Cooling module using electrical pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for converting thermal energy into electrical energy are inefficient, particularly when temperature differences are small, limiting their practical utility in generating electrical power.
Innovation Solution
The Carver Voltaic Effect (CVE) circuit utilizes a coupled inductor with a negative resistance device and a thermal exchanger to convert thermal energy into electrical energy, leveraging high dV/dt transients and resonant cavities filled with materials of varying permittivity and permeability to enhance energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional thermoelectric conversion devices (thermocouples) or heat engines (Carnot/Stirling) are used to convert thermal energy to electrical energy, then the conversion can be achieved, but the efficiency is low (15-30%) and substantial temperature differentials are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing high dV/dt (rate of change of voltage) transients to modify the operational parameters of the thermal-to-electrical conversion process. Instead of relying on steady-state temperature differentials, the system uses transient electrical parameters to enhance the conversion efficiency, allowing operation with smaller temperature differences while achieving higher efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs periodic action through pulsed electrical signals with high dV/dt characteristics. These periodic transients are applied to the thermoelectric material, creating oscillating electrical fields that enhance the conversion process. This periodic stimulation allows the system to extract more energy from smaller temperature gradients compared to continuous steady-state operation.
2Loss of energy
If complicated and expensive devices (Carnot engine, Stirling cycle engine) are used for thermal energy conversion, then energy conversion can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of thermal-to-electrical conversion from complex mechanical heat engines by isolating and enhancing the thermoelectric effect itself. Instead of using entire Carnot or Stirling engine systems with multiple moving parts, the invention focuses on the core thermoelectric material and applies electrical transient enhancement, removing unnecessary mechanical complexity while retaining energy conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical systems (moving pistons, valves, and mechanical components of heat engines) with an electrical field-based approach. High dV/dt electrical transients substitute for mechanical work cycles, creating a purely electrical method for enhancing thermoelectric conversion without requiring mechanical heat engine infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If small temperature differences (a few degrees Celsius) are used for thermal energy conversion, then the system becomes more practical, but conventional methods suffer from lack of practical utility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by applying time-varying electrical transients rather than static electrical fields. The high dV/dt pulsed signals dynamically interact with the thermoelectric material, creating time-dependent enhancement effects that allow efficient energy conversion from small temperature differences. This dynamic approach transforms a static limitation into an actively managed process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-conditioning the thermoelectric material with high dV/dt electrical transients before and during the thermal energy conversion process. These preliminary electrical pulses prepare the material's electrical and thermal states, enhancing its ability to convert small temperature differences into useful electrical energy, thereby making small temperature differential applications practically viable.
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 approach enables efficient conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy even with small temperature differences, providing a versatile and reliable method for generating electrical power suitable for various applications, including portable devices and larger systems.
Implementation Method 1
The Carver Voltaic Effect (CVE) circuit utilizes a coupled inductor with a negative resistance device and a thermal exchanger to convert thermal energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
The Carver Voltaic Effect (CVE) circuit utilizes a coupled inductor with a negative resistance device
Implementation Method 3
a thermal exchanger to convert thermal energy into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for cooling is disclosed. The circuit uses a pulse generator in combination with a conductor. A cooling effect of the circuit on the conductor can be used and can be used in conjunction with a Carnot or Stirling engine. A resultant energy applied to a load is larger than the energy supplied by the pulse generator due to the absorption of external energy by the conductor.