Shape Memory Alloy Heat Engine for Vehicle Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles face inefficiencies in power usage due to excess heat loss and increased power demands from accessory systems, leading to reduced fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
An energy harvesting system utilizing a heat engine with a shape memory alloy material that converts thermal energy into mechanical energy through temperature differential, driven by a tensioner to maintain the alloy's tautness, thereby generating additional power and reducing load on the vehicle's power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the vehicle's traditional power sources (engine and battery) are used to meet increased power demands from accessory systems, then the power loads increase, but fuel economy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat from the engine into useful mechanical energy through a heat engine system. The shape memory alloy material undergoes phase transformation in response to temperature differences, generating mechanical motion that drives accessories. This transforms the previously wasted thermal energy into beneficial power output, reducing the load on the battery and improving fuel economy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in temperature parameters to drive the shape memory alloy material through phase transformation. By exposing the material to different temperatures (first temperature for contraction, second temperature for expansion), the system generates mechanical energy from thermal energy variations, converting waste heat into useful work.
2Reliability
If excess thermal energy is dissipated into the atmosphere, then the engine operates normally, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures the harmful waste heat that would otherwise be dissipated into the atmosphere and converts it into useful mechanical energy. The heat engine system uses the temperature differential between the engine's waste heat and the ambient environment to drive the shape memory alloy material, transforming energy loss into energy gain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the phase transition properties of shape memory alloy material between martensite and austenite phases. When exposed to different temperatures, the material undergoes reversible phase changes that result in dimensional changes, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy and preventing thermal energy loss.
3Loss of energy
If a heat engine with shape memory alloy material is added to convert thermal energy, then energy recovery increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the inherent phase transition properties of shape memory alloy material to create a compact heat engine system. The material's ability to reversibly change phase and dimension in response to temperature changes eliminates the need for complex mechanical components typically found in traditional heat engines, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining energy recovery functionality.
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 system enhances fuel economy and range by converting waste heat into mechanical and electrical energy, reducing the load on the vehicle's power sources and allowing for autonomous operation without additional input.
Implementation Method 1
The shape memory alloy material is configured to selectively change crystallographic phase from martensite to austenite and thereby contract in response to exposure to a first temperature. The shape memory alloy material is also configured to selectively change crystallographic phase from austenite to martensite and thereby expand in response to exposure to a second temperature.
Implementation Method 2
An energy harvesting system utilizing a heat engine with a shape memory alloy material that converts thermal energy into mechanical energy through temperature differential
Implementation Method 3
The tensioner is configured to apply tension to the shape memory alloy material as the shape memory alloy material selectively expands and contracts such that the shape memory alloy material is taut.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy harvesting system includes a heat engine and a component configured to be driven by operation of the heat engine. The heat engine includes a first member, a second member, a shape memory alloy material, and a tensioner. The second member is spaced from the first member. The shape memory alloy material operatively interconnects the first member and the second member. The shape memory alloy material is configured to selectively change crystallographic phase from martensite to austenite and thereby contract in response to exposure to a first temperature. The shape memory alloy material is also configured to selectively change crystallographic phase from austenite to martensite and thereby expand in response to exposure to a second temperature. The tensioner is configured to apply tension to the shape memory alloy material as the shape memory alloy material selectively expands and contracts such that the shape memory alloy material is taut.