Autonomous Thermal Power Source Using Quantum Tunneling for IoT
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for power in the IoT ecosystem poses challenges in providing sustainable, autonomous electrical power sources that are environmentally friendly and can operate without routine servicing, replacement, or external interaction, especially in inaccessible environments.
Innovation Solution
Development of autonomous electrical power sources that convert minimal thermal energy into usable electrical power through a multi-layered structure with opposing conductor layers and a dielectric layer, utilizing quantum tunneling effects to generate electrical potential without physical movement or deformation, enabling continuous or intermittent power supply to electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional power sources (batteries) are used in IoT devices, then devices can operate portably, but they require routine servicing, replacement, or external recharging which is impossible in inaccessible environments
Solution Approach 1:
The power source serves itself by harvesting thermal energy from its own temperature difference with the environment, eliminating the need for external servicing, recharging, or replacement. The device autonomously generates electrical power through the natural thermal gradient that exists between its internal components and the surrounding environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical battery systems with a thermal energy harvesting system that uses thermoelectric materials to convert heat flow directly into electrical energy, eliminating the need for moving parts, chemical reactions, or external mechanical recharging.
2Duration of action of moving object
If rechargeable batteries are used, then devices can be powered repeatedly, but they require external interaction for recharging which precludes use in inaccessible environments
Solution Approach 1:
The power source autonomously harvests thermal energy from its operational temperature difference with the environment, requiring no external interaction for recharging. The system continuously generates power as long as a temperature gradient exists between the device and its surroundings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes from storing energy chemically in batteries to harvesting energy thermally from temperature differences. By utilizing the natural thermal parameter that always exists in operational devices, the system provides continuous power without requiring external recharging operations.
3Reliability
If sustainable power sources are deployed in inaccessible environments, then devices can operate autonomously, but the power sources must be embedded in structures rather than being portable
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy harvesting power source can be universally applied to any electronic device that generates heat during operation, regardless of the specific application or environment. The same thermoelectric principle works for sensors, communication devices, medical implants, and industrial monitors, providing autonomous power across diverse deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing portable battery systems with integrated thermal harvesting, the patent enables autonomous operation in previously inaccessible environments including embedded structural sensors, implanted medical devices, and permanently installed industrial monitors that cannot be accessed for battery replacement.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If environmental friendliness is prioritized, then harmful chemical batteries are avoided, but alternative power sources must still require external maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical battery systems with solid-state thermoelectric generators that have no moving parts, no chemical reactions, and no consumable materials. This eliminates environmental harm from battery disposal while simultaneously eliminating maintenance requirements through the solid-state, sealed construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The environmentally friendly thermoelectric power source serves itself by continuously converting waste heat into electrical energy, requiring no external maintenance, replacement, or servicing throughout its operational life, thereby eliminating both environmental harm and maintenance burden.
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 provides a renewable and sustainable power source that can operate at any temperature above absolute zero, embedded in structures or deployed in inhospitable environments, reducing the need for external energy sources and maintenance, and enhancing the operational capabilities of IoT devices.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing quantum tunneling effects to generate electrical potential without physical movement or deformation
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically-powered device, structure and/or component is provided that includes an attached autonomous electrical power source in a form of a unique, environmentally-friendly structure that is configured to transform thermal energy at any temperature above absolute zero to an electric potential without any external stimulus including physical movement or deformation energy. The autonomous electrical power source component provides a mechanism for generating renewable energy, or a renewable energy supplement, as primary or auxiliary power for the electrically-powered device, structure and/or component. The autonomous electrical power source component is formed of one or more elements, each of which includes a first conductor having a surface with a comparatively low work function, a second conductor having a surface with the comparatively high work function and a dielectric layer on a scale of 200 nm or less interposed between the conductors.