An apparatus for the rapid transfer of thermal energy, a method for realizing said apparatus, and a system for the generation of zero-emission electricity from other renewable energy sources integrated with said apparatus.

Abstract

A device (1) for rapidly transferring thermal energy from a thermal energy source (A) to a destination point (B) at a rate higher than the convection and heat transfer capacity of adjacent means 2 and for capturing said thermal energy point or surface, wherein a thermoelectric conversion means located at the destination point B can convert the thermal energy into electrical energy with zero emissions harmful to the environment and living things. The thermal energy is transferred by a coating 4 composed of a plurality of nanometric layers with atoms forming a regular geometric structure (Figure 1). The present invention also relates to a device for the transfer of thermal energy having multiple layers of carbonaceous material on a planar or non-planar (three-dimensional shape), opaque, transparent or translucent, rigid or semi-rigid substrate of fabric, metallic or non-metallic or flexible material, having flexible but not opaque, transparent or translucent natural or synthetic fibers. The present invention also includes a method for manufacturing a device (10 or 10a) for the rapid transfer of thermal energy. The method comprises at least one deposition step of at least one layer (12, 12a-12b-12c-12d, etc.) of a carbonaceous material having a regular geometric structure on a support substrate (11 or 11a) in an environment (110) of a deposition machine (100), the environment being vacuum-packed under controlled temperature and pressure conditions and isolated from the external environment, the deposition being performed along a direction perpendicular or locally radial to a plane or shape substantially defined by the support substrate (11 or 11a). The present invention also relates to an integrated system for generating electrical energy using said device coupled to a possible generator other than a renewable energy source of thermoelectric generator, photovoltaic and / or thermoelectric-photovoltaic and / or motive power type, all used jointly for the supply of an electrical load.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of heat transfer devices.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a device capable of capturing thermal energy (hot or cold) affecting a surface of said device exposed to thermal energy present in the surrounding environment (air and / or solar radiation, thus renewable sources) or from other non-renewable sources, for the rapid transfer of said captured thermal energy from point "A" to point "B".

[0003] In particular, the present invention relates to devices for rapidly transferring thermal energy (hot or cold) at a rate greater than the convective capacity of the adjacent medium.

[0004] The device for rapid transfer of thermal energy (hot or cold) according to the present invention is functional in terrestrial environments (including the atmosphere) and in space (excluding the atmosphere).

[0005] More particularly, it relates to a device for rapidly transferring thermal energy (hot or cold) at a rate greater than the convective capacity of adjacent means, and to a method for making the same.

[0006] The present invention also relates to an integrated system for the production of electrical energy from renewable energy sources, in which a device according to the invention is used for the rapid transfer of thermal energy, which device is coupled to a first thermoelectric generator supplying an electron group integrating a possible second kinetic type generator and a possible third photovoltaic type generator, the third photovoltaic type generator being assisted by a rapid transfer system of thermal energy coupled to the thermoelectric generator in order to cool the cells of the photovoltaic generator to improve its efficiency and to compensate for lack or insufficient light. [Background technology]

[0007] <Publicly Known Technology> The problem of thermal energy transfer has been known for a long time, and there are different types of thermal energy transfer systems that use convection or conduction to extract heat or cold from a first body by directing it towards a second body.

[0008] For example, cooling systems for engines are known that use air or water or other fluids to transfer heat which is then dissipated through a heat-dissipating surface.

[0009] There are also refrigeration systems that use gas heat pumps, similar to what happens in air conditioning systems.

[0010] Geothermal systems also exist that use heat present in the earth for heating or to generate electricity, but these systems have significant technical complexity and are quite costly.

[0011] Although these energy recovery systems are now highly developed, they suffer from the drawback of high thermal inertia, and are therefore unable to remove large amounts of thermal energy (heat or cold) from objects undergoing, for example, rapid temperature changes.

[0012] Furthermore, conventional heat pump systems require electricity and are therefore not suitable for energy recovery, are too slow to respond, are too expensive to build, and are bulky.

[0013] Many of the energy recovery devices, like materials with good thermal conductivity, are in any case subject to the phenomenon of re-radiation of heat or cold towards the surrounding environment, which limits their application: in any case, these energy recovery devices have low efficiency and must be large in size, even if they only supply a small electrical load.

[0014] There are systems and materials that can prevent the absorption or dissipation of heat in order to save energy and to make the indoor environment more comfortable, and there are many "coat" coatings on the exterior walls of buildings, and in the construction of modern large buildings, special transparent "flat glass" plates are fitted on the exterior walls, but they have good thermal insulation properties (good thermal insulation). All of these coatings cannot transmit thermal energy and cannot participate in or assist in the generation of electricity or any other type of energy.

[0015] Also, in any type of vehicle (car, train, ship, etc.), more specialized types of glazing are applied that can reduce the passage of heat energy to the inside and vice versa, improving comfort and saving energy, but even these types of glazing cannot participate in or help generate electricity or any other type of energy.

[0016] To generate electricity from the sun, there are solar panels that convert the energy of sunlight into electricity using solar cells, but sunlight brings heat that overheats the solar cells. Once the temperature of a solar cell exceeds a certain threshold (usually after 25°C), the amount of electricity generated gradually decreases as the temperature rises, and the % efficiency of the cell drops significantly, resulting in a significant decrease in the amount of electricity generated.

[0017] Known coatings and devices in which convective or conductive fluids are used are characterized by a high dissipation of thermal energy, which led the inventor to think of proposing an innovative device for the rapid transfer of said thermal energy to generate electricity with zero emissions harmful to the environment and all living beings.

[0018] Various systems and electronic units are also known for supplying electrical energy with the characteristics of a normal power grid, for example to adapt the power generated from renewable energy sources, via power-type generators (for example mini or micro wind turbines) or via photovoltaic generators. These systems are very extensive and advanced, but have an input threshold slightly below the nominal value of the operating voltage range, with the result that all electrical energy generated at voltages below said threshold is completely lost, although it has a considerable power. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0019] A first object of the present invention is to describe a device for the rapid transfer of thermal energy that does not have the drawbacks mentioned above.

[0020] A second object of the present invention is to describe a method for manufacturing said device for rapid transfer of thermal energy.

[0021] A third object of the present invention is to describe an integrated system of power supply from renewable energy sources that contributes to reducing the above-mentioned drawbacks and is more energy efficient.

[0022] <Concept of the invention> 1, a device 1 is created that can rapidly transfer thermal energy from a thermal energy source "A" and a point or surface for capturing thermal energy to a destination point "B" at a rate exceeding the capacity convection and conduction of an adjacent means 2, and convert the thermal energy into electrical energy by a conversion device 3 located at the destination point B with zero emissions harmful to the environment and living things. The thermal energy is transferred by a coating 4 consisting of multiple nanometric layers in which atoms form an ordered geometric structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0023] <Summary of the Invention> According to the present invention, various energy recovery devices are provided that are characterized by high thermal conductivity (hot or cold) suitable for the rapid transfer of thermal energy, avoiding any kind of dispersion in fluids or other materials that may come into contact with said device.

[0024] According to the invention, the device comprises a substrate (object): a) rigid, made of metal, glass or crystal (transparent or opaque plates), ceramic or porcelain, composed with vegetable or synthetic fibers; b) semi-rigid, plastic, organic polymer, or amorphous synthetic or semi-crystalline, composites with vegetable or synthetic fibers; c) Flexible, organic or synthetic fabrics It is produced in a nanotechnology environment by coating with

[0025] The device 1 according to the present invention is a structure of material a) or b) or c) acting as a support substrate comprising a first layer of thermally conductive carbonaceous material, said layer being superimposed (or superimposed / superimposed) on the surface of the structure acting as a support substrate and having an oriented geometric molecular structure, and a thermoelectric converter in contact with said layer of thermally conductive carbonaceous material.

