Embedded Autonomous Power Source Using Thermal Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for autonomous electrical power sources in IoT applications poses challenges due to the need for sustainable, renewable, and self-sustaining power solutions that can operate in environments where conventional power sources are inaccessible or impractical, particularly in environments with limited mobility and high energy demands.
Innovation Solution
Development of autonomous electrical power sources that convert minimal thermal energy into usable electrical power through a multi-layered structure comprising conductors with different work functions and a dielectric layer, optimizing quantum tunneling effects to generate electrical power at temperatures above absolute zero without physical movement or deformation, enabling continuous or intermittent power supply to electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional power sources are used in IoT devices, then devices can be recharged or replaced, but accessibility restrictions in embedded environments prevent servicing and replenishment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the power source to autonomously harvest thermal energy from its environment and convert it to electrical energy through thermoelectric generators. This eliminates the need for external charging infrastructure or human intervention, allowing the device to continuously replenish its own power supply while embedded in inaccessible locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical charging systems (physical connection to power outlets, battery replacement) with a thermal energy conversion system. Thermoelectric generators convert temperature differentials directly into electrical energy, substituting the need for mechanical intervention with an autonomous thermal-to-electrical energy conversion process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous power sources are designed for embedded deployment, then mobility restrictions are overcome, but energy generation capability must be sufficient for high energy demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a power source that can be deployed in diverse embedded environments (structural concrete, vehicles, machinery) and adapt to varying thermal conditions. The thermoelectric generation system universally converts available thermal energy into electrical power regardless of the specific application context, providing flexible deployment across multiple domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by exploiting temperature differentials across the thermoelectric generator. By positioning the device to capture thermal gradients between hot and cold surfaces, the system converts thermal energy parameters into electrical energy, with power output varying according to the magnitude of the temperature differential.
3Loss of energy
If thermal energy conversion is used to generate electrical power, then renewable energy is harvested, but conversion efficiency must be optimized for practical power output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning thermoelectric generators at specific locations where optimal thermal gradients exist. Rather than uniformly distributing power generation components, the system places TEGs at interfaces between hot and cold surfaces to maximize local thermal energy capture and conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials in the thermoelectric generator construction, utilizing materials with high thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) values. These composite thermoelectric materials enhance the conversion efficiency of thermal energy to electrical energy, improving both energy utilization and power output simultaneously.
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 solution provides a renewable and sustainable power source that can operate in inhospitable environments, reducing the need for external interaction or maintenance, and supports the power requirements of IoT devices by harnessing thermal energy to generate electrical power efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
converting minimal thermal energy into usable electrical power through a multi-layered structure comprising conductors with different work functions and a dielectric layer, optimizing quantum tunneling effects to generate electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for producing an electrically-powered device and/or component that is embeddable in a solid structural component, and a system, a produced device and/or a produced component is provided. The produced electrically powered device includes an attached autonomous electrical power source in a form of a unique, environmentally-friendly structure configured to transform thermal energy at any temperature above absolute zero to an electric potential without any external stimulus including physical movement or deformation energy. The autonomous electrical power source component provides a mechanism for generating renewable energy as primary power for the electrically-powered device and/or component once an integrated structure including the device and/or component is deployed in an environment that restricts future access to the electrical power source for servicing, recharge, replacement, replenishment or the like.