Direct Conversion of Nanoscale Thermal Radiation to Electrical Energy Using Pyroelectric Materials

Can operate at low temperatures (< 100°C). Depending on the need, the pyroelectric materials can be selected to operate at higher temperatures Use near field effects to enhance radiative heat transfer between the pyroelectric element and the hot and cold sources.Can operate at larger frequency and achieve larger power densities than other pyroelectric devices based on the Olsen cycle.

•Harvest low grade waste heat energy and convert it to usable electricity. oHeat from cell phonesoHeat from CPUsoHeat from industrial processesoHeat from chemical processes

UCLA researchers in the Department of Mechanical Engineering have developed a new technology that combines nanoscale radiative heat transfer and pyroelectric energy conversion in a single device to harvest waste heat with large power output and energy efficiency. The device consists of bringing the pyroelectric element in close proximity successively with a hot surface and with a cold surface while performing the Olsen cycle. Displacement can be achieved using low power piezoelectric actuators, for example. The proposed technology is relatively simple to setup and microfabricate.

Patent Number: US20110298333A1
Application Number: US13155288A
Inventor: Pilon, Laurent G.
Priority Date: 7 Jun 2010
Priority Number: US20110298333A1
Application Date: 7 Jun 2011
Publication Date: 8 Dec 2011
IPC Current: H02N001100
US Class: 310306
Title: DIRECT CONVERSION OF NANOSCALE THERMAL RADIATION TO ELECTRICAL ENERGY USING PYROELECTRIC MATERIALS
Usefulness: DIRECT CONVERSION OF NANOSCALE THERMAL RADIATION TO ELECTRICAL ENERGY USING PYROELECTRIC MATERIALS
Summary: PE energy converter for directly converting nanoscale thermal radiation or low grade waste heat from a power cycle, a refrigeration cycle and a heat pump cycle, into electrical energy by utilizing PE materials.
Novelty: Pyroelectric energy converter for directly converting nanoscale thermal radiation or low grade waste heat from e.g. power cycle into electrical energy, has pyroelectric plate moved between positions

Environmental/Green Technology

Waste Processing

20110298333

State Of Development

The invention is conceptual and simulations have shown its feasibility. Experiments have established radiative heat transfer enhancement between surfaces in close proximity. 

Background

Rising awareness in sustainable and efficient energy technologies has stimulated efforts in harvesting energy that would otherwise be wasted. A pyroelectric energy converter offers the prospect of directly transforming waste heat into electricity. However, the operating frequency of such a device is usually small (~0.1 Hz), and limited by convective heat transfer between the pyroelectric material and the working fluid’s oscillations, which restrict the performance of the device. However, thermal radiative heat transfer is exchanged at the speed of light, and has the potential to increase the operating frequency of pyroelectric energy converters, resulting in significantly better power density and efficiency.

Additional Technologies by these Inventors

• Thermomechanical Cycle for Thermal and/or Mechanical Energy Conversion Using Ferroelectric Materials

Tech ID/UC Case

22144/2010-532-0

Related Cases

2010-532-0

USA

Desktop View