Convex-Concave Alkali Metal Converter for Larger Ionization Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal-to-electric converters face limitations in increasing the effective ionization area and achieving efficient current collection, which hinders their commercialization and power generation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a thermal-to-electric conversion cell with a convex-concave shape and a capillary circulation wick system, featuring a high temperature portion for alkali metal fluid supply and a low temperature portion for condensation, along with porous current collectors and a funnel structure to enhance ionization and current collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the area of the BASE is increased to generate more electrical energy, then the power generation capacity is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of current collection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large-area BASE into multiple smaller BASE units arranged in an array. Each small BASE independently performs ionization and current generation, while their effects are collectively summed. This segmentation reduces the complexity of current collection by allowing independent connection of each small BASE to current collectors, rather than requiring a single complex collection system for a large continuous BASE.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces current collectors as intermediary components between the small BASE units and the external circuit. These current collectors (comprising current collection electrodes and connection structures) serve as mediators that efficiently gather currents from multiple small BASEs and transmit them to the output, simplifying the overall current collection architecture.
2Power
If the area of the BASE is increased to achieve high-capacity power generation, then the electrical energy output is improved, but the manufacturing precision and structural uniformity become more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the large-area configuration into multiple small BASE units, the patent enables independent manufacturing of each unit with standardized dimensions and structures. This segmentation allows each small BASE to be manufactured with consistent precision using standardized processes, avoiding the cumulative precision errors that would occur in a single large BASE fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the scale parameter of individual BASE units from large to small, while increasing the number of units. This parameter transformation allows each small BASE to maintain optimal manufacturing precision within its reduced dimensions, while the overall system achieves high power output through numerical multiplication of units.
3Power
If the effective ionization area is increased to improve power generation, then the thermal-to-electric conversion capacity is improved, but the heat distribution uniformity and circulation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ionization and heat transfer processes into multiple small BASE units distributed across the system. Each small BASE receives heat independently through the alkali metal circulation, which improves heat distribution uniformity by reducing thermal gradients. The segmented architecture allows better control of heat flow paths and reduces the risk of localized overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane large-area BASE to a multi-dimensional array of small BASE units. This spatial redistribution in multiple dimensions allows the alkali metal fluid to circulate through various pathways, improving heat distribution uniformity across the entire system by accessing different thermal zones and reducing hot spots.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration increases the effective ionization area and facilitates easy current collection, leading to a high-capacity thermal-to-electric converter capable of efficient power generation.
Implementation Method 1
a solid electrolyte layer and anode layer and cathode layer in this order from one surface of the solid electrolyte layer; wherein the solid electrolyte layer is in contact with the alkali metal fluid and configured to move the alkali metal ions
Implementation Method 2
a high temperature portion configured to supply a high temperature alkali metal fluid to the anode layer
Implementation Method 3
a low temperature portion configured to condense the alkaline metal fluid discharged to the cathode layer of the thermal-to-electric conversion cell to a low temperature
Implementation Method 4
In order to achieve the above-described object, an embodiment provides an alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter including: a thermal-to-electric conversion cell including three layers of an anode layer, a solid electrolyte layer, and a cathode layer
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment provides an alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter including a thermal-to-electric conversion cell including three layers including an anode layer, a solid electrolyte layer, and a cathode layer, having a convex-concave shape with alternately appearing concave and convex portions, and configured to move alkali metal ions through the solid electrolyte layer, a high temperature portion that supplies a high temperature alkali metal fluid to the anode layer of the thermal-to-electric conversion cell, and a low temperature portion that condenses the alkaline metal fluid discharged to the cathode layer of the thermal-to-electric conversion cell to a low temperature and moves the alkaline metal fluid to the high temperature portion.