Dielectric thermal power converter
A method and apparatus is disclosed for use in converting heat to electrical energy and comprises a plurality of capacitors which have a temperature dependent capacitance. Heat is used to decrease the dielectric constant in the capacitors causing charge to expand from the capacitors into an associated circuit and do electrical work. The invention also includes reeds which are caused to vibrate by the flow of vapor carrying heat between stages. These reeds serve as thermal switches which pulse heat at the proper frequency and phase through a large number of stacked capacitors. The efficiency of the apparatus is optimized by operating the individual capacitors through cycles approximating carnot cycles.
- Assignee:
- Maxwell Labs Inc
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4220906
- OSTI ID:
- 6698517
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
300800* -- Direct Energy Conversion-- Miscellaneous Converters
CAPACITORS
DESIGN
DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
EQUIPMENT
FERROELECTRIC CONVERTERS
FLUIDS
GASES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PULSES
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
VAPORS