Systems and methods for augmenting power generation based on thermal energy conversion using solar or radiated thermal energy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) face challenges in obtaining adequate and prolonged power supply, with existing methods like tethering limiting range and autonomy, or requiring large fuel cell packages, and previous power generation methods providing insufficient power.

Innovation Solution

A power generation system using refrigerant tanks that harness solar or radiated thermal energy to generate electrical power, with collectors transferring thermal energy to heat or cool the refrigerant, facilitating its flow between tanks to produce power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If tethering is used to supply power to UUV, then power supply is adequate, but range and autonomy are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supplyVSAvoidrange

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The UUV generates its own power through onboard thermal energy conversion systems that utilize temperature differences between ambient water and internal thermal sources, eliminating the need for external tethered power supply and enabling autonomous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by using phase change materials and thermal energy conversion to generate power from temperature variations in the aquatic environment, allowing the UUV to operate independently without tethering

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If fuel cells are used to generate power, then power supply is adequate, but device size and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supplyVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical fuel cell systems with a thermal energy conversion system that uses temperature differences and phase change materials to generate power, significantly reducing device size and complexity while maintaining adequate power supply

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes phase transitions of thermal energy and temperature differential conversion to generate power, replacing the need for large fuel cell packages with a compact thermal conversion mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Power

If expanding wax based power generation is used, then power is generated, but power output is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidpower capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the physical parameters of power generation by using phase change materials with optimized melting points and thermal properties, enabling higher power output compared to conventional expanding wax systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite thermal energy conversion systems combining phase change materials with thermal conductive structures and heat transfer fluids, achieving superior power output and capacity compared to single-material expanding wax systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite 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

Enables UUVs to generate power over a wider range of latitudes and depths, reducing the need for deep dives and propulsion energy, thus enhancing autonomy and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a collector configured to transfer solar thermal energy to one of the tanks to heat the refrigerant in that tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar thermal energy transfer: Solar Energy

Implementation Method 2

radiate thermal energy from one of the tanks into an ambient environment to cool the refrigerant in that tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

at least one generator configured to generate electrical power based on a flow of the refrigerant between the tanks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy conversion: Heat Engine

Data Source

PatentUS11052981B2Systems and methods for augmenting power generation based on thermal energy conversion using solar or radiated thermal energy

Publication Date: 2021.07.06 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

An apparatus includes first and second tanks each configured to receive and store a refrigerant under pressure. The apparatus also includes at least one generator configured to generate electrical power based on a flow of the refrigerant between the tanks. The apparatus further includes a collector configured to transfer solar thermal energy to one of the tanks to heat the refrigerant in that tank and/or radiate thermal energy from one of the tanks into an ambient environment to cool the refrigerant in that tank. In addition, the apparatus could include first and second insulated water jackets each configured to receive and retain water, where the first tank is located within the first insulated water jacket and the second tank is located within the second insulated water jacket.