[0026] The invention also describes a method for the manufacture of said device for the rapid transfer of thermal energy, said method comprising at least one deposition step of at least one layer of carbonaceous material with a regular geometric structure onto a structure acting as a support substrate, made of transparent glass (without altering its transparency) or non-transparent glass or metal or other material a) or b) or c), in the nanotechnological environment of a deposition machine.

[0027] The nanotech environment of the deposition machine is vacuum packed and isolated from the external environment under controlled temperature and pressure conditions, and the deposition occurs orthogonally or locally radially relative to a plane or shape substantially defined by the support substrate.

[0028] Said deposition step advantageously includes a step of obtaining at least one set of parameters comprising voltage and frequency values ​​of the substrate as well as pressure and temperature values ​​in said isolated environment for correct control of the process.

[0029] The deposition step includes at least one magnetron for generating an electromagnetic field acting on at least a portion of the support substrate, and an automatic control system for the intensity of the electromagnetic field by emission of a data processing and command unit suitable for dynamic parametric management of the deposition machine.

[0030] The electromagnetic field strength is adapted according to at least a portion of the set of parameters for dynamic parametric management of the deposition machine.

[0031] The electromagnetic field is generated by a magnetron generator, and the deposition step includes relative continuous coordinated movement between the magnetron generator and the supporting substrate.

[0032] Advantageously, the method also includes a previous pre-cleaning step and a cleaning step of the support substrate, carried out before introducing the support substrate into the process chamber of a deposition machine.

[0033] According to the present invention, a device for transferring thermal energy is described, comprising a support substrate and a plurality of layers of carbonaceous material with a regular geometric structure acting as heat conducting means, said layers of carbonaceous material being superimposed on said support substrate, said device further comprising thermoelectric conversion means (inspired by well-known physical phenomena, namely the Peltier effect and the Seebeck effect) having at least a first surface and a second surface, said first surface being arranged in contact with a side of a stratification 12 opposite to the side in contact with the support substrate 11 or 11a at a distance from said first surface of said thermoelectric conversion means which, in use, is subjected to a thermal differential relative to said first surface, said thermoelectric conversion means being capable of generating electrical energy as a function of said temperature differential. Advantageously, said thermoelectric conversion means comprises a first Peltier-like cell.

[0034] Advantageously, the thermoelectric conversion means further comprises a second Peltier-like cell, each of the first and second Peltier-like cells having the first and second surfaces, the second surface of the first Peltier-like cell being positioned substantially adjacent to the first surface of the second Peltier-like cell, to provide means for recovering residual thermal energy generated by operation of the first Peltier-like cell.

[0035] Advantageously, said rigid or semi-rigid or flexible supporting substrate is three-dimensional (non-planar).

[0036] Advantageously, each of said layers of carbonaceous material is thermally conductive.

[0037] Advantageously, each of said layers of carbonaceous material comprises a percentage amount of sp 2 type bonds and primarily a certain percentage of sp 3 It has a type bond.

[0038] Advantageously, said thermoelectric conversion means comprise at least one similar Peltier cell or at least one similar thermocouple according to the Seebeck effect.

[0039] Finally, the present invention provides an integrated system for supplying an electrical load from a renewable energy source, said system comprising a first generator, such as a possible second mechanized generator and a possible third photovoltaic generator. Other generators from renewable energy sources (or other generators from renewable sources) The device comprises at least one device for transferring thermal energy according to the invention physically coupled to a first generator of the thermoelectric type, which supplies power to an electronic unit integrating the device.

[0040] Advantageously, said electronic groups have respective outputs electrically connected to power at least one stage of conversion of electrical energy for powering a consumer or industrial electrical device or load.

[0041] Advantageously, there is an electric energy battery or accumulator stage electrically connected to the electric energy conversion stage, which is configured to supply the power supply of the energy conversion stage with its own stored electric energy and with electric energy coming from the thermoelectric converter and / or the generator of electricity from renewable energy sources in case of a power outage from the thermoelectric converter and / or the generator of electricity from renewable energy sources.

[0042] Advantageously, there is an electric energy battery or accumulator stage electrically connected to the thermoelectric converter, the generator of electric energy from a renewable energy source and the electric energy conversion stage by a charge regulation stage which can supply the electric energy battery or accumulator stage when it is at least partially discharged, the charge regulation stage replacing the power supply of the electric energy conversion stage when the absorption of electric energy required by the electric energy conversion stage is greater than the electric energy supplied by the thermoelectric converter and / or the generator of electricity from a so-called renewable energy source.

[0043] Advantageously, the system further comprises at least a second kinetic generator of possible electrical energy and a third photovoltaic generator of possible electrical energy, which may supply the electrical energy conversion stage together with the thermoelectric converter and / or the generator of electrical energy from the renewable energy source.

[0044] Advantageously, the system further comprises a Buck-Boost type voltage converter having an input powered by the thermoelectric converter and / or the generator of electrical energy from renewable energy sources, an output feeding the electrical energy conversion stage and an input of a so-called charge regulation stage.

[0045] Advantageously, said generators of electrical energy from renewable energy sources include at least one possible photovoltaic generator and at least one possible wind generator. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not intended to limit the generality of the invention itself: [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the concept of the system, which is the rapid transfer and conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of a device for the rapid transfer of thermal energy; [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of a device for the rapid transfer of thermal energy; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a third three-dimensional embodiment of a device for rapid transfer of thermal energy. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a machine for manufacturing the device of Figures 2 and 3; [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the integrated power supply system; [Figure 7-8] 7 and 8 respectively show graphs of process details of the treatment aimed at obtaining a device according to the invention, in particular a graph of the density as a function of the thickness of the coating layer of carbonaceous material and a graph of the percentage of sp3 type bonds depending on the supply voltage of the substrate; [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a table of thickness values ​​for layers of carbonaceous material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Referring to the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 10 or 10a generally denotes a thermal energy transfer device configured to convey thermal energy in one or more substantially predetermined directions to enable conversion of that energy into electricity.

[0048] In particular, in the first embodiment shown in Figure 2, the device 10 comprises a support substrate 11 of a rigid or semi-rigid or flexible material, of substantially planar shape and lying in a plane identified by a first pair of axes X, Y, on which at least one layer 12 of carbonaceous material is superimposed, ideally with a uniform thickness over its entire surface, thus identifying a first face 13 and a second face 14 opposite each other with respect to the other (in particular the face facing the substrate 11 and the face facing outwards).

[0049] The superposition of the substrate 11 with the layer of carbonaceous material 12 is on an axis Z that is substantially perpendicular to the pair of axes X, Y, which need not be interpreted as limiting, and various substrates include metal, glass or crystal (transparent or non-transparent sheets), ceramic or porcelain, and compounds with plant or synthetic fibers.

[0050] The layer 12 makes it possible to provide a guide for at least one preferred direction of the thermal energy captured on the second surface 14 of the layer 12 itself.

[0051] In a second embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the device 10 according to the invention is adapted to apply sp 3 Carbon layer and sp 2 It is characterized by the presence of multiple carbonaceous layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, etc., in which carbon layers are alternately repeated, and all sp 3 The layers are identical to each other and sp 2 It is thicker than a layer.

[0052] In a third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a device 10a according to the present invention, which is a non-limiting example of a windscreen for an automobile, includes a support substrate 11a made of a rigid or semi-rigid material (in a specific example, laminated glass) having a three-dimensional shape, on which a plurality of carbonaceous layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, etc., consisting of alternating sp3 carbon layers and sp2 carbon layers, are superimposed along the Z axis or in the radial direction until a desired total thickness is reached, and all sp 3 The layers are identical to each other and sp 2 Thicker than a layer.

