Shape memory alloy heat engines and energy harvesting systems

US8607562B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US
• Dynalloy, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Alan L. Browne · Grosse Pointe, US
• Nancy L. Johnson · Northville, US
• Andrew C. Keefe · Calabasas, US
• Paul W. Alexander · Ypsilanti, US
• Peter Maxwell Sarosi · Ferndale, US
• Guillermo A. Herrera · Calabasas, US
• James Ryan Yates · Mission Viejo, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 30, 2011
• Grant date: Dec 17, 2013
• Expiry date: Jun 22, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F03G7/0641
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A heat engine includes a first rotatable pulley and a second rotatable pulley spaced from the first rotatable pulley. A shape memory alloy (SMA) element is disposed about respective portions of the pulleys at an SMA pulley ratio. The SMA element includes first spring coil and a first fiber core within the first spring coil. A timing cable is disposed about disposed about respective portions of the pulleys at a timing pulley ratio, which is different than the SMA pulley ratio. The SMA element converts a thermal energy gradient between the hot region and the cold region into mechanical energy.