Thermal-to-Electric Power Generation via Combustion and Phase Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable power systems for electronic devices, especially for remote use by military and rescue personnel, are limited in providing continuous power due to the weight and size constraints of batteries, which require frequent recharging and additional backup supplies.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device utilizing a thermal-to-electrical energy conversion system with a combustion chamber, heat sink, and TEC modules, fueled by magnesium wire, which generates power through controlled heat flux and temperature gradients, allowing for a compact, lightweight, and sustainable power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery size and capacity are increased to provide continuous power supply, then power output and duration of action are improved, but weight and volume increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the energy storage parameter from chemical batteries to thermal energy storage using phase change materials (paraffin wax). The PCM melts at a specific temperature during combustion, absorbing heat and maintaining a constant temperature gradient across the TEC module, thereby enabling continuous power generation without increasing device weight
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces phase change material (paraffin wax) as an intermediary between the fuel combustion and the TEC module. The PCM acts as a thermal buffer that absorbs excess heat during fuel burning and releases it during phase transition, maintaining stable operating temperature and enabling continuous electrical power generation from intermittent fuel combustion
2Loss of time
If battery capacity is increased to reduce recharging frequency, then power supply continuity is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves continuous useful action by combining fuel combustion with phase change material. As long as fuel is supplied to the combustion chamber, the PCM continuously undergoes phase transition, maintaining constant temperature and enabling uninterrupted electrical power generation, eliminating the need for recharging intervals
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the recharging function entirely from the system by using a combustion-PCM-TEC mechanism that generates power continuously as long as fuel is available. The chemical energy in fuel is converted to thermal energy, then to electrical energy through the TEC module, with the PCM ensuring continuous operation without requiring external recharging infrastructure
3Reliability
If multiple backup power supplies are carried to ensure continuous power, then power supply reliability is improved, but device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal power generation system that can operate continuously with a single fuel-PCM-TEC unit. The system performs multiple functions: fuel combustion provides heat, PCM maintains temperature stability, and TEC converts thermal gradient to electrical energy. This single multi-functional system replaces the need for multiple separate battery units or backup power supplies
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material is pre-loaded into the combustion chamber before fuel combustion begins. This preliminary preparation ensures that when fuel is ignited, the PCM is already in position to absorb heat and maintain constant temperature, enabling immediate and continuous power generation without interruption or system reconfiguration
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
The system provides a continuous and uniform power output, reducing the need for frequent recharging and additional power supplies, as it efficiently converts chemical energy into electrical energy via heat, offering a higher energy density than traditional batteries.
Implementation Method 1
A thermal-to-electric conversion (TEC) module is in thermal communication with the combustion chamber and the heat sink to transfer thermal energy from the combustion chamber to the heat sink. A heat flux across the TEC module causes electrical power to be generated.
Implementation Method 2
The fuel comprises magnesium wire fuel wound on a spool, and the fuel delivery system comprises a friction based magnesium wire feed system to feed the magnesium wire into the combustion chamber.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A mobile device for generating electrical power may include a combustion chamber and a heat sink. A TEC module is in thermal communication with the combustion chamber and the heat sink to transfer thermal energy from the combustion chamber to the heat sink. A heat flux across the TEC module causes electrical power to be generated. The mobile device may also include a fuel delivery system to feed fuel into the combustion chamber. A control system may be included to at least monitor and control delivery of fuel to the combustion chamber by the fuel delivery system and to control a temperature gradient across the TEC module to control the electrical power produced by the thermal-to-electric energy conversion device.