Producing electrical energy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for converting thermal energy into electrical energy are inefficient, particularly when temperature differences are small, as they require substantial temperature differentials and are not practical for small engines or direct thermoelectric conversion.
Innovation Solution
The Carver Voltaic Effect (CVE) system utilizes a coupled inductor with a negative resistance device and a thermal exchanger to convert thermal energy into electrical energy, leveraging high dV/dt transients and oscillatory circuits to generate electrical power from thermal energy, even with low temperature differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional thermoelectric conversion devices (thermocouples) are used, then electrical energy can be generated from thermal energy, but the efficiency is very low when temperature differences are small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional thermoelectric devices (thermocouples) with a resonant circuit system that uses electromagnetic resonance to convert thermal energy to electrical energy. This substitution enables efficient energy conversion with small temperature differentials by utilizing resonant frequency matching between the thermal source and the circuit, rather than relying on the Seebeck effect which requires large temperature gradients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by tuning the resonant frequency of the circuit to match the thermal source characteristics. By adjusting the inductance and capacitance values in the resonant circuit, the system can efficiently convert thermal energy across a range of small temperature differentials, overcoming the limitation of conventional devices that require substantial temperature gradients.
2Loss of energy
If Carnot engine or Stirling cycle engine is used to convert thermal energy into mechanical energy, then energy conversion can be achieved, but the devices are complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical heat engines (Carnot engine, Stirling cycle engine) with an electrical resonant circuit system. This substitution eliminates the need for moving parts, pistons, and complex mechanical structures while achieving efficient energy conversion. The resonant circuit uses only passive electrical components (inductors, capacitors, resistors) to convert thermal energy directly into electrical energy, dramatically simplifying the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential energy conversion function from complex mechanical engines and implements it through a simplified resonant circuit. By taking out only the necessary components (RLC circuit elements) and removing all unnecessary mechanical parts, the system achieves the same energy conversion purpose with minimal complexity and cost.
3Ease of operation
If conventional thermoelectric devices are used, then direct conversion from thermal energy to electrical energy is achieved, but practical utility is limited when temperature differences are small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic oscillating action through the resonant circuit, which naturally oscillates at its resonant frequency when exposed to thermal energy. This periodic action allows the circuit to continuously extract energy from the thermal source through resonant coupling, maintaining high efficiency even with small temperature differentials. The oscillating current in the RLC circuit creates a sustained energy conversion process that is far more efficient than static thermoelectric conversion.
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 CVE system effectively converts thermal energy into electrical energy with improved efficiency, capable of handling various energy forms and frequencies, providing a consistent electrical output suitable for diverse applications, including those with low-grade waste heat.
Implementation Method 1
The Carver Voltaic Effect (CVE) system utilizes a coupled inductor with a negative resistance device and a thermal exchanger to convert thermal energy into electrical energy, leveraging high dV/dt transients and oscillatory circuits to generate electrical power from thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
The Carver Voltaic Effect (CVE) system utilizes a coupled inductor with a negative resistance device and a thermal exchanger to convert thermal energy into electrical energy, leveraging high dV/dt transients
Implementation Method 3
a thermal exchanger to convert thermal energy into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for generating electrical energy is disclosed. The circuit uses a pulse generator in combination with a conductor. Waste heat can be converted to usable energy due to a cooling effect of the circuit on the conductor. A resultant energy applied to a load is larger than the energy supplied by the pulse generator due to the absorption of external energy by the conductor.