Apparatus and method for pyroelectric power conversion
Abstract
Apparatus and method for converting heat to electrical energy by the use of one or more capacitors having temperature dependent capacitance are disclosed. The capacitor is cycled between relatively high and relatively low temperatures by successive thermal contact with relatively high and relatively low temperature portions of a heat transfer medium having a temperature gradient therein. Upon heating of the capacitor, the capacitance thereof is reduced, so that a charge therein is caused to expand into associated external circuitry in which it is available to do electrical work. The capacitor is then cooled and recharged and the cycle is repeated. The electrical output of the capacitor results from the regenerative delivery of heat to and removal of heat from the capacitor by the heat transfer medium, and efficient conversion of heat to electric energy is thereby effected. 12 figs.
- Inventors:
- Issue Date:
- Research Org.:
- Power Conversion Technology
- OSTI Identifier:
- 7258554
- Patent Number(s):
- 4425540 A
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 6-270105
- Assignee:
- Power Conversion Technology, Inc., San Diego, CA (United States) OAK; EDB-94-123502
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-78ER01736
- Resource Type:
- Patent
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 3 Jun 1981
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- 30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION; CAPACITORS; DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS; DESIGN; CAPACITANCE; HEAT; TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE; TEMPERATURE GRADIENTS; ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES; ENERGY; EQUIPMENT; PHYSICAL PROPERTIES; 300800* - Direct Energy Conversion- Miscellaneous Converters
Citation Formats
Olsen, R.B. Apparatus and method for pyroelectric power conversion. United States: N. p., 1984.
Web.
Olsen, R.B. Apparatus and method for pyroelectric power conversion. United States.
Olsen, R.B. Tue .
"Apparatus and method for pyroelectric power conversion". United States.
@article{osti_7258554,
title = {Apparatus and method for pyroelectric power conversion},
author = {Olsen, R.B.},
abstractNote = {Apparatus and method for converting heat to electrical energy by the use of one or more capacitors having temperature dependent capacitance are disclosed. The capacitor is cycled between relatively high and relatively low temperatures by successive thermal contact with relatively high and relatively low temperature portions of a heat transfer medium having a temperature gradient therein. Upon heating of the capacitor, the capacitance thereof is reduced, so that a charge therein is caused to expand into associated external circuitry in which it is available to do electrical work. The capacitor is then cooled and recharged and the cycle is repeated. The electrical output of the capacitor results from the regenerative delivery of heat to and removal of heat from the capacitor by the heat transfer medium, and efficient conversion of heat to electric energy is thereby effected. 12 figs.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {1984},
month = {1}
}