506 results about "Micro power generator" patented technology

A system (100) for connecting a fuel cell stack to an A.C. grid to provide power thereto is disclosed in which a voltage regulated D.C. bus (110) is provided to be coupled to the fuel cell stack, a bidirectional inverter (120) is coupled to the D.C. bus (110), and is to be coupled between the D.C. bus (110) and the A.C. grid. At least one D.C. auxiliary load (130) of the fuel cell stack is provided coupled to the D.C. bus (110). A D.C. to D.C. converter (140) is provided between the fuel cell stack and the D.C. bus (110).

A microcavity apparatus and systems for maintaining microcavity spacing over a macroscopic area. An application of this invention is a microscale generator. This microscale generator includes a first element for receiving energy; a second element, opposite the first element for transferring energy; at least one panel on either of the first element or the second element, the panel facing the other element; a device for controlling the distance between the at least one panel and the facing element to form a predetermined, sub-micron gap between the panel and the facing element for increasing energy transfer to the element for receiving; and a device, responsive to the energy transfer, for generating electricity.

A micro-generator implant device including (a) a micro-generator, disposed within a living body, the micro-generator including: (i) a first mechanism for harnessing mechanical energy from a natural body movement, and (ii) a second mechanism for converting the mechanical energy to electrical energy, the electrical energy for providing power within the living body.

The present invention relates to a load management controller for a household electrical installation comprising a pair of electricity supplies, a grid supply and a micro-generator supply, providing electricity to a plurality if sub-circuits. The household electrical installation has means to monitor the amount of electricity being supplied by the micro-generator supply and the amount of electricity being consumed in the household. The load management controller has means to access and use that information to control the supply of electricity to an energy storage sub-circuit to route surplus electricity supplied by the micro-generator to the energy storage sub-circuit. Furthermore, the load management controller can communicate with a remote electricity supplier to control the loads in the household to achieve better grid management and efficiency.

A magnetic controlled loading device in combination of a power generating set and an adjusting drive mechanism having a flywheel, a shaft, a transmission element, a magnetic controlled loading device, a micro power generating set and an adjusting drive mechanism integrated into one single unit. It can also be taken apart and used in various combinations. By fully utilizing the limited space without increasing the volume of the flywheel and internal components, a rotor and a stator are disposed in the center of the magnetic controlled loading device. This makes the rotor's permanent magnets to be set on top of the flywheel's inner ring, so that when the flywheel is in operation, it turns into a micro power generating set. By utilizing its self generating power supply, it can provide the power needed by a small motor and by manual adjustments it can also control the changes in magnetic flux density between the flywheel and device as well to achieve continuous adjustment of loading resistance.

A waterless power generator, particularly a waterless electrical power generator and a passively controlled process for producing electricity with a fuel cell using stoichiometric amounts of a solid hydrogen fuel and byproduct water vapor produced by the fuel cell to generate hydrogen gas. A fuel cell reaction of hydrogen and oxygen produces electrical energy as well as by-product water which diffuses back into the power generator as water vapor to react with the hydrogen fuel, producing more hydrogen gas. This generated hydrogen gas is then used as a fuel which allows the fuel cell to generate additional electrical power and additional water. The process runs without any attached water source or water supply other than the water which is produced by the fuel cells themselves.

A glaucoma drainage device has a tube shunting the anterior chamber to a drainage location. A power generator has a rotor coupled to a micro-generator. The power generator is configured to generate energy from aqueous flowing through the tube. The force required to drive the rotor can be controlled to control the flow of aqueous through the tube. Alternatively, energy generated by the power generator is stored in a power source that powers an active valve, a pressure sensor, or telemetry.

A power source for use in a downhole environment. The power source can include a microgenerator, where the microgenerator is comprised of a motive source, a rotor, a stator, and an electrical load. The motive source can be compressed gas, liquid, two-phase fluid, or combustion gases. The rotor may comprise a magnet and the stator may comprise a coil, such that rotating the rotor coaxially proximate to the stator produces electrical current. The electrical load includes any device used in downhole exploration and production that requires electrical energy.

An integrated MEMS resonant generator system includes a substrate, a plurality of piezoelectric micro generators disposed on the substrate, the micro generators each generating a voltage output in response to vibrational energy received, and at least one power processor disposed on the substrate. The power processor electrically coupled to outputs of the plurality of micro generators. When the input conditions change, the power processor can dynamically adjust its switching functions to optimize the power delivered to a load or energy storage reservoir.

