Thermo-electric power harvesting bearing configuration
US9281462B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 3, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 8, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 3, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10N10/10
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A power generating bearing assembly (100) comprises a bearing subassembly (120) retained by a bearing housing (110). During operation, friction and other factors increase a temperature of the bearing assembly (100). The housing (110) can optionally include a bearing cooling passage system comprising at least one liquid cooling passage (134) formed internally therein. The liquid cooling passage (134) would be routed proximate the bearing subassembly (120) to remove heat therefrom. A thermo-generator cavity (180) extends inward from an exterior surface of the housing (110), terminating at a cavity end wall (182). The cavity (180) is formed at a location identified having a higher temperature. A Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) (200) is inserted within the cavity (180) and thermally coupled to the end wall (182). The Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) (200) utilizes a temperature difference between the end wall (182) and the ambient air to generated electric power. The power can be used to operate electrically powered devices, such as condition sensors (150), communication devices, and the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.