Micron-Scale Thermal Power Source Using Quantum Tunneling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of providing sustainable, autonomous electrical power sources for electronic devices and systems, especially in environments where servicing, recharging, or replacing batteries is impractical, and the global power requirements for IoT implementations are immense and not adequately met by conventional or renewable energy technologies.
Innovation Solution
Development of an autonomous electrical power source that converts thermal energy into usable electrical power at the atomic level, utilizing a multi-layered structure of conductors with different work functions and a dielectric layer to facilitate electron migration through quantum tunneling, enabling continuous power generation without physical disturbance or deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional batteries are used to power electronic devices in remote or embedded environments, then portable electrical power can be provided, but the power source requires periodic servicing, recharging, or replacement which is impractical in restricted accessibility environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service power source through a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) that autonomously converts thermal energy from radioactive decay into electrical energy via thermoelectric couples. The system requires no external servicing, recharging, or maintenance, with the radioactive material providing sustained thermal energy output over decades. This resolves the contradiction by making the power source both long-duration and completely autonomous in restricted environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/battery-based power systems with a nuclear thermal-to-electrical conversion system. Instead of using consumable chemical batteries that require replacement, the system uses the inherent thermal energy from radioactive decay combined with thermoelectric conversion to generate electricity autonomously, eliminating the need for periodic human intervention.
2Productivity
If renewable energy technologies are deployed to meet global power requirements for IoT implementations, then sustainable energy can be provided, but the scale and distribution of power needs are not adequately met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs segmented, modular RTG units that can be independently deployed in various IoT applications. Each unit is a self-contained power source that can be scaled from individual sensor nodes to networked systems, providing both high productivity at each location and versatility across different deployment scenarios without requiring centralized infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the parameter of radioactive half-life to provide sustained, predictable thermal energy output over extended periods. By selecting radioisotopes with appropriate half-lives, the system can be tailored to provide consistent power generation capacity for decades, meeting both high productivity requirements and long-term deployment flexibility for IoT implementations.
3Reliability
If sustainable, permanent power sources are embedded in structures, then autonomous electrical energy can be provided without servicing, but the fabrication process must ensure long-term reliability and environmental friendliness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated RTG unit: the radioactive heat source, thermoelectric conversion elements, electrical output terminals, and structural housing are combined into one autonomous power module. This integration ensures long-term reliability by eliminating separate components that would require assembly or maintenance, while the modular design actually simplifies manufacture compared to complex battery systems with multiple moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures including thermoelectric couples made from dissimilar semiconductor materials with different Seebeck coefficients, combined with radioactive isotopes and heat-resistant housing materials. These composite structures provide both the necessary thermoelectric conversion functionality and long-term environmental stability, ensuring reliability while using well-established materials science principles that facilitate manufacture.
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
Provides a renewable and environmentally friendly power source capable of generating electrical energy from minimal thermal energy, embedded in structures or environments, supporting electronic systems and devices without routine servicing or external interaction.
Implementation Method 1
the thermoelectric couples being particularly adapted to convert thermal energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
The power source of FIG. 5 employs a beta-emitting radioisotope
Data Source
AI summary
A unique, environmentally-friendly micron scale autonomous electrical power source is provided in a configuration that generates renewable energy for use in electronic systems, electronic devices and electronic system components. The configuration includes a first conductor with a facing surface conditioned to have a low work function, a second conductor with a facing surface having a comparatively higher work function, and a dielectric layer, not more than 200 Angstrom thick, sandwiched between the respective facing surfaces of the first conductor and the second conductor. The autonomous electrical power source formed according to the disclosed method is configured to harvest minimal thermal energy from any source in an environment above absolute zero. An autonomous electrical power source component is also provided that includes a plurality of autonomous electrical power source constituent elements electrically connected to one another to increase a power output of the autonomous electrical power source.