Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature using highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids

Abstract

Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, characterized in that magnetic liquids generate heat in appropriately synthesized highly porous solids and are separated again with permanent or electromagnets, wherein the temperature difference is used to generate current by means of Peltier elements and the synthetically produced solids are used in different sizes and shapes.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates, inter alia, to a device for generating electricity by using ferrofluids (e.g. magnetite, iron, water, surfactants) or other magnetic fluids in combination with highly porous solids (e.g. synthetically produced zeolites) at ambient temperature.

[0002] Zeolites and other highly porous solids have cavities and channels that are differentiated by their size. For example, zeolites can absorb water and other low-molecular-weight substances and release them again when heated. Activated carbon has different pore sizes because it is a natural product. The cavities are largest in charcoal, followed by hard coal, and the smallest in coke.

[0003] Various magnetic fluids exist. Ferrofluids are liquids that react to magnetic fields without solidifying. The magnetic particles are often several nanometers in size, suspended in a carrier fluid, and ideally stable.

[0004] There are also other uses of magnetic fluids / ferrofluids in combination with highly porous materials (e.g. silica gel, silica gel, etc.) in the fields of medicine, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, technology, etc.

[0005] This technical field includes, among other things, thermoelectricity and, primarily, the use of temperature differences to generate electricity. Various methods for generating electricity from temperature differences are known. These include steam generators and, for example, thermocouple-based systems / Peltier elements based on the Seebeck effect.

[0006] Compared to other technologies, the present invention is distinguished by the innovative, environmentally friendly, and sustainable use of materials such as ferrofluids in combination with synthetic zeolites to generate a temperature difference without external heat sources. While most existing systems rely on pre-existing temperature differences, the present invention enables the generation of a temperature difference solely through the interaction of the materials and, by harnessing ambient heat, is a renewable energy source.

[0007] Existing power generation systems have several shortcomings. First, they rely on significant temperature differences, which must be generated using fossil fuels (gas, oil, etc.). Second, the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these systems are often inadequate, as they rely on complex and expensive materials, among other things. Third, integration into existing systems is often difficult, which limits their applicability.

[0008] The present invention solves these problems by creating a temperature difference, for example, through the combination of ferrofluids and zeolites. This enables more efficient and cost-effective power generation that is applicable in a wide variety of environments. The invention is scalable: from a "balcony power plant" to an industrial scale.

[0009] There are solutions from other areas, e.g.: DE000010035953A1, adjustable particle and pore size as well as adjustable magnetic content of magnetic silica particles for biomolecules, DE102020006113A1, Heat from geothermal energy for electricity generation in various ways, DE202021100069U1, Energy-saving heat pump or chiller using magnetic fluids and highly porous solids, EP000003258188A1, mentions ferrofluids for exotic heat transfer, US000009328276B2, heat transfer in industrial water systems using ferrofluids, US000006982501B1, magnetic fluid power generator (MHD), WO002005115531A2, nanomagnetic particles smaller than 100nm.

[0010] The existing solutions fulfil their function according to the circumstances but do not have the possibilities of the above-mentioned invention.

[0011] A solution for generating electric current is desired and the invention of a device for generating electric current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, as defined in claim 1, meets these requirements. Examples of implementation:

[0012] The very energy-intensive process of removing the liquid (often water, here e.g. ferrofluid) from the highly porous solids (here e.g. synthetic zeolites) is simply achieved by the significantly less energy-intensive removal using permanent or electromagnets.

