Non-electric powered, off-grid, beverage brewer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage brewers, such as single-serve coffee makers, require electrical power to heat water, making them impractical for off-grid use due to the significant power needed to boil water and the need for large batteries or gas burners that cannot efficiently convert heat to electricity.
Innovation Solution
A non-electric, off-grid beverage brewer that uses a burner, hydrocarbon fuel, and a thermoelectric generator to convert heat into electricity, powering the brewing process and components without the need for external power sources, eliminating the need for battery replacement or recharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If battery operated systems are used to power the heating elements, then electrical power is provided to heat water, but the battery size becomes impractically large
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses itself to generate power through the thermoelectric generator that converts waste heat from the burner into electrical energy, eliminating the need for external battery power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy source from chemical energy in batteries to thermal energy conversion via thermoelectric generator, fundamentally altering how power is generated and eliminating battery size constraints
2Power
If gas burners are used to heat water, then necessary energy is provided to heat water, but the conversion of heat to electricity is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the previously wasted waste heat from the burner into useful electrical energy through the thermoelectric generator, turning an energy loss into a beneficial power source
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric generator acts as an intermediary device that captures waste heat from the burner and converts it into electrical energy, bridging the gap between thermal energy and electrical power needs
3Temperature
If electrical power sources are used to operate heating elements, then water heating is achieved, but portability and off-grid use are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates its own electrical power through the thermoelectric generator using waste heat from the burner, making it self-sufficient and capable of operation without external electrical infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple functions in one device: the burner provides both direct heating and power generation through the thermoelectric generator, enabling both water heating and electrical power supply for brewing components in off-grid environments
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
Enables portable, self-sufficient beverage brewing by converting combustible heat into electricity to power the brewer's components, eliminating the need for external power and battery management, thus providing a reliable and sustainable brewing solution.
Implementation Method 1
The thermoelectric generator is structured with a supply side, a waste side and a power output. The supply side is directed towards the surface of the burner. The waste side contacts the reservoir. The power output powers the controller.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides methods and apparatus for a beverage brewer. The beverage brewer including a burner, a reservoir, a controller, and a thermoelectric generator. The burner produces combustible heat across a surface. The reservoir stores a brewing fluid. The controller controls a brewing process. The thermoelectric generator is structured with a supply side, a waste side and a power output. The supply side is directed towards the surface of the burner. The waste side contacts the reservoir. The power output powers the controller.