Electric Power Generator Using Active Material for Isothermal Energy Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoelectric and thermionic power generators face low conversion efficiency and require a temperature gradient, as well as a relatively constant thermal source for effective operation.
Innovation Solution
An electric power generator utilizing an active material comprising oxygen-containing compounds like Fe3O4 and Fe2O3, thickener additives, and plasticizer additives, which generates current between electrodes without initial charging and is sensitive to temperature, allowing for thermal energy conversion into electrical energy even under isothermal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If thermoelectric or thermionic power generators are used to convert thermal energy into electrical energy, then direct conversion is achieved, but conversion efficiency is low and a temperature gradient is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters from requiring a temperature gradient to operating under isothermal conditions. The active material composition is modified to include specific oxygen-containing compounds, thickeners, and plasticizers that enable current generation without temperature differences, thereby eliminating the need for thermal gradients while maintaining energy conversion capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite active material comprising oxygen-containing compounds (such as Fe3O4, Fe2O3), thickener additives, and plasticizer additives. This composite formulation enables the material to generate current through thermal energy conversion under isothermal conditions, overcoming the limitations of conventional thermoelectric and thermionic generators that require temperature gradients and suffer from low efficiency
2Use of energy by moving object
If thermoelectric or thermionic power generators are used, then direct thermal to electrical energy conversion is achieved, but a relatively constant thermal source is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the operating conditions from requiring constant thermal sources and temperature gradients to operating under isothermal conditions with variable thermal inputs. The active material's composition is optimized to respond to temperature changes without requiring a gradient, enabling the generator to adapt to varying thermal conditions and transient thermal sources
Solution Approach 2:
The active material inherently generates current in response to temperature changes without requiring external control systems to maintain temperature gradients or constant thermal sources. The material self-regulates its electrical output based on the thermal energy input, eliminating the need for complex thermal management systems and constant thermal sources
3Power
If conventional thermoelectric modules are used, then electricity generation from heat is achieved, but device complexity increases due to heat exchangers and temperature gradient maintenance systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex thermal management subsystems (heat exchangers, cooling systems, temperature gradient maintenance equipment) from the power generation device. By formulating an active material that generates current under isothermal conditions, the invention removes the need for these auxiliary systems, significantly simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining electricity generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specially formulated active material as an intermediary between thermal energy and electrical energy conversion. This material mediates the energy conversion process directly without requiring intermediate thermal management components, enabling simple isothermal operation and reducing device complexity
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 proposed solution significantly increases current output by a factor of 2-20 when temperature is raised from 20 to 80°C, overcoming the limitations of traditional generators by not requiring a temperature gradient and improving energy conversion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
capable to be applied on one electrode and to generate current when comprised between at least two electrodes without initial charging and dependently on the temperature
Data Source
Figure 1~1B
Figure 2~2B
Figure 2C~3
AI summary
The invention relates to an active material comprising at least one oxygen-containing compound selected from Fe3O4 and Fe2O3, at least one thickener additive selected from the group consisting of agar agar, xanthan gum, methylcellulose, and arabic gum, and at least one plasticizer additive, wherein the particle size of the at least one oxygen-containing compound has an average diameter in the range from 10 nm to 40 µm. The invention concerns also an electric power generator (EPG) comprising at least a first electrode (11) and a second electrode (12), wherein the electric power generator comprises the active material between said electrodes (11, 12).