[0013] According to the Fig. For the magnetic fluid 1 listed in claim 1 (e.g. ferrofluid - superparamagnetic particles or other magnetic fluids), the pore size ("cage") of the, for example, synthetic highly porous solid 2 (e.g. zeolites) must be designed accordingly if necessary. Natural highly porous solids are also possible but not as effective. The ferrofluid enters the appropriate pores of the zeolite and heat is generated - analogous to water that is added to zeolites. A sieve, for example, then holds back the comparatively large grains (chunks, very coarse grain size) (according to claim 2), so that only the attracted ferrofluid flows to the permanent magnet or electromagnet 3. A permanent magnet could - as shown in claim 3 - initially attract the ferrofluid and then, through appropriate arrangement or increasing distance - also possible in a circular arrangement of the permanent magnets - allow the ferrofluid to continue flowing unhindered.Furthermore, a device for magnetic shielding would be possible. An electromagnet fulfills the same purpose by switching on and off (according to claim 4). The heat generated by the incorporation of the ferrofluid in the zeolite can be transferred to one of the thermal contact surfaces (“hot side”) of a Peltier element 7 (as described in claim 5). The ferrofluid 4, attracted by the magnet and cooled during the reaction, passes (according to claim 6) through the pump 6 to the other thermal contact surface of the Peltier element (“cold side”) and then into the heat exchanger 5, which heats the ferrofluid back to ambient temperature, as described in claim 7. The temperature difference generates electricity with the Peltier element. It is also possible to connect several reaction chambers in series / serially, thus creating a greater temperature difference and, if necessary,can also be used with a steam turbine and a low-boiling liquid (possibly also with vacuum).

[0014] According to claim 8, an alternative to sieves or similar materials and coarse-grained zeolites would be highly porous solids in powder or granular form, separated from the electromagnet or permanent magnet by a thin plate / disk made of plastic or another material. Once the highly porous solids no longer contain any or very little magnetic fluid, they fall down or can be removed if necessary. After the cold magnetic fluid has been used, it is heated to ambient temperature in a heat exchanger.

[0015] Further alternatives would be - as shown in claim 9 - e.g. highly porous solids in powder form, which are applied to a carrier (foils, spheres, etc.) or granular zeolites in porous (metal, plastic, etc.) spheres, etc.

[0016] According to claim 10, devices other than magnetic fluids in highly porous solids are also conceivable. Non-magnetic fluids (including water) are removed from highly porous (e.g., granular) solids, etc., using a centrifuge 8 ( Fig. 2).

[0017] As described in claim 11, the electrical energy generated is stored in an energy storage system when required.

[0018] According to claim 12, the power generation unit has a modular design to enable easy integration into existing systems.

[0019] The power generation unit is - as shown in claim 13 - equipped with a control system that optimizes the power based on the ambient temperature.

[0020] According to claim 14, the power generation unit is also used in small (also mobile) applications to replace batteries or to enable a decentralized and self-sufficient energy supply.

[0021] As described in claim 15, the power generation unit is equipped with a monitoring system that monitors the performance and efficiency in real time.

[0022] According to claim 16, the temperature difference can be increased by using various chemical additives in the liquids.

[0023] In addition to power generation by Peltier elements, further embodiments are conceivable in (at least) two groups: solutions with and without “nanodiodes”.

[0024] The corresponding ultrafine structures can be constructed in various ways—as described in claim 17. For example, similar to computer chip construction (also three-dimensional), using 3D printing, lasers, conventional / mechanical methods, etc. The highly porous solids can be attached to the structures (also to "conductor tracks," "circuit boards"). The structures and magnetic fluids can, for example, have different electrical charges, be electrically conductive, or be magnetic, so that they attract each other. One or more external magnetic fields may also be present.

[0025] 1.) With "nanodiodes": Nanometer-sized diodes are limited by the tunneling effect. X. Chen et al. (2017) achieved that when the applied voltage is directed in the right direction, the diode molecules bend slightly toward the upper electrode, significantly strengthening the contact. In the opposite direction, this electrostatic effect is absent, so that hardly any current can flow. AV Rudnev et al. (2017) also demonstrated that further miniaturization is possible by developing a diode made of a single molecule: the graphene-molecule interfaces lay the foundation for more efficient nanoelectronics.

