Oscillating Heat Pipe Generator for Low-Grade Waste Heat Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies are inefficient and costly for converting low-grade waste heat to electricity, with thermoelectric conversion being unfeasible due to high costs, and conventional methods like steam and organic Rankine cycles have low efficiency for temperatures below 230°C.
Innovation Solution
An oscillating heat pipe (OHP) generator with a meandering conduit containing a working fluid and magnets, oriented horizontally to enhance power generation by moving magnets through conductor coils, utilizing low-grade waste heat to induce electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If thermoelectric conversion is used for low-grade waste heat recovery, then electricity generation is achieved, but cost becomes prohibitively high at around $20/W
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive thermoelectric materials with a mechanical oscillating heat pipe system combined with electromagnetic induction. The OHP uses phase change and capillary action to drive magnet oscillation through coils, generating electricity through electromagnetic induction rather than direct thermoelectric conversion, thereby achieving low-cost power generation from low-grade waste heat
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using low-grade waste heat temperatures (below 230°C) that are unsuitable for conventional steam cycles, and by operating the OHP at these low temperature differentials to drive working fluid phase change and magnet oscillation, achieving cost-effective electricity generation where conventional methods fail
2Power
If conventional steam and organic Rankine cycles are used for waste heat conversion, then power generation is achieved, but efficiency becomes unacceptably low for temperatures below 230°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of the working fluid within the oscillating heat pipe - alternating between liquid and vapor phases - to drive the oscillation mechanism. This phase change approach enables efficient energy conversion at low temperature differentials where conventional Rankine cycles fail, achieving high productivity from low-grade waste heat
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the working fluid's phase change and pressure variations to drive magnet oscillation through the heat pipe conduit. The pneumatic-hydraulic action of vapor bubbles and liquid slugs moving through the meandering conduit converts thermal energy to mechanical motion, which then generates electricity through electromagnetic induction, achieving high efficiency at low temperatures
3Use of energy by moving object
If low-grade waste heat is transferred to location for direct heat use, then heat utilization efficiency is maximized, but electricity generation potential is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the oscillating heat pipe simultaneously transfers heat and generates electricity. The same working fluid oscillation that enables heat transfer also drives magnet movement through the coils, allowing the system to perform both heat utilization and power generation functions concurrently, eliminating the need to choose between the two
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 OHP generator significantly increases power output from low-grade waste heat by 100× compared to conventional designs, achieving efficient and cost-effective electricity generation.
Implementation Method 1
a working fluid disposed within the conduit in which the working fluid includes a liquid phase and a vapor phase
Implementation Method 2
Thermomagnetic power generation using an oscillating heat pipe
Implementation Method 3
one or more conducting coils wrapped around the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillating heat pipe (OHP) generator is provided. The OHP generator includes a conduit defining a continuous, meandering circuit, a working fluid disposed within the conduit in which the working fluid includes a liquid phase and a vapor phase, and a generator section of the conduit. The generator section includes a magnet disposed within the conduit and one or more conducting coils wrapped around the conduit. In operation, the generator section is arranged parallel to a ground plane.