[0053] The device 10 or 10a according to the present invention is made by a process comprising a first pre-cleaning step and a cleaning step, in which the substrate 11 or 11a is thoroughly cleaned to reduce the presence of impurities that may impair the correct application of the first layer of carbonaceous material 12. In particular, the first pre-cleaning step is designed to promote the removal of all micrometer-type impurities, while the cleaning step removes nanometer-sized impurities.

[0054] Since temperatures greater than 65° C. can be reached during the pre-clean and cleaning steps, it is also important that the substrate 11 or 11a be able to be exposed to these temperatures without being damaged or altered.

[0055] Specifically, a pre-wash step is carried out in a first surrogate solution using: - preventive coating of the substrate surface with acetone; - A subsequent scrubbing step with a cotton swab; - a subsequent rinsing step, preferably carried out with isopropyl alcohol (propan-2-ol: CH3CH(OH)CH3); - A subsequent drying step of the substrate by blowing with nitrogen (N2).

[0056] Alternatively, the cleaning step may include, in addition to or instead of one or more of the previous steps: - Oxygen plasma etching step to remove residual organic films; - The RCA Clean technology stage for removing metal, oxide and organic contaminants, advantageously carried out in two stages: a first stage of organic cleaning, which removes insoluble organic contaminants with a 5:1:1 solution of H2O:H2O2:NH4OH, and a second stage called "Oxide Strip", which removes the thin layer of SiO2 on which the metal contaminants have accumulated. - the stage known as "piranha clean" or "piranha etch", which involves the removal of organic materials (photoresist, oils, etc.) obtained with 98% H2SO4 and 30% H2O4 in a ratio of 2-4:1 by volume, and heating the substrate thus cleaned to 100°C; - an ultrasonic cleaning process in which the substrate is placed in an ultrasonic cleaning device to remove contaminants.

[0057] Cleaning solutions for alternative substrates 11 or 11a were observed in trials to include immersion in piranha solution (H2SO2:H2O2 7:3, 10') followed by ultrasonic cleaning.

[0058] If the substrate 11 or 11a is made of a ferrous material, especially steel, cleaning with NaOH followed by ultrasonic cleaning can be an option.

[0059] Finally, regardless of the substrate type, the cleaning step always ends with deposition of the substrate 11 or 11a in the HV chamber, which is then cleaned with a low-energy etch to avoid amorphization. At this point, the substrate is ready to be processed.

[0060] The process continues in the vacuum chamber 110 of the deposition machine 100, in which a threshold pressure (preferably 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 2) is reached after the deposition step of one or more layers 12 of carbonaceous material has been carried out, via a suitable vacuum pump of the "Root" type and against an ultra-vacuum of the "turbomolecular" type, from the inside of which air can be sucked. -1 (less than Pa).

[0061] In particular, the deposition machine 100 comprises at least one magnetron unit 120, consisting of one or more magnetron devices, which can be movable or fixed when the substrate is moved, and which is arranged inside a vacuum chamber 110, and a gas inlet 150, the end of which is arranged inside said vacuum chamber 110. The vacuum chamber 110 creates a clean, isolated environment in which the following deposition steps are carried out under controlled temperature and pressure conditions appropriate to the type of support substrate 11 or 11a:

[0062] During the deposition phase, the magnetron unit 120 is activated to generate an electromagnetic field that impinges on the substrate 11 or 11a in a precise manner during its movement substantially parallel to the profile identified by the substrate 11 or 11a. Thus, there is a movement between the magnetrons 120 and the substrate 11 or 11a relative to the profile in a planar direction on the XY axes, or in a three-dimensional direction on the XYZ and / or radial axes, which allows the deposition of a layer or multiple nanometer layers of carbonaceous material in a very precise manner compared to conventional sputtering techniques, sputtering. 3 Layers with bonds and sp 2 Both layers with bonding ensure a uniform layering with a high degree of order.

[0063] Also within the vacuum chamber 110 is an electron gun 130 (integrated into the magnetron unit) which delivers an electron beam to a target 140 (always integrated into the magnetron unit) preferably, but not exclusively, made of planar type carbon or 99.99% pure graphite, placed in contact with a suitable electrode.

[0064] Carbon atoms directed towards the substrate 11 or 11 a are emitted from the carbon target 140 .

[0065] Specifically, the target 140 is made of sp 3Graphite was chosen to be at least 99.99% pure so as to be able to obtain a coating with a tetrahedral crystal structure.

[0066] However, other possible targets that may be considered for final and specific applications are: - Ni (nickel) doped graphite, necessary to enable the growth of nanotubes on the supporting substrate; - Or pure Ni, which is the catalyst for the growth process.

[0067] A purity of the graphite having a value of at least 99.99% is necessary to obtain a highly efficient deposition of the layers 12 of carbonaceous material and to avoid the spread of impurities inside the vacuum chamber 110, which would tend to cause complications during the process and even significantly increase the operating time due to the intervention of the quality control system equipped by the deposition machine 100.

[0068] The magnetron 120 is operated using physical parameters and times that depend on the method described above and related to the introduction into the chamber 110 of auxiliary gases that are essential to the deposition process.

[0069] The deposition step is sp 3 Layer with bonds or sp 2 Using a particular modality for the layers with bonding, the set of layers 12 may include one or more deposition steps of layers 12 of carbonaceous material, depending on the total thickness to be achieved.

[0070] In particular, in fact, in a single deposition step, the deposition machine 100 deposits sp 3 or sp 2 It allows the deposition of a layer 12 of carbonaceous material, in either case it is sp 3 (sp 2 thickness) or it is sp 2 It depends on whether

[0071] However, through multiple deposition steps, each layer 12 of carbonaceous material is sp 2 A uniform layer (sp 3 The thickness of the sp is thinner than 2 ) and alternating sp 3 is superimposed on a uniform layer of

[0072] It should be noted that if the substrate does not have a planar shape, but has, for example, a cylindrical shape, the deposition of the various layers on the substrate 11a is substantially radial.

[0073] The number of layers 12 of carbonaceous material allows the amount of thermal energy that the device 10 according to the invention is able to transfer to be determined a priori as a function of the temperature difference.

[0074] In some cases, depending on the type of support substrate being coated, a time interval is left between one deposition step and the next to maintain the temperature below a value that could cause a degradation of the performance of the apparatus 10.

[0075] During the deposition step, the substrate 11 or 11a may be subjected to a potential non-zero voltage, which may even reach several hundred volts, as will be explained below, and which is known in the art as a "bias voltage."

[0076] In particular, a so-called "bias voltage" favors the deposition process of the carbonaceous material onto the substrate 11 or 11a.

[0077] By varying the voltage to which the substrate is subjected, the sp 2 The bond percentage is typical of diamonds. 3 Varies in relation to percentage of binding.

[0078] According to the present invention, sp 2 Bond or sp3 By bonding is meant a bond created by a hybridization process occurring on a certain number of orbitals (s, p, d orbitals) with slightly different energy contents, which allows one or more central atoms of the molecule to obtain new equivalent hybrid orbitals (equal energy) with lobes oriented along the directions of the possible bonds that they can form with other atoms.

[0079] For details, see sp 2 The sp orbital involves three orbitals, one of which is "s" type and two of which are "p" type. 3 In the case of a bond, four orbitals are hybridized, one of which is "s" type and three of which are "p" type.

[0080] In particular, during the deposition stage, the carbonaceous material actually takes on a substantially crystalline form with a regular geometric structure similar to that of diamond, and in particular, by the use of magnetron(s) 120, the geometric structure is reshaped by multiple nanotubes oriented in the same direction in a first, simpler embodiment of the deposition process.

