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Title: Shape memory alloy heat engines and energy harvesting systems

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1111147
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A heat engine includes a first rotatable pulley and a second rotatable pulled spaced from the first rotatable pulley. A shape memory alloy (SMA) element is disposed about respective portions of the pulleys at an SMA pulley ratio. The SMA element includes first spring coil and a first fiber core within the first spring coil. A timing cable is disposed about disposed about respective portions of the pulleys at a timing pulley ratio, which is different than the SMA pulley ratio. The SMA element converts a thermal energy gradient between the hot region and the cold region into mechanical energy.

Research Organization:
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI, USA
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AR0000040
Assignee:
GM Global Technology Operations LLC (Detroit, MI); Dynalloy, Inc. (Tustin, CA)
Patent Number(s):
8,607,562
Application Number:
13/340,955
OSTI ID:
1111147
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (14)

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Solid state heat engine patent December 1981
Ultrasonic probe patent June 2011
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Coaxial flexible piezoelectric cable polarizer, polarizing method, defect detector, and defect detecting method patent April 2007
Device and method for securing a pallet-stone to an escapement pallet of a timepiece movement patent May 2009
Apparatus for the solidification of liquid films patent January 1989
Solid state thermal engine patent January 1981
Energy conversion system patent June 1981
Non-volatile memory patent December 2012
Solid state thermal engine patent April 2005
Cooling device and electronic apparatus having the cooling device patent December 2010

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