[0026] Using an external magnetic field, conductor tracks (e.g., made of copper), three-dimensional structures, and highly porous solid-state structures, tiny electrical currents can be generated in various ways (see below), according to claim 18. These currents then combine to produce a "strong" direct current through the "nanodiodes." Using standard electronics, alternating current with the desired voltage can be generated from the direct current.

[0027] 2.) without “nanodiodes”: primarily only one movement (direction) of the magnetic fluids is used, so that no nanodiodes are needed.

[0028] As described in claim 19, (e.g., copper) foils with thin, continuous ("cage") tubes are used, so that, for example, the magnetic fluids can only flow into the foil from one side and exit again on the other. In a subsequent step, the fluid is removed by a permanent magnet or electromagnet.

[0029] Thus, any “pores or holes” in the copper or other foils can be “cages” instead of the highly porous solids.

[0030] According to claim 20, the above-mentioned process can also produce very small (e.g. copper) coils (if necessary in a square shape) which are open or closed at one end.

[0031] Also, as shown in claim 21, a single layer of zeolites attached to a copper foil can be used.

[0032] A (copper) foil with “nano-pores” (not continuous, see above) can, for example, accommodate individual zeolites according to claim 22.

[0033] Very fine tubes, e.g. in copper foil 9, are also possible - in contrast to claim 19 with one working step - whereby - as shown in claim 23 - the tubes are open or closed on one side ( Fig.3). Thus, the solution is that ferrofluids, for example, can flow into the finest "tubes" from both sides of the foil, depending on the magnetic field(s).

[0034] According to claim 24, electromagnets or permanent magnets can be installed in such a way that they generate an external magnetic field from one, two or more sides.

[0035] As shown in claim 25, “openings / tubes / pores” can be introduced, for example, at an angle into films, so that “nano-diodes” are also not necessary.

[0036] According to claim 26, millions of ultrafine wires arranged at close intervals (side by side and parallel) are also a possible solution. An alternative for simpler production would be a very long ultrafine wire (with the aforementioned incorporated structures or to which synthetic zeolites are attached).

[0037] It may be useful - as shown in claim 27 - to make synthetic zeolites electrically conductive, if necessary to use highly porous metallic structures (3D printing, analog chip constructions, lasers, etc.) and then to work with a magnet (field) and magnetic fluids.

[0038] According to claim 28, ions can be used in combination with magnets / electric current instead of magnetic fluids.

[0039] As shown in claim 29, all of the above-mentioned devices / solutions that do not work with magnetic fluids, not with highly porous solids and not with a sieve for larger “grains” can also be used in a heat pump.

[0040] According to claim 30, all solutions can be connected in series and / or parallel. Summary

[0041] The present invention demonstrates novel methods for power generation. The combination of (possibly magnetic) fluids, (permanent or electro) magnets, (synthetic) highly porous solids, possibly Peltier elements, other devices, and, for example, special structures made of copper or other materials provides an efficient and cost-effective solution for energy generation that can be used in a wide variety of applications and scaled to any size. List of reference symbols 1 Ferrofluid / magnetic fluid at ambient temperature 2 highly porous solids / (synthetic) zeolites etc. 3 (Permanent or electric) magnet 4 (Ferrofluid / magnetic) liquid, colder than the ambient temperature 5 heat exchangers 6 Pump 7 Peltier element 8 Centrifuge 9 (copper) foils with finest incorporated structures QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 000010035953A1

[0009] DE 102020006113A1

[0009] DE 202021100069U1

[0009] EP 000003258188A1

[0009] US 000009328276B2

[0009] US 000006982501B1

[0009] WO 002005115531A2

[0009]