[0081] This is because during the various deposition steps of the carbonaceous material, the bias voltage on the substrate 11 or 11a may change, resulting in the crystalline morphology of the carbonaceous material changing from layer to layer, which in turn may change the resistance, density and heat transfer capability characteristics of each layer.

[0082] Specifically, in the crystalline form desired for application on the device of the present invention, carbon is in the sp 2 Instead of the typical sp bond in diamonds, 3 Type binding predominates.

[0083] In particular, the crystal structure is tetrahedral.

[0084] Instead of having a single layer of carbonaceous material with a high height, it is preferable to deposit several layers of carbonaceous material with a thin height along the Z-axis or radial axis, and in fact by reducing the height of each layer of carbonaceous material deposited on the substrate 11 or 11a, in particular to less than 100 nm per layer, the temperature and mechanical stresses of the layer itself can be reduced, advantageously by using the sp that is typical of graphite in order to fully exploit the mechanical resistance and heat conduction properties. 2 It has been found that the percentage of type binding can be reduced.

[0085] The reduction of mechanical stresses ensures optimal conditions for thermal conductivity and avoids any destruction of the layer that confers the necessary mechanical flexibility, an essential feature when the support substrate 11 or 11a is semi-rigid or when it is a fabric or other material that does not have a solid form.

[0086] Finally, a successive superposition of at least two, and preferably more, layers 12 of carbonaceous material is formed, sp 2 At least one layer 12 of carbonaceous material with predominantly sp type bonding 3 Further experiments have shown that the absolute greatest heat transfer efficiency is found when the mold coupling is performed with the dominant one separated.

[0087] Indeed, as shown in Figure 7, the density characteristics of the material vary depending on whether a single layer of carbonaceous material is used or whether several layers are used superimposed on the substrate 11 or 11a in separate deposition steps.

[0088] The diagram in Figure 7 shows in detail the structure in which the substrate 11 or 11a is subjected to a bias voltage of -20V, both for a single deposition phase (solid line) and for multiple deposition phases (dashed line). It can be seen from this graph that the rapid increase in density with decreasing thickness along the Z or radial axis is due to the presence of a small number of microvoids, i.e., sp 3It can be seen how it shows the index of the generation of type bonds.

[0089] In Figure 7, once reached at approximately 70 Å, the density changes as the thickness increases depending on whether there is a single layer or more of carbonaceous material, reaching approximately 2.44 g / cm for a single layer. 3 The value tends to decrease to 2.6 g / cm for multiple layers. 3 It remains on the order of more than .

[0090] This is because the continued exposure of the support substrate assembly 11 or 11a and the layer 12 of carbonaceous material to ion bombardment causes an increase in temperature within the layer 12, and therefore, as a result, sp 2 This occurs to increase the percentage of type bonds.

[0091] FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the bias voltage fluctuation on the substrate 12 and the sp 2 Type or sp 3 This graph shows in detail how the bias voltage favors the formation of sp3 type bonds. The graph shows that the percentage of sp3 type bonds remains around 30% between -20V and 0V, increases sharply between 0 and 20V, stabilizes at about 45%, and then decays substantially between 40 and 38% between 30V and 100V. Above this bias voltage value, sp 3 A more rapid decay in the percentage of binding is observed, which decreases linearly to below 20% at a bias voltage of 200 V, except for a short-term decline.

[0092] 8 can be divided into three sub-areas: In the first sub-area (I), at bias voltages between -20 V and 0 V, there is no ion bombardment by carbon and it is deposited gently on the substrate 11 or 11a only under the action of the technical gas introduced into the vacuum chamber 110, so that the carbon deposition is carried out in a nearly equilibrium state.

[0093] Subsequently, in the second sub-area (II) [0-100] V, the ion sub-implantation mechanism is activated in the substrate, and in the third sub-area (III) (100-200) V, the thermalization process is activated. Note that the voltages shown in the graph are actually negative, i.e., the first sub-area actually corresponds to a positive substrate voltage.

[0094] sp 2 Bond or sp 3 A layer of material with bonds is superimposed and subjected to a bias voltage (V b A first layer 12 (layer A) is deposited on a substrate 11 supplied with a bias voltage equal to -10V, and a second layer 12 (layer B) is deposited by supplying the substrate 11 with a bias voltage equal to -20V, each layer being d a and d b Experiments were carried out in which the deposition was carried out in one, two or three sublayers with a total thickness between 1 and 2. The total product thickness was equal to 900-1000-2600 Å. The first deposition consisted of a double layer with dA of 150 Å and dB of 230 Å. From the second to the ninth deposition, dA of 50 Å. The total thickness was equal to 2620 Å. 3 The content of V b The first layer A1 deposited exhibits low stress (1.35 GPa) and ensures good adhesion to the substrate 11. The first layer B1 deposited on A1 exhibits an increase in stress up to 4.5 GPa. The subsequent deposition of layer 12 has little effect on both A and B. Above a thickness of 1800 Å, the stress saturates at 5.2 GPa.

[0095] To evaluate the effect of the A layer on the mean stress of the coating, the following series of layers 12 of carbonaceous material were deposited: * a (~900Å) and * b(-1000 Å). Thickness data are shown in the table in Figure 9.

[0096] Below are listed some deposition "recipes" which, in the course of experiments carried out, have been shown to enable particularly effective devices according to the invention to be realized.

[0097] The first recipe, implemented by magnetron sputtering on the aforementioned machine, is: - Target 140: 99.9999% pure graphite, 10 mm thick (indicated) and 75 / 90 mm diameter (indicated). Gases introduced into the vacuum chamber 110: CH4; - Pressure inside the vacuum chamber 110: 5 * 10 -3 Torr; - Total flow rate of gas inside the vacuum chamber 110: = 70 Sccm (standard cubic centimeters per minute). - Magnetron parameter settings: frequency f=13.56MHz; power=150W.

[0098] The first recipe identified above makes it possible, for example, to create a device whose total layers are equal to: - 300nm; 600nm; 1μm; 3μm; 6μm; 10μm; 20μm.

[0099] The second recipe, implemented using pulsed bipolar asymmetric sputtering, is: - Target 140: 99.9999% pure graphite, 10 mm thick (indicated) and 75 / 90 mm diameter (indicated). - Gases introduced into the vacuum chamber 110: Ar+7.5% CH4; - Pressure inside the vacuum chamber 110: 9.75 * 10 Torr; - Magnetron parameter setting: power density = 4.4W / cm 2 ; - Characteristics of the pulsed DC signal on the magnetron 120: pulse = +37.5 V; negative pulse = -(600 ÷ 700) V; source used (indicated) = ENI RPG-50; duty cycle = 70% (obtained from a frequency equal to 150 kHz, positive impulse 2016 ns); substrate bias power supply (-300 ÷ 0) V.

[0100] The second recipe described above also made it possible to create, for example, a device whose total layers were equal to: - 300nm; 600nm; 1μm; 3μm; 6μm; 10μm; 20μm.

[0101] The third recipe, implemented by magnetron sputtering, is instead characterized by the following parameters: - Target 140: 99.9999% pure graphite, 10 mm thick (indicated) and 75 / 90 mm diameter (indicated). Gases introduced into the vacuum chamber 110: Ar+H2 (0.7%); - Pressure inside the vacuum chamber 110: 30 * 10 Torr; - Total flow rate of gas inside the vacuum chamber 110: 40 Sccm (standard cubic centimeters per minute). - Magnetron set power: 200W

[0102] The third recipe was also tested with carbonaceous material layer thicknesses of 300 nm, 600 nm, 1 μm, 3 μm, 6 μm, 10 μm, and 20 μm. - Catalytic agent: a coating layer of Ni 10 nm pre-deposited on the substrate. Gas introduced into the vacuum chamber 110: N2 with a purity of 99.999%; - pressure inside the vacuum chamber 110: 0.020 Torr; - Total flow rate of gas inside the vacuum chamber 110: 30 Sccm (standard cubic centimeters per minute). - Set magnetron parameters: power 100W; - Board bias voltage: -20V.