A method and a micro power generator for generating electrical power from low frequency, vibrational energy includes a frequency up-conversion process. The generator is preferably an electromagnetic, vibration-to-electrical power generator which can efficiently scavenge energy from low frequency external vibrations. The generator up-converts low frequency environmental vibrations to a much higher frequency through a mechanical frequency up-converter, and hence provides efficient energy conversion even at low frequencies. This mechanical frequency up-conversion process can be realized in a number of ways. A magnetic method is described as an example. After frequency up-conversion, voltage is induced on coils mounted on resonators by electromagnetic induction. Due to the movement of the coils on their respective resonating cantilevers with respect to the magnet, voltage is generated on the coils and energy conversion is realized.

There is provided a micro power generator enhanced in efficiency and power generation output, and having an increased temperature range for operation. The micro power generator comprises: a high-temperature heat source; a low-temperature heat source; an enclosed body containing a working substance therein, the enclosed body being deformable by means of a phase change of the working substance between a first shape wherein heat can be transferred from the high-temperature heat source and a second shape wherein heat can be transferred to the low-temperature heat source; a permanent magnet constituting the enclosed body, the permanent magnet being maintained in a first position when the enclosed body has the first shape and in a second position when the enclosed body has the second shape; and a wire in which an electric current is induced by a movement of the permanent magnet. Further, the present invention provides an apparatus for producing a reciprocating movement between two heat sources having a temperature difference therebetween.

Disclosed are various implantable medical devices adapted and configured to operation with a micro-generator comprising: an elongated housing; one or more longitudinally slidable elongated magnets; one or more coils positioned exteriorly, interiorly or integrally along at least a portion of the housing; a power wire in electrical communication with the one or more coils and with an implantable medical device; wherein the implantable micro-generator is adapted and configured to generate energy and communicate the generated energy to the implantable medical device. Additionally, methods of deploying and using the medical devices are contemplated, as well as systems, kits, and communication networks.

A power source for use in a downhole environment. The power source can include a microgenerator, where the microgenerator is comprised of a motive source, a rotor, a stator, and an electrical load. The motive source can be compressed gas, liquid, two-phase fluid, or combustion gases. The rotor may comprise a magnet and the stator may comprise a coil, such that rotating the rotor coaxially proximate to the stator produces electrical current. The electrical load includes any device used in downhole exploration and production that requires electrical energy.

A method of harvesting and managing energy from air currents, by small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) having a plurality of powered and unpowered rotors, to increase the aircraft's flight time, especially where the mission requires extensive hovering and loitering, is provided. Conventional powered rotors create lift for the aircraft. Unpowered rotors can either be: 1) Free-wheeling rotors which increase the plan form area of aircraft as they rotate, increasing lift, and reducing the power draw on the battery, and / or 2) Rotors connected to micro-generators, which serve as a brake on the unpowered rotors, create electrical power to charge the aircraft batteries or directly power the aircraft's electronics. The invention's folding rotor arm design results in a compact package that is easily transported by a single user (man portable). The aircraft can be removed from its protective tube, unfolded and launched for flight in less than a minute. Extended flight times, compact easily transported design, and ability to host flight software on a user's tablet / PC result in low total cost of ownership.

A method and a micro power generator for generating electrical power from low frequency, vibrational energy includes a frequency up-conversion process. The generator is preferably an electromagnetic, vibration-to-electrical power generator which can efficiently scavenge energy from low frequency external vibrations. The generator up-converts low frequency environmental vibrations to a much higher frequency through a mechanical frequency up-converter, and hence provides efficient energy conversion even at low frequencies. This mechanical frequency up-conversion process can be realized in a number of ways. A magnetic method is described as an example. After frequency up-conversion, voltage is induced on coils mounted on resonators by electromagnetic induction. Due to the movement of the coils on their respective resonating cantilevers with respect to the magnet, voltage is generated on the coils and energy conversion is realized.

The invention discloses an organism medical disposable micro friction motor which comprises a conducting base plate a, an insulative high-molecular polymer layer which is accessible to electrons, a conducting base plate b, an insulative high-molecular polymer layer which is accessible to electrons and a middle contact interface between the insulative high-molecular polymer layers which are accessible to electrons. The middle contact interface is tightly contacted or forms an arc shape through patterns of different shapes in a concave-and-convex mode. The friction motor is fixed between a bone nain board board and a damaged tissue. Two conductive base plates (a, b) are connected with a positive electric potential in vivo treatment system, a negative electric potential in vivo treatment system and a in vitro detection system. The organism medical disposable micro friction motor and a manufacture method of the organism medical disposable micro friction motor have the advantages that the organism medical disposable micro friction motor is simple in structure, small in size, capable of generating micro voltage and currents through extrusion and friction such as body movement, external friction and vibration after the motor is built in a body and the motor can be built into the body and generates micro voltage through extrusion and friction such as body movement, external friction and vibration to promote growth of cells.

