Microfabricated rankine cycle steam turbine for power generation and methods of making the same
US7487641B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 29, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05D2250/84
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In accordance with the present invention, an integrated micro steam turbine power plant on-a-chip has been provided. The integrated micro steam turbine power plant on-a-chip of the present invention comprises a miniature electric power generation system fabricated using silicon microfabrication technology and lithographic patterning. The present invention converts heat to electricity by implementing a thermodynamic power cycle on a chip. The steam turbine power plant on-a-chip generally comprises a turbine, a pump, an electric generator, an evaporator, and a condenser. The turbine is formed by a rotatable, disk-shaped rotor having a plurality of rotor blades disposed thereon and a plurality of stator blades. The plurality of stator blades are interdigitated with the plurality of rotor blades to form the turbine. The generator is driven by the turbine and converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.