Method and apparatus for cooling and energy capture in an electronic device via a photovoltaics
US9124213B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 19, 2010 |
| Grant date | Sep 1, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E70/30
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for cooling and capturing energy in an electronic device using photovoltaic cells is disclosed. A power supply powers electronic components inside the electronic device. The electronic components produce heat and infrared energy. The photovoltaic cells convert the infrared energy into an electric current to reduce the overall heat level of the electronic device. A power recovery circuit conditions the electric current into a conditioned power signal usable by a system power path manager of the electronic device. The system power path manager uses the converted infrared energy to power the electronic device and/or to charge an energy storage unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.