A self-powered switching system using electromechanical generators generates power for activation of a latching relay. The electromechanical generators comprise electroactive elements or magnetic based microgenerators that may be mechanically actuated to generate electrical power. The associated signal generation circuitry may be coupled to a transmitter or transceiver for sending and / or receiving RF signals to / from a receiver which actuates the latching relay. Power may be stored within the circuit using rechargeable batteries for powering or supplementing power to the transmitter or transceiver.

The invention refers to a kind of minimal electric generator, which is mainly made up of a pair of MEMS variable capacitances, an electret, and the processing circuit. The MEMS variable capacitance is made up of a moving polar plate and two fixed polar plates. The moving polar plate is made up of four folded beams, a weight block, and the two groups of fork on the block. The fixed polar plate is made up of a group of forks. The two groups of forks on the moving polar plate and the forks on the two fixed polar plate form the variable capacitance. There sets a leading out electrode on the two fixed polar plates. The above mentioned electrode is connected to the processing circuit through the wire. The invention has a high integrity, no the change of the battery charging or fuel, has no emission, the lifespan is long, and the volume is small. it can be used as each kind of micro energy consumption sensor and executer, especially the plated device, distributed system in vibration environment.

The invention provides a method of using the wind-induced vibration phenomenon of a micro structure to generate power and a micro generator based on wind-induced vibration mechanism and piezoelectric effect, wherein the micro generator comprises a silicon underlay, a composite beam / membrane comprising a piezoelectric layer and metal electrodes on the upper surface and the lower surface thereof, and the like. When the load of environmental wind causes the vibration of the composite beam / membrane structure comprising the piezoelectric layer, the vibration of the beam / membrane structure can cause the alternative change of the stress of the piezoelectric layer; due to the piezoelectric effect, the upper metal electrode and the lower electrode of the piezoelectric layer can generate an alternatively changed electric potential difference; and the electric potential difference can supply power for the load or a power accumulator. The composite beam / membrane structure comprising the piezoelectric layer can adopt a plurality of structure forms comprising a cantilever composite bema, a double-end fixedly supported composite beam, a multi-point fixedly supported composite part or a composite membrane which is partially and fixedly supported in the boundary. The micro wind turbine generator based on wind-induced vibration mechanism does not need a rotating mechanism, has a simple structure, is convenient to adopt silicon micro-processing technology to implement batch processing, has low cost, and is suitable for supplying power for wireless sensing network nodes, and the like.

A self-powered switching system using electromechanical generators generates power for activation of a latching relay. The electromechanical generators comprise electroactive elements or magnetic based microgenerators that may be mechanically actuated to generate electrical power. The associated signal generation circuitry may be coupled to a transmitter or transceiver for sending and / or receiving RF signals to / from a receiver which actuates the latching relay. Power may be stored within the circuit using rechargeable batteries for powering or supplementing power to the transmitter or transceiver.

A micro-generator for providing electrical energy to portable electronic devices and MEMS includes a micro-combustor, a micro-turbine connected to the exhaust outlet of the micro-combustor and a thermoelectric module consisting of a number of quantum well thermoelectric panels connected between spaced heat spreaders, one of which is mounted in thermal communication with the micro-combustor. Different types of hydrocarbon fuel may be supplied to the micro-combustor where it is burned within a combustion chamber. The entire system is controlled in real time by a micro-controller which is powered upon start up by an ultra capacitor and thereafter by the electric energy produced by the thermoelectric module and / or the micro-turbine.

A fluid control system, device and method are disclosed. The fluid control device is preferably configured to connect to an outlet of a fluid source. The fluid control device includes a valve, a sensor, a battery and a micro-generator. The sensor is used to measure or detect a condition and provide output signals that open and close the valve in response to a measured or detected condition. The micro-generator is positioned in a flow path of fluid and generates power from a flow of the fluid. The power generated from the micro-generator is stored in the battery and used to power later operations of the device. The device can be used for automating faucets, sprinklers and fire extinguishing equipment.

