, such as internal combustion engines, that can directly drive electric generators. These generators generate electrical energy for the onboard systems, e.g., for equipment and lighting. In electric vehicles, the current is generated exclusively via batteries. The energy stored in the battery is used to drive the electric motor, which drives the vehicle and also supplies power to all other vehicle systems.Another method of generating power in the vehicle is regenerative braking. Regenerative braking is used in hybrid and electric vehicles to generate electrical energy. When the driver applies the brakes, the electric motor in the vehicle acts as a generator and converts a portion of the kinetic energy back into electrical energy. This energy is typically stored in a battery for later use, which improves overall efficiency.WO 20232277A1 discloses a thermal electromotive force generating member capable of generating a thermal electromotive force with high efficiency while maintaining an appropriate strength even when the member is miniaturized. The thermal electromotive force generating element is provided with a substrate and a thermoelectric conversion layer that is deposited on the substrate and includes a P-type thermoelectric material and an N-type thermoelectric material that form a PN series circuit.The information disclosed in this Background of the Disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or an indication that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSUREOne or more deficiencies of conventional devices are overcome and additional advantages are provided by the device as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized by the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered part of the claimed disclosure.In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus for generating power in a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a thermionic generator layer mounted to a body of the vehicle and having an upper surface and a lower surface. The device further comprises a carbon nanotube array layer disposed on top of the thermionic generator layer and configured to convert light energy to thermal energy. On the bottom surface of the thermionic generator layer is a thermal grease layer configured to convert the thermal energy to electrical energy based on a thermal gradient between the top surface and the bottom surface of the thermionic generator layer.In an embodiment of the disclosure, the thermionic generator layer includes a cathode forming the top surface, an anode forming the bottom surface, and a thermal interface between the top surface and the bottom surface.In one embodiment of the disclosure, the thermal interface is made of a graphite foil material.In an embodiment of the disclosure, the thickness of the thermionic generator layer is about 3.4 millimeters (mm).In an embodiment of the disclosure, the thickness of the carbon nanotube array is in a range of 25-50 micrometers (μm).In an embodiment of the disclosure, the thickness of the thermal grease layer is in a range of 80-100 micrometers (μm).In an embodiment of the disclosure, the apparatus includes a supercapacitor integrated into the thermionic generator layer to store the electrical energy generated by the thermionic generator layer.In one embodiment of the disclosure, the thermionic generator layer is disposed in a slot defined in at least one of the roof, hood, and side doors of the vehicle.In an embodiment of the disclosure, the thermionic generator layer, the carbon nanotube array, and the thermal grease layer are disposed between encapsulated layers of ethylene vinyl acetate, polyolefin, or polyvinyl butyral.The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments and features described above, other aspects, embodiments and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGSThe novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, as well as a mode of use, other objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood, however, by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus for generating power in a vehicle that includes a plurality of superimposed layers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 ashows an exploded view of the device of FIG. 1, which is installed in a slot in the body of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 b shows the assembled view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in the slot defined in the body of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 a illustrates an in-vehicle power generation system including an arrangement of devices of FIG. 1 mounted on a hood of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure FIG. 3 b illustrates the in-vehicle power generation system including an array of devices of FIG. 1 mounted on a roof of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.In the figures, embodiments of the disclosure are shown for illustrative purposes only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the apparatus illustrated herein may be used without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONWhile the embodiments described in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular form shown, but on the contrary, is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.It should be appreciated that one skilled in the art will be rendered motivatable by the present disclosure and may modify various features of the system and method without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such changes are considered part of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only the specific details that are relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure in order not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the present description. Additionally, the system and method of the present disclosure may be used in any type of vehicle, including commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and the like.The terms "comprises...a", "comprising", or other variations thereof used in the disclosure are intended to cover not exclusive inclusion, such that a method comprising steps may include not only those steps, but may also include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a mechanism. In other words, one or more steps in a method continuing with "comprises... a" does not exclude, without further limitations, the existence of other steps or additional processes in the method.Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an apparatus for generating power in a vehicle. The present disclosure discloses the apparatus that could utilize ambient light or light energy to generate power or electrical energy that can be used in the vehicle for operating components such as infotainment system or for charging electrical batteries in electric vehicles.The vehicle power generation device includes a series of layers that may be mounted on the body of the vehicle, e.g., the roof, hood, etc. The apparatus includes a thermionic generator layer mounted on the body of the vehicle. A carbon nanotube array can be applied to the top side of the layer of the thermionic generator and a thermal lubrication layer can be applied to the bottom side of the layer of the thermionic generator. The carbon nanotube array may be continuously exposed to ambient light, e.g., sunlight, and may be configured to convert light energy into thermal energy. Further, the thermionic generator layer may be configured to convert the thermal energy to electrical energy due to the thermal gradient between the top and bottom surfaces of the thermionic generator layer. The electrical energy thus generated by the thermionic generator can be used by the vehicle for applications such as powering the infotainment system or powering electrical batteries. In one embodiment, a series of devices may be mounted on the body of the vehicle that form a system for generating power in the vehicle.The apparatus of the present disclosure will be explained in conjunction with the corresponding figures in the following sections.In the following sections, the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 b. In the figure, the same element or elements having similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. Referring generally to the drawings, there is illustrated an apparatus in accordance with the teachings of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. The features and elements of the device are represented in the corresponding figures with the corresponding reference numerals [see list of reference numerals], which will be used below for the respective features. It should be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure are not limited to a particular vehicle.The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and use. Moreover, there is no intention to be bound by any theory set forth in the foregoing background or in the summary or in the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the disclosure may take various alternative orientations and sequences of steps, unless expressly stated otherwise. It is also to be understood that the specific devices or components illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions or other physical properties relating to the embodiments are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. While some specific terms are used that point in a particular direction, the use of these terms or words is merely intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Accordingly, it should be noted that the meaning of these terms or words should not unduly limit the technical scope of the present invention.It is also to be understood that the terminology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be considered as limiting. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "housed," "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled," and variations thereof, are used in the broadest sense to include both direct and indirect attachments, connections, supports, and couplings. Moreover, the terms "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and / or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments by way of example and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. In the following description, various embodiments will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are outlined in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without the specific details. In addition, known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the described embodiment. The device for generating energy in the vehicle is explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 b.FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a device ( 100) for generating power in a vehicle ( 200) [illustrated in FIGS. 3 aand 3 b]. The term "current" as used herein implies electrical energy that may be used for various applications in the vehicle (200). Thus, in the present disclosure, the current generated by the device ( 100) may mean generation of electrical energy. The applications may include, among other things, powering the infotainment system or powering the batteries in an electric vehicle. As shown in FIG. 1, the device ( 100) may include a plurality of layers configured to generate power. The device (100) includes a thermionic generator layer (102) that may be configured to generate electrical energy from thermal energy. In one embodiment, the thermionic generator (102) includes a top side (102a) and a bottom side (102b). The top surface (102a) of the thermionic generator layer (102) may act as a cathode layer and the bottom surface (102b) of the thermionic generator layer (102) may act as an anode layer. Further, the device (100) includes a carbon nanotube array layer (104) overlying the top surface (102a) of the thermionic generator layer (102). The carbon nanotube array layer ( 104) may absorb more than 99% of the visible light to convert the incident light energy into thermal energy. The carbon nanotube array layer ( 104) may use the light incident from a natural resource such as the sunlight to convert