Solid-State Generator Using Carbon and Oxide Matrices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical power generation methods are costly, environmentally harmful, and inefficient, with high energy conversion losses and reliance on fossil fuels, and existing alternative energy technologies are either expensive to produce or complex to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state energy device is developed using layered stabilized materials such as oxides, semiconductors, and carbons to exploit built-in potential at material interfaces, allowing for electricity generation at various temperatures without the need for expensive manufacturing processes or constant energy input, and can be integrated into existing infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fossil fuel combustion is used for power generation, then energy production cost is low, but environmental damage and energy conversion efficiency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical combustion process with a solid-state electrochemical energy conversion system. The device uses layered material structures (oxides, semiconductors, metals, carbons) that generate electricity through electrochemical reactions, eliminating the need for combustion engines and mechanical energy conversion components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite material structures consisting of multiple layers including oxides, semiconductors, metals, and carbons. These composite materials work together to achieve efficient electrochemical energy conversion while avoiding the environmental harm associated with fossil fuel combustion.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If solar cells are used for power generation, then environmental impact is reduced, but manufacturing cost and energy storage complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the photoelectric effect-based solar cell system with an electrochemical energy conversion device that can operate continuously without requiring complex energy storage systems. The solid-state generator produces electricity through electrochemical reactions that can function both day and night, eliminating the need for batteries and other storage infrastructure.
3Use of energy by moving object
If thermoelectric or thermionic devices are used for power generation, then alternative energy conversion is achieved, but conversion efficiency and manufacturing complexity remain insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy conversion device into distinct functional layers (oxides, semiconductors, metals, carbons) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components while achieving high overall conversion efficiency through the synergistic interaction of the layered structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material structures where oxides, semiconductors, metals, and carbons are combined in specific configurations. This composite approach achieves superior energy conversion efficiency compared to single-material systems while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through the use of readily available materials.
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 device achieves efficient electricity generation with increased power output proportional to temperature, reducing environmental impact and manufacturing costs, and can be scaled for various applications from small devices to large systems.
Implementation Method 1
The production of electricity from this device or cell is possible by exploiting built-in potential created across the interface between stable materials with dissimilar electron/hole configurations and densities
Implementation Method 2
thermally enhanced, built-in potentials arising at the junction between dissimilar materials including metals, semiconductors, ceramics (oxides, carbides, etc.) and carbons (graphite, charcoal)
Data Source
AI summary
A solid state energy conversion device along with its production methods and systems of use is provided. The device in its most basic form consists of two layers, in contact with each other, of dissimilar materials in terms of electron density and configuration, sandwiched between metal layers, which serve as the anode and cathode of the device. One of the inside layers is made of a stabilized mixture of carbon and an ionic material (carbon matrix). The other inner material consists of a stabilized oxide mixed with an ionic material (oxide matrix). This device takes advantage of the built-in potential that forms across the barrier between the carbon matrix and the oxide matrix. The built-in potential of the device (when not attached to a resistive load at the terminals), which is determined mathematically by integrating the electrostatic forces that have created themselves across the barrier, will rise or fall in direct proportion to the rise and fall of the device temperature (in kelvins). When a load is attached across the terminals of the device, current flows. Depending on the size of the load or the surface area of the device, a reduced current will allow sustained recombination such that the built-in potential and current remains steady overtime. Otherwise, the current curve will fall over time similar to a capacitor device. Experimentation shows that current rises by the fourth power of the temperature factor.