A micro-generator for providing electrical power to a battery charger capable of charging lithium ion, lithium polymer and other rechargeable batteries of the type which power portable electronic devices and MEMS. The micro-generator includes a micro-combustor and a thermoelectric module consisting of a number of quantum well thermoelectric panels connected between spaced heat spreaders, one of which is mounted in thermal communication with the micro-combustor. Different types of hydrocarbon fuel may be supplied to the micro-combustor where it is burned within a combustion chamber. The entire system is controlled in real time by a micro-controller which is powered upon start up by an ultra capacitor and thereafter by the electric power produced by the thermoelectric module.

A micro-power generator is integrated in a pneumatic valve controller, such that the micro-power generator is powered by the same compressed air supply used to operate the valve. The micro-power generator includes a micro-turbine connected to a DC power generator, and a source of compressed air is used to drive the micro-turbine to generate power via the generator. The system may include a valve controller pneumatically connected to the compressed air supply. The valve controller may include electronics for displaying a condition of the controller. The system can include an electronic field device in communication with the valve controller for displaying a condition of the valve controller. The micro-turbine generator can be electrically connected to the field device to provide power to the electronic field device. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

The present invention relates to lock technology, and is especially one kind of electronic lock with flywheel generator. The electronic lock includes lock frame and lock core, and has one handle mounted onto the outer surface of the lock frame, one rotation shaft unit with elastic element to reposition the handle and toothed turntable meshed with the input gear of the transmission gear set, one flywheel generator comprising driving gear, diamond plate, rotation arms symmetrically on the fixed shaft, flywheel and miniature generator, and one transmission gear set with output gear meshed to the driving gear. The present invention makes it possible for the electronic lock not to depend on battery.

A micro-power generator, comprises an electrically insulating substrate; a semiconductor layer affixed to the substrate; electrodes affixed to the semiconductor layer for collecting electrical charges emitted by a radioisotope source; a radio-isotope source interposed between the electrodes; and electrical circuitry operably coupled to the electrodes for transforming the electrical charges into a controlled output.

Disclosed is a microgenerator device adapted to retrofit into an existing utility power grid and provide a local means of power generation in remote locations, a relay communication means and a charging station for an electric car. Further disclosed is a method of use, wherein an electrical microgenerator is utilized to locally contribute power to an electrical grid, store power locally and supply users in remote areas with a means of communication and local power access. The microgenerator device comprises a direct current power generator assembly having a vertical axis wind turbine, a photovoltaic array, a micro-inverter, a telephonic communications relay capability, and energy storage unit, wherein the assembly is connectable to an existing power grid and utility pole. The device provides supplemental power to the grid, provides local power access and storage, while also providing a means of communication in remote locations.

There is provided a micro power generator enhanced in efficiency and power generation output, and having an increased temperature range for operation. The micro power generator comprises: a high-temperature heat source; a low-temperature heat source; an enclosed body containing a working substance therein, the enclosed body being deformable by means of a phase change of the working substance between a first shape wherein heat can be transferred from the high-temperature heat source and a second shape wherein heat can be transferred to the low-temperature heat source; a permanent magnet constituting the enclosed body, the permanent magnet being maintained in a first position when the enclosed body has the first shape and in a second position when the enclosed body has the second shape; and a wire in which an electric current is induced by a movement of the permanent magnet. Further, the present invention provides an apparatus for producing a reciprocating movement between two heat sources having a temperature difference therebetween.

The invention provides a miniature generator which comprises an electrode collection structure, an electret structure and micro-balls used as bearings arranged between the electrode collection structure and the electret structure, wherein the electrode collection structure comprises a substrate, a plurality of metal electrode pairs arranged on the substrate and insulated with the substrate, and a deep slot arranged on the substrate and vertically distributed with the metal electrode pairs; the electret structure comprises a substrate, electret strips arranged on the substrate and distributed in parallel at intervals in strip shapes, and a deep slot arranged on the substrate and vertically distributed with the electret strips; the deep slot on the electrode collection structure and the deep slot on the electret structure are arranged oppositely; the micro-balls are arranged in the opposite deep slots; and the electret strips are parallel to the electrode strips. In the invention, the micro-balls are used as bearing supports, and the space between the metal electrode and the electret can be controlled through the depth or the width of the slot, thus, the output power of the miniature generator can be favorably increased.

The present invention relates to a micro generator system which uses temperature difference (about 5˜10° C.) between skin and outside environment to allow an engine to drive microfluid flow as well as pass nanomagnetic particles within microfluid through coli to produce an inducing electricity.