[0103] The deposition process can advantageously leave the properties of the support substrate unchanged, which is particularly important when the support substrate must be a known material or element, the dimensions and mechanical strength properties of which must remain unchanged in order to allow the previously assigned tasks to be carried out and to maintain the compatibility of the installation on electromechanical or mechanical systems, even of complex types.

[0104] The described process also enhances resistance to chemical agents and the action of erosive agents such as sand found in coastal as well as desert regions that can cause significant wear of the surface of the support substrate and even the coating layer within the carbonaceous material assembly.

[0105] Advantageously, therefore, the transport of thermal energy provided by the device 10 or 10a according to the invention is of anisotropic type and therefore has a preferred direction, although this should not be understood in a limiting sense, since it is possible to obtain a different preferred direction for each layer 12 of carbonaceous material deposited on the previous layer.

[0106] The machine 100 comprises a data processing unit, specific software for managing the deposition process, and a number of sensors located inside the vacuum chamber 110 and electrically connected to said data processing unit, which directly or through a servo system pilots at least the amount and frequency of energy emitted by the magnetron(s), the operating pressure, and the gas flow rates introduced inside the vacuum chamber 110 itself.

[0107] Specifically, the amount of energy E, the frequency emitted by the magnetron, and the gas flow F are determined by at least two parameters: the temperature of the substrate T sub and residual pressure P inside the vacuum chamber Pc cTherefore, the data processing unit, by means of specific software, performs a feedback control to adapt at each moment the values ​​of the amount of energy E and the flow of gas F according to the above-mentioned parameters, in coordination with the mechanical movements of the support substrate and the magnetron unit(s), in order to keep each monolayer of the layered deposit 12 of carbonaceous material uniform and homogeneous throughout its thickness.

[0108] In particular, the plurality of sensors electrically connected to the data processing unit includes at least one pressure sensor, preferably of the capacitive type, and at least one gas flow sensor.

[0109] For each type of substrate 11 or 11a, the data processing unit is configured to start the deposition phase with a predetermined set of parameters (E, Hz, F), which are then adapted according to the data collected by a set of sensors placed inside the vacuum chamber 110 during the deposition step itself.

[0110] This ensures a necessary and optimum process reproducibility, which is particularly necessary when several devices 10 or 10a are manufactured in series and have the same operating characteristics.

[0111] In use, the device 10 or 10a allows for the rapid transport of thermal energy in the presence of a thermal differential between the substrate 11 or 11a and the second surface of the layer of overlying carbonaceous material.

[0112] In particular, the structure of the carbonaceous material layer(s) is adapted to rapidly transfer thermal energy from thermal energy source A to destination B at a rate faster than the convective and conductive capacity of the nearby medium, and a conversion device 3 located at destination B can convert the captured and transported thermal energy into electrical energy with zero harmful emissions to the environment and living organisms, effectively realizing a type of thermal superconductor.

[0113] In this way, heat dispersion, for example from radiation towards the environment surrounding the device itself, is reduced to a minimum.

[0114] From several experiments performed on a 2x27 mm sample (with an 8x14 mm portion exposed to (captured by) thermal energy transport (heat and cold), and a 200 nm thick layer of carbonaceous material), with differences between the support substrate 11 and the exposed side of the carbonaceous material ranging from 0.5°C, 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, and 50°C, and then at temperatures ranging from -0.5°C, -1°C, -2°C, -3°C, -4°C, -5°C, -10°C, -20°C, -30°C, -40°C, and -50°C, kinetic energy analysis at the molecular / atomic level created with a high-vacuum SEM microscope detected an average thermal conductivity of 1570 W / (mK), with a maximum peak of 1750 W / (mK).

[0115] The device 10 or 10a may be integrated with a thermoelectric converter 20 capable of converting thermal energy into electrical energy.

[0116] Conveniently, a thermoelectric converter 20 can be applied to one side of the device 10 or 10a on a portion of the surface of the laminate 12 (or in addition to / applied to) to realize a system for converting thermal energy into electrical energy.

[0117] The thermoelectric converter 20 has in particular its first surface 20f placed directly on the layer 12 applied to the support substrate 11 or 11a, but is preferably manufactured by one or more cells similar to Peltier, or by a number of similar thermocouples according to the Seebeck effect, through which the overall efficiency achieved by the system in thermoelectric conversion can reach 40% (peaks of 55% have also been detected in the laboratory).

[0118] Considering the device according to the invention in a laboratory, with a temperature difference equal to 50 ° C and a distance of 1 m 2A suitable thermoelectric converter with heating or cooling of the device layer 12 having an exposed surface equal to 4000 W can produce a power of 4000 W, which drops to 2700 W when the temperature difference is 40°C, 1150 W when the temperature difference is 30°C, 850 W when the temperature difference is 20°C, 550 W when the temperature difference is 10°C, and 300 W when the temperature difference is 5°C.

[0119] If the object of the device of the present invention is not exposed to a differential (and therefore cannot generate electrical energy), then supplying an electric current to the thermoelectric converter will expose the converter itself to temperature fluctuations that can cause the transfer of thermal energy between layers of carbonaceous material present on the substrate.

[0120] This injection of energy (the amount of electrical energy to trigger operation can be quantified as 5÷6 W for approximately 120 seconds) is used as an initiation condition for the imbalance to initiate the rapid transfer of thermal energy captured by the layer of carbonaceous material towards the thermoelectric converter 20.

[0121] A particularly efficient solution for constructing Peltier-like cells is achieved by stacking a pair of thermoelectric converters 20, i.e., each thermoelectric converter 20 has a first or upper surface (technically definable as the "hot" surface) and a second lower surface or surface (technically definable as the "cold" surface), the second lower surface of the first thermoelectric converter of the pair being placed on or in any case facing the first upper surface of the second thermoelectric converter of the pair. In fact, there is often a small heat sink or heat dissipator on the second surface, which, if present, would not be able to directly support the two adjacent surfaces of two separate Peltier cells.

[0122] Advantageously, the system described makes it possible to recover on a second thermoelectric converter a portion of the dissipated thermal energy coming from the first thermoelectric converter.

[0123] As shown in Figure 6, the device for the rapid transfer of thermal energy can be incorporated into an energy recovery system for the production of electrical energy from renewable energy sources, in which the device for the rapid transfer of thermal energy according to the present invention is used in conjunction with a first thermoelectric generator that supplies power to an electronic group that integrates a second generator, possibly of the power type, and a third generator, possibly of the photovoltaic type, which can be assisted by a fourth device for the rapid transfer of thermal energy according to the present invention, which is connected to the second thermoelectric generator, with the main purpose of removing heat in order to maintain the best efficiency of the photovoltaic cells.

[0124] 6, in detail, reference number 300 denotes the entire complex device 100 (for capturing thermal energy and rapid transfer of the captured thermal energy) coupled to a first complex generator device 304 (thermoelectric for generating electrical energy). This system can be integrated with a possible second power generator 310 connected to group 315 (rectifier) ​​via line 311 and a possible third photovoltaic generator 330, which can be assisted by a fourth system 330a (complex device 100 for capturing and rapid transfer of the captured thermal energy according to the present invention) coupled to a second complex generator device 331a (thermoelectric for generating electrical energy) in order to maintain the best efficiency of the photovoltaic device 330.

