Solid State Multi-Stroke Thermal Engine Using SMA Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal engines using shape memory alloys (SMA) for energy generation face limitations due to reliance on alternating temperature changes, requiring large exposure to cooling zones and inefficient energy input versus removal ratios, leading to suboptimal power generation and environmental concerns from combustible fuels.
Innovation Solution
A thermal engine design utilizing a conventional multi-stroke engine with SMA springs that undergo phase changes driven by a thermal battery and non-combustible fluids, such as air and vacuum fields, to regenerate mechanical energy efficiently, eliminating the need for external energy sources and minimizing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If thermal engines use alternating temperature changes to drive SMA phase transitions, then mechanical energy can be generated, but the engine requires large exposure to cooling zones and has inefficient energy input versus removal ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of shape memory alloys (SMA) between austenite and martensite states driven by temperature changes to generate mechanical energy. The SMA material undergoes reversible phase transformations that produce expansion and contraction forces, enabling the engine to convert thermal energy into mechanical work without requiring large cooling zone exposures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by using a thermal battery to store thermal energy and release it in controlled manner, altering the temperature-time profile. This allows the SMA to undergo phase transitions more efficiently with better energy input removal ratios, moving away from traditional alternating temperature exposure methods.
2Power
If conventional engines use combustible fuels for energy generation, then power can be produced, but environmental harm is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts waste heat from industrial processes or other thermal sources into useful energy for driving the SMA-based engine. Instead of discarding waste heat as harmful, the system captures and utilizes it to drive phase transitions in the SMA material, transforming an environmental liability into a beneficial energy source.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine uses non-combustible thermal energy sources rather than combustible fuels, creating an inert thermal environment that eliminates combustion-related pollution. The thermal battery and SMA system operate without chemical combustion, thereby avoiding harmful emissions while maintaining power generation capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If thermal engines rely on external energy sources for operation, then energy input is available, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal battery system stores thermal energy and makes it available for driving the SMA phase transitions without requiring continuous external energy input. The system serves itself by capturing and storing thermal energy during available periods and releasing it when needed, eliminating dependence on continuous external energy sources and reducing overall system complexity.
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 solution enables high-efficiency power generation with reduced environmental impact by leveraging phase changes in SMA springs within a thermal battery system, enhancing energy conversion and reducing waste energy, while using non-combustible fuels for a more sustainable thermal energy storage and conversion process.
Implementation Method 1
Shape memory Alloys or SMA for short refers to certain alloys of metals with the ability to 'remember' a shape even after extensive cyclic deformations. If formed in a certain shape, they remain in that shape at room temperature. However, they become soft and undergo a phase transition of their internal molecular structure to a Martensite state. Once SMA springs arc formed in a hot Austenite state as expanded compression springs, they will remember this shape when heated above the transition temperature.
Implementation Method 2
a thermal battery and non-combustible fluids, such as air and vacuum fields, to regenerate mechanical energy efficiently
Implementation Method 3
thermal fluid under phase change when passed through a thermal battery that is used to store thermal energy. The thermal fluid undergoes a phase change and expands and drives a thermal engine.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stroke reciprocating thermal engine includes a cylinder head; a cylinder head cover; a crank case; crank shaft; a cam shaft; a cam cover; piston heads; and Shape Memory Alloy compression springs; a fluid tank; a radiator; a fluid pump; a heating fluid and a cooling fluid; a thermal battery with a thermal mass for storing thermal energy; a means of charging the thermal battery including a solar lens; electrical charging means and electromagnetic induction means.