Stacked Liquid Energy Converter Using Vertical Capacitance Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy conversion devices using liquid metal face challenges such as channel blocking, complex device configuration, harmful materials, and difficulty in reversible movement, limiting their commercialization and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electrode stacked energy conversion device with a vertical structure, featuring a first electrode and a second electrode with a hydrophobic material layer and energy conversion layers, allowing for efficient energy generation through capacitance changes without the need for external power and minimizing device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a narrow and thin channel structure is used for liquid flow, then the device can achieve compact configuration, but the device complexity increases due to predetermined electrode patterning on channel walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar channel structure to a three-dimensional stacked electrode configuration. Multiple electrodes are arranged in vertical layers rather than being patterned on channel walls, enabling compact device volume while simplifying electrode fabrication and reducing patterning complexity.
2Power
If liquid metal is used for energy conversion, then electrical energy can be generated through capacitance changes, but harmful effects occur to the human body and environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces harmful liquid metals with conductive polymer materials that provide the same electrical conductivity and capacitance change functionality without toxicity. This substitution eliminates environmental and health hazards while maintaining the energy conversion mechanism.
3Power
If external power is applied for depolarizing conductive liquid, then energy conversion can be achieved, but additional energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive polymer material inherently responds to liquid flow-induced mechanical deformation by changing its dielectric properties and generating electrical output. The system converts mechanical energy from liquid flow directly into electrical energy without requiring external power sources for depolarization, achieving self-powered operation.
4Productivity
If reversible movement of liquid metal drops is implemented, then continuous energy generation is possible, but channel blocking occurs and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical movement of liquid metal drops through narrow channels with a distributed electrode structure that generates power through the flow-induced deformation of conductive polymer material. This eliminates the channel blocking problem while maintaining continuous energy generation capability.
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 a compact, efficient, and high-efficiency energy conversion device with reduced failure rates and the ability to generate various voltages, overcoming the limitations of prior technologies.
Implementation Method 1
the contact surface of the multiple electrodes, which is formed with a consistent pattern, with the moving multiple conductive liquid drop is continuously changing with time, and as a result, an electrical energy is generated due to the electrical capacitance change
Implementation Method 2
Document WO 2008/147568 A1 describes an apparatus and methods for liquid manipulation utilizing electrostatic field force
Implementation Method 3
a hydrophobic material layer and energy conversion layers
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an energy conversion apparatus using a liquid, and an electrode laminate structure energy conversion apparatus using a liquid, according to the present invention, comprises: a substrate; a first electrode formed on the substrate; an energy conversion layer formed on the first electrode so as to cover the first electrode; and a second electrode formed on the first energy conversion layer and of which a contact state with the liquid is changed according to a movement or a state change of the liquid. An electric energy generation apparatus having an excellent integration characteristic can be implemented by a form of the electrode structure according to the present invention, a device can be miniaturized by a vertical electrode structure, and a high-efficiency energy conversion apparatus can be implemented by generating various voltages according to the number of upper electrodes and the number of lower electrodes.