[0125] A buck-boost type voltage converter unit 340 is connected at its input via lines 302, 316, 331 and 332a to the first generator 300, possibly the second generator 310, possibly the third generator 330 and possibly the fourth generator 330a, and adjusts the output voltage for the correct power supply of the following groups: - 370, optional accumulator group for energy storage; - 380,Electronic unit with WI-FI card for communication with remote computers and smartphones; - 390, any inverter group for supplying single-phase current compatible with the usual public network, for example, 230V, 50Hz, with neutral and earth; - 400, possible inverter group for supplying three-phase current compatible with normal civil / industrial networks, e.g. 3x380V, 50Hz, with neutral N and earth.

[0126] 6, voltage converter 340 is connected at its output via bipolar lines (+ and -) 342 to group 350 (accumulator charger), which charges accumulator group 370 via bipolar lines (+ and -) 351. Said output group 370 supplies, in case of an emergency, group 380 and group 390 or 400 via (+) line 352, which connects to (+) line 346 (coming from group 340) having the same positive voltage value.

[0127] For ease of representation, electrical lines 302, 316, 331, 332a, and 342 are represented by a single segment in FIG. 6, but are actually bipolar, comprising a first positive electrical conductor electrically isolated from a second negative electrical conductor.

[0128] The 311 line is actually a bipolar or three-pole AC line (depending on the type of power generator), with each individual conductor electrically isolated from the second or third conductor.

[0129] Line 351 comprises a first positive conductor electrically isolated from a second negative conductor.

[0130] Positive (+) lines 346 from each capacitor bank 344 and 345 are joined by nodes to lines 352 and are electrically isolated conductors having the same type of current and the same voltage value.

[0131] The negative (-) or zero line 341a has at least two nodes and is actually the electrical zero of the system.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 6, coupled to the thermal energy transfer device is a thermoelectric generator 301 which includes at its output an electrical line 302 which is the first power supply for a voltage converter 340.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 6, a possible second power generator 310 connected to a rectifier group 315 includes at its output an electrical line 316 that is a possible second power source for a voltage converter 340 .

[0134] Referring to FIG. 6, a possible third photovoltaic generator 330 includes an electrical line 331 at its output which is a possible third power source for a voltage converter 340 .

[0135] Referring to FIG. 6, there is a possible fourth thermoelectric generator 331a coupled to the thermal energy transfer device 330a, the main purpose of which is to maintain the best efficiency of the photovoltaic generator 330 even in moments of strong solar radiation, and which includes at its output an electric line 332a, which is a possible fourth power source for the voltage converter 340.

[0136] Each input line to voltage converter unit 340 feeds its own specific buck-boost device and therefore the voltage values ​​will be identical after the conversion performed by the single "buck-boost" device and therefore have different input voltage values ​​that may be output to the single (+) positive terminal to which monopolar line 341 is connected and the single negative (-) or electrical zero terminal to which monopolar line 341a is connected.

[0137] Advantageously, unit 340 has a second output with dedicated (+) and (-) terminals for supplying via bipolar connection 342 to a possible device 350 for charging one or more accumulators via bipolar connection 351 (batteries) 370 for advantageous energy storage.

[0138] Advantageously, the accumulator charger group 350 is configured to cut off the power supply for recharging the accumulators (batteries) 370 when it detects that the accumulators are fully charged, reducing their wear and improving their lifespan.

[0139] Using 340 voltage converters with individual buck-boost devices is cost effective because the continuous voltage value can be increased or decreased from a first value coming from thermoelectric generator 301, and / or from power generator 310 rectified by 315, and / or from photovoltaic generator 330, and / or from thermoelectric generator 331a, each connected to a specific buck-boost device that adapts the individual voltage value to the value needed to power, for example, group 390 or group 400.

[0140] Advantageously, group 340 can adapt the increased DC voltage produced to the value required to power transmission group 390 or transmission group 400, for example, thereby making it possible to use even the small amount of energy that would otherwise be lost due to a voltage value below the required threshold.

[0141] Advantageously, group 340 also makes it possible to use energy that would otherwise be lost due to a voltage value higher than the required threshold, by adapting the DC voltage generated by reducing it to the value required to power transmission group 390 or transmission group 400, for example.

[0142] The output voltage converter 340 has a positive (+) terminal that feeds a static-type two-position switch 343 or equivalent electronic switch, which feeds alternately via unipolar connections 343a and 343b a first bank of capacitors 344 and a second bank of capacitors 345, as described above, via unipolar connections 341a and 343b. At its output, the voltage converter 340 has a terminal (-) or electrical zero reference, as described above, which is connected via connection 341a to the various nodes, groups 380 and 390 or 400.

[0143] Advantageously, the capacitor banks 344 and 345 ensure a positive (+) power supply via a monopolar connection 346, possibly supported by a monopolar connection 352(+), of the final single-phase inverter 390 or optional three-phase inverter 400 of the data processing and communication unit (WI-FI) 380.

[0144] Advantageously, any group 390 supplied with DC current at its input via the positive line 346 and the zero line 341a supplies a preferably sinusoidal AC current compatible with normal civil electrical networks, for example single phase 230V-50Hz + neutral N and earth.

[0145] Advantageously, any group 400 supplied at its input with DC current via positive line 346 and zero line 341a also supplies to ground a preferably sinusoidal AC current compatible with normal industrial / civilian electrical networks, e.g. 3 phase 3x380V-50Hz+neutral N and mass.

[0146] Optionally, both inverters 390 and 400 may be present and powered by lines 346 and 341a. If necessary, accumulators 370 may also be present, creating an electrical energy conversion system in which accumulators 370 automatically step in to supply the required energy whenever the absorption required by the system is greater than the electrical energy that can be supplied by thermoelectric generator assembly 301 and the electrical energy of photovoltaic generator 330 supplemented by thermoelectric generator 331a of power generator 310 connected via 311 to rectifier 315, if present.

[0147] Advantageously, a data processing and WI-FI communication unit 380 is supplied with DC power via the positive line 346 and the zero line 341a and processes by a microprocessor the input and output data from groups 340, 350, 344, 345 and 390 or group 400 and then transmits via WI-FI on a computer or smart phone to a remote control device of the system of the invention characteristic data on the operation of the individual groups shown in FIG. 6 by signalling any abnormalities and indications regarding maintenance methods.

[0148] In effect, the unit 380 makes it possible to have overall control over the operating state of the system, for example the amount of energy produced by the generators and by the inverters for the electrical networks 390 and / or 400, or in case of malfunction.

[0149] Thanks to the system described above (see FIG. 6), various electrical applications, both civil and industrial, can be powered through a combination of different electricity generators from renewable energy sources, such as: - thermal energy, high and low temperature, via thermoelectric generator 301; - kinetic energy, air or other fluid flow, via power generator 310 (+ 311 and 315); - solar energy, light, through photovoltaic generators 330; - by rapid transfer of thermal energy 330a, heat being dissipated to avoid overheating of the photovoltaic 330 and the associated thermoelectric generator 331a according to the invention.

[0150] The system described above, combined with the possibility of integrating an accumulator group 370, see FIG. 6, creates a highly efficient integrated system in both the civil and industrial sector, the efficiency of which can be very high compared to conventional systems for supplying electricity from renewable energy sources.

[0151] The mere presence of a system for the rapid transfer of heat, high temperature or low temperature energy, coupled to a thermoelectric generator according to the invention, can already guarantee electricity for civil or industrial use, although a power generator and a photovoltaic generator may not be present.

[0152] Furthermore, the presence of a battery or accumulator makes it possible to provide electricity even in the complete absence of solar, thermal and kinetic energy components.

