Thermo-mechano-electrical Converter with Bistable Shape Memory Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for converting thermal power into electric power are limited by high costs and inflexibility in terms of dimensions, and they lack efficiency in converting thermal energy into mechanical and subsequently electrical energy.
Innovation Solution
A thermo-mechano-electric converter utilizing bistable shape memory elements embedded in a resilient material, intimately associated with a piezoelectric material, such as polyvinylidene fluoride, to generate mechanical power from thermal energy and convert it into electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bimetallic elements are used for thermal to mechanical power conversion, then the device can function as an electric switch, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bimetallic elements with piezoelectric materials in a single integrated structure. The bimetallic strips are embedded within the piezoelectric material, merging two separate functions (thermal-mechanical conversion and mechanical-electrical conversion) into one unified device, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite structures where bimetallic elements are integrated with piezoelectric materials. This composite approach allows the device to perform multiple functions simultaneously - the bimetallic portion handles thermal-mechanical conversion while the piezoelectric portion handles mechanical-electrical conversion, reducing the need for separate components
2Power
If piezoelectric materials are used for mechanical to electric power conversion, then electric power can be generated, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric material is divided into multiple segments or layers with embedded bimetallic elements. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing where smaller, more manageable piezoelectric components can be produced and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining effective power generation
Solution Approach 2:
The bimetallic elements act as intermediaries that convert thermal energy to mechanical motion, which then drives the piezoelectric material to generate electricity. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to leverage lower-cost piezoelectric materials more efficiently, reducing the total amount of expensive piezoelectric material needed while maintaining power generation capability
3Power
If conventional devices are used for thermal to electric power conversion, then power conversion is possible, but the dimensions are limited and adaptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates flexible, bendable piezoelectric materials that can dynamically adapt to various shapes and dimensions. The embedded bimetallic elements provide the mechanical actuation needed to bend and flex the piezoelectric material, allowing the device to be configured in different geometries while maintaining its power conversion function
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses thin-film piezoelectric materials that can be flexed and shaped into various configurations. These flexible piezoelectric films, combined with the mechanical actuation from bimetallic elements, enable the device to adapt to different dimensional requirements and application scenarios while maintaining effective thermal-to-electric power conversion
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 efficient and cost-effective conversion of thermal power into electric power, allowing for various dimensions and large-scale applications with repeated stress on the piezoelectric material, resulting in sustained voltage generation.
Implementation Method 1
bistable shape memory elements embedded in a resilient material
Implementation Method 2
the shape memory elements are bimetallic type elements
Implementation Method 3
intimately associated with a piezoelectric material
Data Source
AI summary
A thermo-mechano-electric converter including a plurality of shape memory bistable elements embedded in a resilient material intimately associated with a piezoelectric material.