Field-Responsive Thermal-Electric Conversion for Low-Voltage Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for converting thermal energy to electrical energy suffer from low efficiency, typically ranging from 1 to 5%, and often require high voltage operations, limiting their practicality.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing field-responsive materials that change temperature in response to electrical or magnetic fields, combined with a thermal to electrical energy conversion component, to generate electrical energy through the application of time-varying fields, allowing for efficient conversion and storage of thermal energy into electrical energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If prior methods are used to convert thermal energy to electrical energy, then the conversion process can be implemented, but the energy conversion efficiency is very poor (1 to 5%)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing field-responsive materials that change temperature in response to applied fields (electrical or magnetic). This changes the operational parameters of the conversion system, allowing for more efficient thermal-to-electrical energy conversion compared to prior methods. The field-responsive material undergoes temperature changes (ΔT) when subjected to time-varying fields, which drives the thermal to electrical energy conversion component to generate electrical energy with improved efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If prior methods are used to convert thermal energy to electrical energy, then the conversion can proceed, but high voltage operation is required which limits practicality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional high-voltage electrical systems with a field-responsive material-based system. Instead of using high voltage operations to achieve thermal-to-electrical conversion, the invention uses time-varying electrical or magnetic fields applied to field-responsive materials that naturally generate temperature changes. This substitution eliminates the need for high voltage operation while achieving the same energy conversion function, thereby improving ease of operation and practicality.
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 achieves improved energy conversion efficiency and eliminates the need for high voltage operations, enabling the generation of electrical energy from thermal energy in a more effective and practical manner.
Implementation Method 1
an electrocaloric material that changes temperature when subjected to a change in electrical field
Implementation Method 2
an magnetocaloric material that changes temperature when subjected to a change in magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
The thermal to electrical energy conversion component then converts heat into electrical energy
Implementation Method 4
A target substrate is positioned adjacent to and in thermal contact with thermal to electrical energy converting device
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for using a field-responsive material that changes temperature when subjected to a respective field in combination with a thermal to electrical energy converter to accomplish the generation of electrical energy. The field-responsive material, such as an electrocaloric or magnetocaloric material, changes temperature when subjected to a change in a respective electric or magnetic field. The changing field applied to the field-responsive material causes a temperature change in the field-responsive material to heat or cool the field-responsive material. A thermal to electrical energy converter is in thermal contact with the field-responsive material, such that temperature changes in the field-responsive material in turn changes the temperature of the thermal to electrical energy converter, which the converter then converts into electrical energy. In this manner, the application of an appropriate electric or magnetic field can be utilized to generate thermal energy changes that can be converted into electrical energy.