Cooling module using electrical pulses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for converting thermal energy into electrical energy, such as Carnot engines and thermoelectric devices, are inefficient when temperature differences are small, making them impractical for many applications, and there is a need for a more versatile converter that can handle various energy forms with low temperature differences.

Innovation Solution

The Carver Voltaic Effect (CVE) system utilizes a coupled inductor with a negative resistance device and an etalon to convert thermal energy into electrical energy, leveraging high dV/dt transients to generate electrical power even with small temperature differences, and can handle different energy forms like DC, AC, heat, and EM radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional thermoelectric devices or Carnot engines are used to convert thermal energy into electrical energy, then the conversion can be achieved, but the efficiency is very low when temperature differences are small

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature difference

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic pulsed electrical signals to the conductor, creating transient high dV/dt conditions that enable efficient thermal-to-electrical energy conversion even with small temperature differences. The pulsed action allows the system to accumulate energy conversion effects over multiple cycles, achieving practical efficiency where continuous conventional methods fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters by using transient high dV/dt electrical pulses instead of continuous operation. This parameter change enables the conversion process to be effective at small temperature differentials, fundamentally altering the operating regime from steady-state to transient pulsed operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If conventional thermoelectric conversion methods are used, then electrical energy can be generated, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy generationVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal conductor material that can handle multiple energy forms (DC, AC, heat, EM radiation) through a single mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized components for each energy type, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining effective electrical energy generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanical thermal-to-electrical conversion systems (like Carnot engines with moving parts) with an electrical field-based conversion mechanism using pulsed signals. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity while achieving the same energy conversion function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If small temperature differences are utilized for energy conversion, then the applicability range expands, but conventional methods become impractical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability rangeVSAvoidpractical utility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The periodic pulsed operation enables reliable energy conversion at small temperature differences by accumulating conversion efficiency over multiple pulses. This makes the system practically useful in applications with minimal temperature gradients that were previously unsuitable for thermal-to-electrical conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 CVE system efficiently converts thermal energy into electrical energy with improved input tolerance, producing a reliable and portable power source suitable for diverse applications, including small temperature differences, and provides a compact 'heat collector' with a cold sink by-product.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCarver Voltaic Effect (CVE):

Implementation Method 2

A cooling module may be used to cool the conductor. The cooling module may use electrical pulses to cool the conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical pulse cooling:

Data Source

PatentUS11942879B2Cooling module using electrical pulses

Publication Date: 2024.03.26 CALAGEN INC

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.