System for converting thermal energy into electrical power
US10075102B2 · kind B2 · utility
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15Claims
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Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 26, 2016 |
| Grant date | Sep 11, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 16, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10N30/304
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for converting thermal energy into electrical power includes a temperature-sensitive element held in a frame by its two ends between a heat source and a cold source producing a thermal gradient. A piezoelectric element is positioned between the frame and at least one end of the temperature-sensitive element. The temperature-sensitive element is configured to deform cyclically between two states under the action of the thermal gradient. With each cyclic deformation, a stress is applied to the piezoelectric element via the one end.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.