[0153] The above-described system can therefore be installed in all environments where there is no power distribution network, or at the same time where the supply of power from the network is discontinuous, with considerable advantages for maintaining the functionality of the various equipment and, in any case, representing significant energy savings.

[0154] Advantageously, the system according to the invention also functions in cold weather, provided that the device for transferring thermal energy has a sufficient heat difference, and can therefore serve, for example, both winter and summer.

[0155] Finally, it is apparent that modifications, additions, and variations obvious to those skilled in the art may be applied to the apparatus for rapid transfer of thermal energy coupled to the above-described thermoelectric device, as well as the above-described manufacturing method and electronic system, without departing from the scope of protection provided by the appended claims.

[0156] The following is the invention as originally described in the application. <Claim 1> An apparatus 1 (10 or 10a) for capturing thermal energy from a thermal energy source (A) and rapidly transferring said thermal energy to a destination (B) at a rate greater than the convective and conductive capabilities of adjacent means. <Claim 2> 2. The device 1 (10 or 10a) according to claim 1, wherein the thermal energy of the heat source (A) is characterized by a temperature higher than 0°C (0 degrees Celsius). <Claim 3> 2. The device 1 (10 or 10a) according to claim 1, wherein the thermal energy of the heat source (A) is characterized by a temperature below 0°C (0 degrees Celsius). <Claim 4> 4. The device 1 (10 or 10a) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one surface is planar and is covered with a plurality of layers in which the atoms form a regular geometric structure. <Claim 5> 4. The device 1 (10 or 10a) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one surface is not planar but is covered with multiple layers in which the atoms form a regular geometric structure. <Claim 6> 6. The device 1 (10 or 10a) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the surface is flexible and is covered with a plurality of layers in which atoms form a regular geometric structure. <Claim 7> 5. The device 1 (10 or 10a) according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the planar surface is a substrate covered with a plurality of layers in which atoms form a regular geometric structure, consisting of a solid material and a rigid or semi-rigid, metallic or non-metallic material lacking transparency to visible light, possibly translucent or non-translucent. <Claim 8> 5. The device 1 (10 or 10a) according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the planar surface is a substrate covered with a plurality of layers in which atoms form a regular geometric structure, and is made of a solid material and a rigid or semi-rigid, metallic or non-metallic material that is transparent and / or possibly translucent to visible light. <Claim 9> 6. The device 1 (10 or 10a) according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the non-planar surface is a substrate covered with a plurality of layers in which atoms form a regular geometric structure, and is made of a solid and rigid or semi-rigid material, metallic or non-metallic, transparent and / or optionally translucent to visible light. <Claim 10> 6. The device 1 (10 or 10a) according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the non-planar surface is a substrate coated with a plurality of layers in which atoms form a regular geometric structure, and is made of a solid and rigid or semi-rigid material, non-metallic, transparent and / or possibly translucent to visible light. <Claim 11> 10. The device 1 (10 or 10a) according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the surface is a flexible substrate coated with a plurality of layers in which atoms form a regular geometric structure, and is made of a woven or non-woven material of natural or synthetic fibers, metallic or non-metallic, transparent or opaque to visible light and / or optionally translucent. <Claim 12> 12. A method for manufacturing an apparatus (10 or 10a) for the rapid transfer of thermal energy according to claims 1 to 11, said method comprising at least one deposition step of at least one layer (12, 12a-12b-12c-12d, etc.) of a carbonaceous material having a regular geometric structure on a support substrate (11 or 11a) in an environment (110) of a deposition machine (100), said environment being vacuum-packed under controlled temperature and pressure conditions and isolated from the external environment, said deposition being carried out along a direction perpendicular or locally radial to a plane or shape substantially defined by said support substrate (11 or 11a). <Claim 13> 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the depositing step includes obtaining (110) at least one set of pressure and temperature values ​​inside the isolated environment (110). <Claim 14> 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the deposition step comprises the step of generating an electromagnetic field that at least partially covers the substrate (11 or 11a) and automatically controlling the intensity of the electromagnetic field by a data processing unit of the deposition machine (100). <Claim 15> 15. The method of claim 14 when dependent on claim 13, wherein the electromagnetic field strength is adapted according to at least a portion of the set of values. <Claim 16> 16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the electromagnetic field is generated by a magnetron generator (120), and the deposition step comprises a step of relative movement between the magnetron generator (120) and the support substrate (11 or 11a). <Claim 17> Within all of the at least one layer (12, 12a-12b-12c-12d, etc.) of carbonaceous material 4, sp 2 sp to percentage of type bonds 3 10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of supplying to the substrate (11 or 11a) a voltage that may allow for a variation in the percentage of type coupling. <Claim 18> 18. The method according to claims 16 and 17, comprising a plurality of deposition steps of a layer (12, 12a-12b-12c-12d etc.) of carbonaceous material having a regular geometric structure, wherein in a first deposition step a first layer (12a) of carbonaceous material is superimposed on the substrate (11 or 11a) and in subsequent steps further layers (12b, 12c, 12d etc.) of carbonaceous material are superimposed on the first layer (12a) of carbonaceous material, and wherein the method comprises at least three successive deposition steps, wherein the substrate (11 or 11a) is subjected to a first voltage corresponding to a first deposition step of the plurality of deposition steps and wherein in a second deposition step of the plurality of deposition steps a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied. <Claim 19> 19. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 18 for the rapid transfer of thermal energy, comprising a support substrate (11 or 11a) and a plurality of layers (12, 12a-12b-12c-12d, etc.) of a carbonaceous material with a regular geometric structure acting as a heat conducting medium, said layers of carbonaceous material being superimposed on said support substrate (11 or 11a), said device further comprising a thermoelectric conversion means (20) having at least a first surface and a second surface, said first surface and second surface being located at different distances from said substrate and being exposed to a thermal differential relative to said first surface in use, said thermoelectric conversion means being able to cause the generation of electrical energy initiated by said temperature differential. <Claim 20> 20. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein each of the layers of carbonaceous material contributes to characterizing the assembly of the layers of carbonaceous material as a thermoconductor or thermal conductor capable of transferring thermal energy at a rate greater than the convective and conductive capabilities of the adjacent means. <Claim 21> 21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the layers of carbonaceous material characterizes the assembly of the layers of carbonaceous material as a thermal conductor, allowing for rapid transfer of thermal energy at a rate greater than the convective and conductive capabilities of the adjacent means, thereby also contributing to imparting the flexibility property. <Claim 22> Each of the layers (12, 12a-12b-12c-12d, etc.) of the carbonaceous material is 3 A given percentage amount of major type binding, and sp 2 22. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, having a predetermined percentage amount of minor type binding. <Claim 23> 23. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the thermoelectric conversion means comprises at least one Peltier-like cell or at least one similar thermocouple according to the Seebeck effect. <Claim 24> 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the thermoelectric conversion means further comprises a second Peltier-like cell, each of the first and second Peltier-like cells comprising the first and second surfaces, the second surface of the first Peltier-like cell being positioned substantially adjacent to the first surface of the second Peltier-like cell, and providing means for recovering residual energy (heat) generated by operation of the first Peltier-like cell. <Claim 25> 26. An integrated power supply system for an electrical load from a renewable energy source, said system comprising at least one device for transferring thermal energy according to any one of claims 2 to 24 physically coupled to a thermoelectric converter (301) and a heat generating means power separate from the renewable energy source (310-315, 330, 331a), said thermoelectric converter having a respective output electrically connected to and supplying at least one electrical energy conversion stage (390 or 400) for supplying a consumer or industrial electrical appliance or load. <Claim 26> 26. The system of claim 25, further comprising an electric energy storage stage (370), electrically connected to the electric energy conversion stage (390 or 400) and configured to supply the power source of the electric energy conversion stage (390 or 400) with continuous electric energy stored therein and coming from the thermoelectric converter (301) and / or from a generator of electric energy other than the renewable energy source (310-315, 330, 331a), in the absence of an electric supply from the thermoelectric converter (301) and / or from a generator of electric energy other than the renewable energy source (310-315, 330, 331a). <Claim 27> 26. The system of claim 25, further comprising an electric energy accumulator stage (370) electrically connected to the thermoelectric converter, the generator of electric energy from a renewable energy source (310-315, 330, 331 a), and the electric energy conversion stage by a charge controller stage (350) capable of powering the electric energy accumulator stage (370) when at least partially discharged, the charge controller stage replacing the power supply of the electric energy conversion stage (390 or 400) when the absorption of electric energy required by the electric energy conversion stage (390 or 400) is higher than the electric energy supplied thereto by the thermoelectric converter (301) and / or the generator of electricity from a renewable energy source (310-315, 330, 331 a). <Claim 28> 28. The system of any one of claims 25 to 27, further comprising at least one powered electrical energy generator (310-315) capable of supplying the electrical energy conversion stage (390 or 400) in cooperation with the thermoelectric converter (301) and / or the electrical energy generator separate from the renewable energy source (330, 331a). <Claim 29> 27. The system of claim 25 or 26, when dependent on claim 26, further comprising a buck-boost voltage converter (340) having a separate input powered separately by the thermoelectric converter (301) and / or by an electricity generator other than the renewable energy source (310-315, 330, 331A), the output voltage converter supplying the charge regulation stage (350) at the input or supplying the capacitor bank (344) and the capacitor bank (345) via a two-position switch, or preferably a two-electronic switch static type, the capacitor banks (344 and 345) alternately supplying the electric energy conversion stage (390 and / or 400) and the data processing and wireless communication stage (380) via Wi-Fi. <Claim 30> 30. The system according to any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein the final one of the photovoltaic generators (330) is assisted by a rapid thermal energy transfer system (330a) coupled to the thermoelectric generator (331a).

