Autonomous Power Source Harvesting Thermal Energy via Quantum Tunneling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for power in the Internet of Things (IoT) and electronic devices poses challenges in providing sustainable, autonomous, and renewable electrical power sources, especially in environments where conventional power sources are inaccessible or impractical due to the need for continuous operation, data storage, and security concerns.

Innovation Solution

Development of an autonomous electrical power source that converts minimal thermal energy into usable electrical power through a multi-layered structure with opposing conductor layers and a dielectric layer, utilizing quantum tunneling effects to generate electrical potential without physical movement or deformation, enabling continuous operation in various environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional power sources are used in IoT devices, then devices can be recharged or replaced, but accessibility restrictions prevent servicing in embedded environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for servicingVSAvoidcontinuous operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power source utilizes ambient thermal energy automatically without requiring human intervention for fuel replacement or recharging. The thermoelectric generators continuously convert temperature differences between hot and cold surfaces into electrical energy, enabling the embedded device to power itself indefinitely without external servicing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Duration of action of stationary object

If autonomous power sources are embedded in structures, then continuous operation is enabled, but the ability to recharge or replace power sources is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational durationVSAvoidpower source replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical battery systems with a thermoelectric generation system that converts thermal energy directly into electrical energy through the Seebeck effect. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical recharging or replacement operations while providing continuous autonomous power generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If thermal energy conversion is used, then renewable energy is generated, but conversion efficiency from minimal thermal energy is challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy renewabilityVSAvoidelectrical power output

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different thermal characteristics to different locations by placing hot surfaces in contact with heat sources and cold surfaces in contact with heat sinks. This creates localized temperature differences across multiple thermoelectric generator modules, enabling efficient conversion of ambient thermal energy into electrical power without requiring high-temperature environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution provides a sustainable and renewable energy source for IoT devices and electronic systems, enabling continuous operation in environments without external interaction, addressing the challenge of inaccessible power sources and reducing the reliance on conventional energy sources.

Implementation Method 1

The structure employs a plurality of thermoelectric generators, each comprising a pair of dissimilar electrically conductive materials joined at two different temperatures to generate an electrical potential

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Implementation Method 2

utilizing quantum tunneling effects to generate electrical potential without physical movement or deformation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectQuantum tunneling:

Data Source

PatentUS11605770B2Autonomous electrical power sources

Publication Date: 2023.03.14 FACE INTERNATIONAL CORP

AI summary

A unique, environmentally-friendly micron scale autonomous electrical power source is provided for generating renewable energy, or a renewable energy supplement, in electronic systems, electronic devices and electronic system components. The autonomous electrical power source includes a first conductor with a facing surface conditioned to have a low work function, a second conductor with a facing surface having a comparatively higher work function, and a dielectric layer of not more than 200 nm in thickness sandwiched between the respective facing surfaces of the first conductor and the second conductor. The autonomous electrical power source is configured to harvest minimal thermal energy from any source in an environment above absolute zero. An autonomous electrical power source component is also provided that includes a plurality of autonomous electrical power source constituent elements electrically connected to one another to increase a power output of the autonomous electrical power source.