Electric power source through steam transition
US5039901A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 1990 |
| Grant date | Aug 13, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 22, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02N2/18
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for generating electricity which capitalizes on the energy which is released by steam through sudden transition to a liquid state. Electric current is generated by piezoelectric elements which are attached to the walls of a vessel equipped with an outlet port and two inlet ports. Cold water enters the vessel at one of the inlet ports. Steam is introduced to the vessel at the other inlet port. The sudden change in phase from the vapor to the liquid state caused by the encounter of the steam with the interior of the vessel produces shock waves which mechanically charge the piezoelectric elements to produce an electric current.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.