Claims

1. A heat transfer device (1, 10, 10a) for capturing thermal energy from a thermal energy source (A) and transferring said energy to a destination (B) for an adjacent means (2), comprising a support substrate (11, 11a) and superimposed thereon a plurality of nanometric layers (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) of a carbonaceous material having a geometrically regular atomic structure, which serve as a heat transfer medium for said adjacent means (2), said nanometric layers (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) of carbonaceous material being sp ３ Type carbon layer and sp ２ A heat-conducting device (1, 10, 10a) characterized in that layers of carbon are alternately arranged.

2. The nanometric layer (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) of carbonaceous material has a substantially uniform thickness over its entire surface, and ３ The thickness of the sp ２ 2. The heat transfer device (1, 10, 10a) according to claim 1, characterized in that the thickness of the carbon layer is greater than that of the mold carbon layer.

3. 2. Heat-conducting device (1, 10, 10a) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support substrate (11, 11a) is in the form of a planar or non-planar substrate made of a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible material.

4. 4. The support substrate (11, 11a) is (a) Rigid materials, including those made of metal, transparent or opaque glass or crystal, ceramic or porcelain, vegetable or synthetic fibres; (b) semi-rigid materials, including plastics, organic polymers, or amorphous or semi-crystalline composites with plant or synthetic fibers; (c) a flexible material comprising organic or synthetic fibers; 2. Heat transfer device (1, 10, 10a) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is made of a material selected from:

5. 5. A method for manufacturing a heat transfer device (1, 10, 10a) according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises at least one step of depositing at least one layer (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) of a carbonaceous material having a geometrically regular atomic structure on a support substrate (11, 11a) in a vacuum chamber (110) of a deposition machine (100), the vacuum chamber being vacuum packed under controlled temperature and pressure conditions and isolated from the external environment, and the deposition being carried out along a direction perpendicular to or locally radial to a plane or shape substantially defined by the support substrate (11, 11a).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the depositing step includes obtaining at least one set of pressure and temperature values ​​within the vacuum chamber (110).

7. 7. The method according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the deposition machine is provided with a data processing unit, and the deposition step comprises an automatic control step of generating an electromagnetic field that at least partially covers the substrate support (11, 11a) and controlling the intensity of the electromagnetic field by the data processing unit of the deposition machine.

8. 8. The method of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the strength of the electromagnetic field is appropriate for at least a portion of the at least one set of pressure and temperature values.

9. 9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the electromagnetic field is generated by a magnetron generator (120), and the deposition step includes a step of relative movement between the magnetron generator (120) and the support substrate (11, 11a).

10. 10. A method according to any one of claims 5 to 9, comprising a plurality of deposition steps of layers (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) of carbonaceous material having a geometrically regular atomic structure, wherein in a first deposition step a first layer (12a) of carbonaceous material is superimposed on the substrate support (11, 11a) and in subsequent steps further layers (12b, 12c, 12d) of carbonaceous material are superimposed on the first layer (12a), and wherein during the plurality of deposition steps the substrate support (11, 11a) is alternately exposed to a first voltage corresponding to a deposition step of the plurality of deposition steps and a second voltage different from the first voltage corresponding to a subsequent deposition step of the plurality of deposition steps.

11. A system for converting thermal energy into electrical energy, comprising a heat-conducting device (1, 10, 10a) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a combination of a thermal energy source (A) and a thermoelectric conversion means (20) having at least a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface being arranged at different distances from the support substrate (11, 11a) of the heat-conducting device (1, 10, 10a), and being subjected to a thermal difference with respect to the first surface in use, the thermoelectric conversion means (20) being capable of generating electrical energy starting from the temperature difference.

12. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the thermoelectric conversion means (20) comprises at least one Peltier-like cell or at least one similar thermocouple according to the Seebeck effect.

13. 13. The system of claims 11 and 12, wherein the thermoelectric conversion means (20) comprises first and second Peltier-like cells each having a first and second surface, the second surface of the first Peltier-like cell being positioned substantially adjacent to the first surface of the second Peltier-like cell, allowing recovery of residual thermal energy generated by operation of the first Peltier-like cell.

14. 12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that the thermal energy source (A) is a renewable or non-renewable energy source.

15. 12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that the thermal energy of the energy source (A) is at a temperature above zero degrees Celsius.

16. 12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that the thermal energy of the energy source (A) is at a temperature below zero degrees Celsius.

17. The system of claim 11, further comprising a buck-boost voltage converter (340).

18. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the thermoelectric conversion means (20) is electrically connected to and supplies at least one electric conversion stage (390, 400) via the voltage converter (340) of buck-boost type to supply electric energy to a consumer or industrial electric device or load.

19. 18. The system of claim 17, further comprising an electrical energy storage stage (370) electrically connected to the electrical energy conversion stage (390, 400).

20. 10. Use of a heat transfer device (1, 10, 10a) according to claims 1 to 5 for capturing thermal energy from a thermal energy source (A) and transferring the thermal energy to a destination (B), wherein the thermal energy source (A) and the destination (B) have a temperature difference and are placed in an ambient environment or medium (2) having convection and conduction capabilities, and wherein for the transfer of the thermal energy, the support substrate (11, 11a) is provided with a coating (4) of a plurality of nanometer layers (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) of a carbonaceous material having a geometrically ordered atomic structure obtained by physical deposition on the support substrate (11, 11a), and the thermal energy is transferred to the destination (B) via the nanometer layers (12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) of the carbonaceous material and converted into electrical energy by a conversion device (3) placed at the destination (B).

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