Fluid Charge Separation Chamber for Portable Energy Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage solutions, particularly at a portable scale, face challenges in efficiently converting kinetic or potential energy in fluids to electrical energy, often requiring large-scale installations and complex arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a flow chamber with charge-collecting electrodes and an electric field generator to separate charged species in a fluid, converting kinetic energy from fluid flow into electrical energy by differentially affecting charged species movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional energy storage solutions (batteries, fuel cells, large-scale pumped hydro, gas storage) are used, then energy can be stored and converted, but the systems require large-scale installations, complex arrangements including turbines and electric machines, and face issues with limited cycle life or safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical energy conversion systems (turbines, electric machines) with a simpler electrostatic energy conversion device. The invention uses electric fields to directly convert kinetic energy of flowing fluid into electrical energy through charge separation and collection, eliminating the need for mechanical turbines and generators while achieving portable-scale energy storage and conversion
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and utilizes the kinetic energy component from fluid flow directly, separating charged species through an electric field without requiring the full complex infrastructure of conventional energy storage systems. This extraction approach enables a simplified device that focuses specifically on converting fluid kinetic energy to electrical energy
2Duration of action of moving object
If batteries are used for portable energy storage, then energy can be stored chemically, but the cycle life is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters from chemical energy storage (batteries) to kinetic-to-electrical energy conversion. By using an electric field to separate and collect charged species from flowing fluid, the system achieves potentially unlimited operational cycles limited only by fluid supply, eliminating the cycle life degradation inherent in battery chemistry
3Power
If fuel cells are used for energy conversion, then chemical energy can be converted to electrical energy, but safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical energy conversion (fuel cells) with direct kinetic-to-electrical energy conversion using electric fields. This substitution eliminates the need for chemical reactions, fuel storage, and associated safety hazards while maintaining the capability to generate electrical energy from a portable system
4Quantity of substance
If large-scale pumped hydro or gas storage is used, then potential energy can be stored, but large-scale installations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces large-scale mechanical potential energy storage systems with a compact kinetic energy conversion device. By utilizing the kinetic energy of flowing fluid (which can be supplied from pressurized containers) and converting it directly to electrical energy through electric field-based charge separation, the system achieves portable-scale operation without requiring large installation volumes
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 effectively converts kinetic energy from fluid flow into electrical energy, enhancing charge separation and potential difference between electrodes, thereby increasing electrical energy production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An electric field generator is configured to generate an electric field in the flow chamber along a field direction to separate charged species in the fluid
Implementation Method 2
A first one of positive and negative charged species separated by the electric field is biased by the electric field to move generally in the same direction as the fluid flow as a result of the charge separation and a second one of the positive and negative charged species is biased by the electric field to move generally in a direction opposed to the direction of fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A device for converting energy of a fluid to electrical energy is disclosed. The device comprises a pressure vessel having an inlet port for a fluid. A pair of charge collecting electrodes is spaced apart from each other along a collection direction and disposed within the pressure vessel. An electric field generator is configured to generate an electric field in the pressure vessel along a field direction to separate charged species in the fluid. Other disclosed devices provide a current flow delay to encourage charge build up or illumination with electromagnetic radiation. Yet other devices are arranged for fluid flow rather than pressure. Also disclosed is a system comprising any one of the disclosed devices and related methods. The disclosure may find application, for example, in providing a source of energy for an electric vehicle.