it into heat energy. Consequently, during the day when the sunlight falls on the vehicle ( 200), thermal energy is continuously generated. This also means that the thermal energy generated by the carbon nanotube array layer ( 104) is available to the thermionic generator layer ( 102).In one embodiment, the device (100) includes a thermal grease layer (106) overlying the bottom surface of the thermionic generator layer (102). In an embodiment, the carbon nanotube array layer (104) may be near the cathode of the thermionic generator layer (102), and the thermal grease layer (106) may be near the anode of the thermionic generator layer (102). The carbon nanotube array layer (104) continuously exposed to light may be maintained at a higher temperature, while the thermal grease layer (106) may be configured to continuously dissipate heat and thus be maintained at a low temperature. As a result, there is always a thermal gradient between the top surface (102a) or cathode of the thermionic generator layer (102) and the bottom surface (102b) or anode of the thermionic generator layer (102). The thermionic generator layer (102) utilizes this thermal gradient to convert the thermal energy available to it into electrical energy. In one embodiment, the thermionic generator layer (102) includes an intermediate layer referred to as a thermal interface (102c) between the top surface (102a) and the bottom surface (102b) of the thermionic generator layer (102). In one embodiment, the thermal interface (102c) may be made of a graphite foil material.As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus (100) further includes a supercapacitor (108) integrated with the thermionic generator layer (102) such that the electrical energy generated by the thermionic generator layer (102) is stored in the supercapacitor (108). The electrical energy stored in the supercapacitor (108) may be used by the vehicle and its accessory, as needed.In an embodiment, each layer of the device (100) may have a predetermined thickness. The thickness of each layer of the device (100) can be optimized to produce maximum power or electrical energy. In an embodiment, the thickness of the carbon nanotube array ( 104) may be in a range of 25-50 micrometers (μm). The thickness of the thermal grease layer ( 106) may be in a range of 80-100 micrometers (μm). Finally, the thickness of the thermionic generator layer (102) may be about 3.4 millimeters (mm). As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of layers may be cuboidal. Apart from the above-mentioned thickness, the length and width may each be about 40 millimeters (mm). It should be noted that the thickness and other size specifications are optimized to achieve maximum current generation. However, variation in the above thickness still results in maximum performance, and such variations in the thickness of the multiple layers are considered part of the present disclosure.FIGS. 2 aand 2 b show the device ( 100), which is installed in a body ( 202) of the vehicle ( 200), in an exploded view and in an assembled view, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2 a, the body ( 202) of the vehicle ( 200) may be provided with a slot ( 204) to receive the device ( 100) for generating energy. In an embodiment, the plurality of layers including the carbon nanotube array layer (104), the thermionic generator layer (102), and the thermal grease layer (106) may be encapsulated between encapsulation layers (110a and 110b) on the top and bottom sides. The encapsulation layer at the top side, near the carbon nanotube array layer (104), may be a first encapsulation layer (110a), and the encapsulation layer at the bottom side, near the thermal grease layer (106), may be a second encapsulation layer (110b). The first encapsulation layer ( 110 a) and the second encapsulation layer ( 110 b) may be made of ethylene vinyl acetate, polyolefin or polyvinyl butyral. In addition, there is a transparent layer (112) which can be laid on the first encapsulation layer (110a). In one embodiment, the transparent layer (112) may be made of a polycarbonate material. The transparent layer (112) allows incident light to be projected onto the carbon nanotube array layer (104) of the device (100) to convert light energy into thermal energy. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 b, the transparent layer ( 112), which is the top layer, may be flush with the body ( 202) of the vehicle ( 200).FIGS. 3 aand 3 b show the system ( 300) for generating power in a vehicle ( 200). The system (300) may be comprised of a number of devices (100) that may be used to generate power. As shown in FIG. 3 a, the arrangement of devices ( 100) may be installed or mounted on a hood ( 202 b) of the body ( 202) of the vehicle ( 200) or on a roof ( 202 a) of the body ( 202) of the vehicle ( 200), as shown in FIG. 3 b. In an alternative embodiment, the arrangement of devices (100) may be mounted on a window area [not shown in the figure] of the vehicle (200), i.e. wherever there is a possibility that the vehicle (200) will be exposed to ambient light, such as sunlight, the arrangement of devices (100) forming the system (300) may be mounted there. The system (300) collectively generates power or electrical energy that can be utilized by the vehicle (200).In one embodiment, the device (100) uses renewable energies such as sunlight to generate power or electrical energy. The current generated by the device (100) may be used to operate the infotainment system in the vehicle or, in the case of an electric vehicle, to charge the batteries. In this way, the device ( 100) improves the fuel efficiency or range of the vehicle ( 200) and at the same time uses clean renewable energy to generate electricity.It is understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a similar system without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the present disclosure cover such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.Equivalents:With regard to the use of terms in the plural and / or singular, the person skilled in the art can translate from the plural into the singular and / or from the singular into the plural depending on the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly listed herein for clarity.Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms used herein, and particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the portions of the appended claims), are generally to be understood as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to", the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least", the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "comprising, but not limited to", etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that when a particular number of introduced claims are intended, such an intention is expressly recited in the claim and that when such a suggestion is absent, such an intention is not present. For convenience in explanation, the following claims may use the introductory terms "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim formulations, for example. However, the use of such terms should not be construed as the introduction of claim enumeration by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limiting a particular claim containing such introduced claim enumeration to inventions containing only such enumeration, even if the same claim contains the introductory terms "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should typically be construed to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same applies to the use of certain articles to initiate claim formulations. Although a particular number of claims introduced is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such a denomination should generally be construed to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the mere denomination of "two denominators" without other modifiers will generally mean at least two denominators or two or more denominators). Moreover, in cases where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, generally such a construction is meant in the sense that one skilled in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include, but is not limited to, systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In cases where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B or C, etc." is used, such a construction is generally meant in the sense that one skilled in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B or C" would include systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B and C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that virtually any disjunction word and / or set of two or more alternative terms in the specification, claims or drawings should be understood to include one of the terms, one of the terms or both terms. Thus, for example, the formulation "A or B" includes the possibilities "A" or "B" or "A and B". Although various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive, the true scope being indicated by the claims.List of reference numbers:100 An in-vehicle power generation device 102 Thermionic generator layer 102 a Oberseite of the thermionic generator layer 102 b Untere of the thermionic generator layer 102 cThermal interface 104 Carbon nanotube assembly 106 Thermal grease layer 108 Supercapacitor 110 aFirst encapsulation layer 110 bSecond encapsulation layer 112 Transparent layer 200 Vehicle 202 Vehicle body 202 a Dach 202 b Hood 204 Slot in the vehicle body 300 In-vehicle power generation systemReferences included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedWO 2023282277A1

[0005]

Claims

An apparatus (100) for generating power in a vehicle (200), the apparatus (100) comprising: a thermionic generator layer (102) attached to a body (202) of the vehicle (200), the thermionic generator layer (102) having a top surface (102a) and a bottom surface (102b); a carbon nanotube array layer (104) overlying the top surface (102a) of the thermionic generator layer (102), the carbon nanotube array layer (104) configured to convert light energy to thermal energy; and a thermal grease layer (106) overlying the bottom surface (102b) of the thermionic generator layer (102), the thermionic generator layer (102) configured to convert the thermal energy to electrical energy based on a thermal gradient between the top surface (102a) and the bottom surface (102b) of the thermionic generator layer (102).The device (100) of claim 1, wherein the thermionic generator layer (102) includes a cathode forming the top surface (102a), an anode forming the bottom surface (102b), and a thermal interface (102c) between the top surface (102a) and the bottom surface (102b).The apparatus (100) of claim 2, wherein the thermal interface (102c) is made of a graphite foil material.The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the thermionic generator layer (102) is about 3.4 millimeters (mm).The device (100) of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the carbon nanotube array layer (104) is in a range of 25-50 micrometers (μm).The device (100) of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the thermal grease layer (106) is in a range of 80-100 micrometers (μm).The apparatus (100) of claim 1 comprising a supercapacitor (108) integrated with the thermionic generator layer (102) to store the electrical energy generated by the thermionic generator layer (102).The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the thermionic generator layer (102) is mounted in a slot (204) defined in at least one of a roof (202a), a hood (202b), and side doors of the vehicle (200).The device (100) of claim 1, wherein the thermionic generator layer (102), the carbon nanotube array layer (104), and the thermal grease layer (106) are disposed between encapsulation layers (110a and 110b) of ethylene vinyl acetate, polyolefin, or polyvinyl butyral.A system (300) for generating power in a vehicle (200), comprising an arrangement of devices (100) according to claim 1 mounted on a body (202) of the vehicle (200).

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