Solid-State Generator Using Charge Carrier Refraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state energy conversion systems face inefficiencies due to uncontrolled relative charge carrier effective masses in junction materials, limiting the conversion of ballistic charge carrier motion into electricity, especially at elevated temperatures and requiring cryogenic cooling.
Innovation Solution
The use of a solid-state electric generator with a first material of low charge carrier effective mass and a second material of higher effective mass, where the charge carrier effective mass ratio is greater than or equal to two, to refract ballistic charge carriers and enhance energy conversion efficiency through pre-equilibrium ballistic charge carrier refraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solid-state junctions with uncontrolled charge carrier effective mass ratios are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but energy conversion efficiency is limited and cryogenic cooling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifically controlling the charge carrier effective mass ratio between the first and second materials in the solid-state junction. By selecting materials where the effective mass ratio is greater than or equal to two, the patent transforms the uncontrolled parameter into a controlled design parameter that enables pre-equilibrium ballistic charge carrier refraction, thereby improving energy conversion efficiency without requiring cryogenic cooling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining a first material with low charge carrier effective mass and a second material with high charge carrier effective mass (effective mass ratio ≥ 2) to form a heterostructure junction. This composite material approach creates the necessary conditions for ballistic charge carrier refraction, enabling efficient energy conversion at elevated temperatures while maintaining device functionality
2Productivity
If materials with uncontrolled effective mass ratios are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but charge carrier reflection is high and energy conversion is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the manufacturing simplicity versus efficiency trade-off by establishing a specific parameter criterion: the charge carrier effective mass ratio between the two materials must be greater than or equal to two. This parameter control enables high charge carrier collection efficiency by reducing reflection at the junction interface, while the criterion provides clear guidance for material selection, making the manufacturing process manageable
3Temperature
If conventional junctions without effective mass control are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but operation at elevated temperatures results in thermal noise and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the temperature versus reliability contradiction by changing the effective mass ratio parameter of the junction materials to be greater than or equal to two. This parameter modification enables the device to operate at elevated temperatures by suppressing thermal noise through the pre-equilibrium ballistic refraction mechanism, thereby maintaining reliability across a broader temperature range without requiring cryogenic cooling
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 improves energy conversion efficiency by maximizing charge carrier velocity components normal to the potential barrier, minimizing energy losses, and allowing operation at elevated temperatures without cryogenic cooling, thereby increasing the generation of electricity.
Implementation Method 1
pre-equilibrium ballistic charge carrier refraction
Implementation Method 2
A charge carrier effective mass ratio of the second effective mass divided by the first effective mass is greater than or equal to two
Implementation Method 3
Electrons traveling against a potential voltage barrier convert some of the ballistic electron kinetic energy into electrical potential energy
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for using a method of pre-equilibrium ballistic charge carrier refraction comprises fabricating one or more solid-state electric generators. The solid-state electric generators include one or more of a chemically energized solid-state electric generator and a thermionic solid-state electric generator. A first material having a first charge carrier effective mass is used in a solid-state junction. A second material having a second charge carrier effective mass greater than the first charge carrier effective mass is used in the solid-state junction. A charge carrier effective mass ratio between the second effective mass and the first effective mass is greater than or equal to two.