Thermo-electric power harvesting bearing configuration
US9343646B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 3, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 17, 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 thermal energy transfer media (204) is inserted into a thermal transfer conduit (180), wherein the thermal transfer conduit (180) passes across a heated section of the housing (110). The transfer media (204) conveys the thermal energy to a Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) (200) located in a thermoelectric generator housing (250) attached to the bearing housing (110). The Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) (200) utilizes a temperature difference between the transfer media (204) 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.