Buried sensor system
US10217920B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 2016 |
| Grant date | Feb 26, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 18, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/10
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A sensing system including in-ground sensors not requiring battery power. A thermoelectric generator sensor rod includes an upper thermal contact and a lower thermal contact at or near its two ends. When the thermoelectric generator sensor rod is buried in the ground with one end buried more deeply than the other, a temperature gradient in the soil produces a temperature difference between the upper thermal contact and the lower thermal contact. The upper thermal contact and the lower thermal contact are thermally connected to a thermoelectric generator, e.g., by heat pipes or thermally conductive rods. Electrical power generated by the thermoelectric generator powers sensors for monitoring conditions in the ground, and circuitry for transmitting sensor data to a central data processing system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.