Fluid Kinetic Energy Conversion via Charge Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage solutions, particularly at a portable scale, face limitations in efficiently converting kinetic or potential energy into electrical energy, especially for applications like electric vehicles, where large-scale installations and complex arrangements are not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a flow chamber with charge collecting electrodes and an electric field generator that separates charged species in a fluid, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy by differentially affecting positively and negatively charged species, with an additional charge separation due to fluid flow, allowing for efficient energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If batteries or fuel cells are used for energy storage, then energy can be stored in chemical form and converted to electrical energy, but the cycle life of batteries is limited and the safety of fuel cells is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical energy storage systems (batteries and fuel cells) with a physical energy storage system based on compressed gas. The kinetic energy of the compressed gas is converted to electrical energy through an electromagnetic generator, eliminating the chemical reactions that limit battery cycle life and fuel cell safety. This substitution of chemical mechanisms with physical-mechanical mechanisms resolves the reliability issues.
2Use of energy by moving object
If large-scale energy storage installations are used, then energy can be stored in potential (pressure) energy in gas or liquid, but the installations require large scale and complex arrangements including turbines and electric machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy storage function (compressed gas reservoir) with the energy conversion function (electromagnetic generator) into a single integrated device. The compressed gas directly drives the electromagnetic generator without requiring separate turbine and electric machine systems. This merging of functions eliminates the complex multi-component arrangements required by conventional large-scale energy storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate conversion components (turbines) from the energy conversion chain. Instead of converting compressed gas energy through mechanical turbines and then to electrical energy, the system directly converts the kinetic energy of compressed gas to electrical energy using an electromagnetic generator, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional energy storage systems are used, then energy can be stored and converted, but they are not suitable for portable applications such as electric vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy storage system into a compact, self-contained unit that can be easily transported and installed in electric vehicles. The system divides the energy storage function (compressed gas in a reservoir) from traditional large-scale infrastructure, creating a modular portable unit that maintains high energy density while being adaptable to mobile applications.
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
This solution effectively converts kinetic energy from a fluid into electrical energy, providing a portable and efficient energy storage and conversion method suitable for applications like electric vehicles, with improved efficiency and reduced complexity compared to existing technologies.
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
Implementation Method 3
converting the kinetic energy of fluid flow (resulting, for example from the potential energy of a pressure in a pressurised fluid vessel) to electrical energy that can be dissipated in a load
Data Source
AI summary
A device for converting kinetic energy of a fluid to electrical energy is disclosed. The device comprises a flow chamber having an inlet port for a fluid and an exhaust port for the fluid. A pair of charge collecting electrodes is spaced apart from each other along a collection direction and disposed within the flow chamber. 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. A flow path of the fluid between the inlet port and the exhaust port may have a flow direction with a component along the first direction and a component along the second direction. Also disclosed is a system comprising the device and a related method. The disclosure may find application, for example, in providing a source of energy for an electric vehicle.