Claims

[1] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, characterized by that magnetic fluids in appropriately synthesized highly porous solids generate heat and are separated again using permanent or electromagnets, whereby the temperature difference is used to generate electricity by means of Peltier elements and the synthetically produced solids are used in different sizes and shapes. [2] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to claim 1, characterized by that a sieve or other device retains the comparatively large grains of the highly porous solid. [3] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a permanent magnet attracts the magnetic fluid and allows it to flow further by increasing the distance from the magnetic fluid or by another device (e.g. magnetic shielding). [4] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an electromagnet attracts the magnetic fluid and when switched off allows it to continue flowing. [5] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the heat generated by the storage of the liquid and the cold of the cooled liquid are each transferred to a thermal contact surface of a Peltier element. [6] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a pump moves the liquid through a circuit so that the liquid circulates in a closed system. [7] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byThe cooler liquid is then warmed back to ambient temperature by the heat exchanger. It is also possible to connect multiple reaction chambers in series and, if necessary, to operate with a steam turbine and a low-boiling liquid (possibly also with a vacuum). [8] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by Highly porous solids in powder or granular form are separated from the electromagnet or permanent magnet by a thin plate / disk made of plastic or another material, rather than a sieve or similar. Once the highly porous solids no longer contain any magnetic fluids, they fall down or are removed by a device. [9] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that highly porous solids in powder form are applied to a carrier (foils, spheres, etc.) or granular zeolites are applied in porous (metal, plastic, etc.) spheres, etc. [10] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that non-magnetic liquids (including water) are separated from highly porous (e.g. granular) solids etc. by a centrifuge. [11] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the generated electrical energy is loaded into an energy storage system. [12] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the power generation unit has a modular design. [13] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the power generation unit is equipped with a control system. [14] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the power generation unit is installed in small (also mobile) applications (decentralized systems, but also batteries / accumulators / accumulators). [15] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the power generation unit is equipped with a monitoring system. [16] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the temperature difference between the liquids is increased by the use of various chemical additives. [17] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the finest structures can be constructed in a variety of ways. For example, similar to computer chip construction (also three-dimensional), with 3D printing, with lasers, classically mechanically, etc. The highly porous solids can be attached to the structures (also to "conducting tracks", "circuit boards"). The structures and magnetic fluids can, for example, be electrically charged to different degrees, electrically conductive, or magnetic. One or more external magnetic fields are optionally generated by a device. [18] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat by means of an external magnetic field (or several), conductor tracks (e.g. made of copper), three-dimensional structures and highly porous solid-state structures, tiny electrical currents are generated in various ways, which are installed together with “nanodiodes”. [19] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by This involves installing (e.g., copper) foils with thin, continuous ("cage") tubes. The magnetic fluids flow into the foil only from one side and out again from the other. In a subsequent step, the fluid is removed by a permanent magnet or electromagnet. Any "pores or holes" in the copper or other foils act as "cages" instead of the highly porous solids. [20] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that, using various methods, additionally tiny (e.g. copper) coils are installed (possibly in square form), which are open or closed at one end. [21] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a single layer of highly porous solids is attached to copper or other foils. [22] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that copper or other foils with “nano-pores” absorb individual zeolites. [23] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that tiny tubes in (copper) foil are open or closed on one side. The (e.g., magnetic) liquids can flow into or through the foil "tubes" from one or both sides, depending on the magnetic field(s). [24] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that electromagnets or permanent magnets are installed in such a way that they generate an external magnetic field from one, two or more sides. [25] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat “openings / tubes / pores” are introduced, for example, at an angle in copper or other foils. [26] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , which involves installing an extremely large number of extremely fine (e.g., copper) wires close together and parallel to each other. An alternative would be a very long wire (with incorporated structures or to which highly porous solids are attached). [27] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that synthetic highly porous solids are electrically conductive, highly porous metallic structures will be used, magnetic field(s) and magnetic fluids will be used. [28] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that instead of magnetic fluids, ions are used in combination with magnets / electric current. [29] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that all devices that do not work with magnetic fluids, highly porous solids, or a sieve for larger grains are installed in a heat pump. [30] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that all devices are connected in series and / or parallel. [31] Generation of electrical current at ambient temperature by means of highly porous solids or devices, magnets and liquids, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that alternating current with the desired voltage is generated from direct current using standard electronics.

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