Cooling module using electrical pulses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for converting thermal energy into electrical energy are inefficient, particularly when temperature differences are small, limiting their practical utility in generating electrical power.

Innovation Solution

The Carver Voltaic Effect (CVE) circuit 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 resonant cavities filled with materials of varying permittivity and permeability to enhance energy conversion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional thermoelectric conversion devices (thermocouples) or heat engines (Carnot/Stirling) are used to convert thermal energy to electrical energy, then the conversion can be achieved, but the efficiency is low (15-30%) and requires substantial temperature differentials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy generation efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature differential requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing high dV/dt (rate of change of voltage) transients to fundamentally alter the energy conversion mechanism. Instead of relying on steady-state temperature differentials, the system uses rapidly changing electrical parameters to extract energy from thermal fields, enabling efficient conversion with minimal temperature gradients.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical heat engines (Carnot, Stirling) and conventional thermoelectric devices with an electrical field-based system. By substituting mechanical moving parts and steady-state thermal gradients with dynamic electrical transients, the system achieves superior efficiency without requiring substantial temperature differentials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If small temperature differences (a few degrees Celsius) are used with conventional methods, then the system is simpler to operate, but the practical utility is limited due to very low efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicity with small temperature differencesVSAvoidelectrical power generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameters from steady-state thermal gradients to dynamic high dV/dt electrical transients. This parameter transformation allows the system to maintain ease of operation with small temperature differences while dramatically improving electrical power generation efficiency, making previously unusable small temperature differentials practically valuable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs periodic electrical pulses with high dV/dt characteristics to continuously extract energy from the thermal field. This periodic action enables sustained electrical power generation from small temperature differences, transforming a previously limited condition into a viable power source for portable and stationary applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 approach enables efficient conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy even with small temperature differences, providing a convenient and powerful method for generating electrical power suitable for various applications, including portable devices and larger stationary systems.

Implementation Method 1

The Carver Voltaic Effect (CVE) circuit utilizes a coupled inductor with a negative resistance device and a thermal exchanger to convert thermal energy into electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCarver Voltaic Effect:

Implementation Method 2

The Carver Voltaic Effect (CVE) circuit 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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The Carver Voltaic Effect (CVE) circuit utilizes a coupled inductor with a negative resistance device and a thermal exchanger to convert thermal energy into electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat Exchanger: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS11671033B2Cooling module using electrical pulses
Publication Date: 2023.06.06 CALAGEN INC
  • US11671033B2 patent drawing
  • US11671033B2 patent drawing
  • US11671033B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A circuit for cooling is disclosed. The circuit uses a pulse generator in combination with a conductor. A cooling effect of the circuit on the conductor can be used and can be used in conjunction with a Carnot or Stirling engine. 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.