U.S. patent application number 09/885367 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-24 for energy conversion systems using nanometer scale assemblies and methods for using same.
Invention is credited to Pinkerton, Joseph F..
Application Number | 20030137220 09/885367 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25386746 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030137220 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pinkerton, Joseph F. |
July 24, 2003 |
ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS USING NANOMETER SCALE ASSEMBLIES AND
METHODS FOR USING SAME
Abstract
Energy conversion systems utilizing nanometer scale assemblies
are provided that convert the kinetic energy (equivalently, the
thermal energy) of working substance molecules into another form of
energy that can be used to perform useful work at a macroscopic
level. These systems may be used to, for example, produce useful
quantities of electric or mechanical energy, heat or cool an
external substance or propel an object in a controllable direction.
In particular, the present invention includes nanometer scale
impact masses that reduce the velocity of working substance
molecules that collide with this impact mass by converting some of
the kinetic energy of a colliding molecule into kinetic energy of
the impact mass. Various devices including, piezoelectric,
electromagnetic and electromotive force generators, are used to
convert the kinetic energy of the impact mass into electromagnetic,
electric or thermal energy. Systems in which the output energy of
millions of these devices is efficiently summed together are also
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Pinkerton, Joseph F.;
(Austin, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & NEAVE
1251 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
50TH FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
10020-1105
US
|
Family ID: |
25386746 |
Appl. No.: |
09/885367 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
310/339 ;
374/E7.008 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02K 99/10 20161101;
H02N 2/18 20130101; H02K 33/00 20130101; G01K 7/028 20130101; G01K
2211/00 20130101; H02K 2201/18 20130101; H02N 1/08 20130101; H02K
99/20 20161101; H02K 35/04 20130101; H01L 41/1136 20130101; H02N
11/00 20130101; Y10S 977/948 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
310/339 |
International
Class: |
H01L 041/113 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An energy conversion system that is immersed in a working
substance having a plurality of molecules, said system comprising:
a base member; and a plurality of nanometer scale assemblies that
convert energy from one form to another coupled to said base
member, each of said nanometer scale assemblies comprising: a
molecular impact mass that reduces the velocity of said molecules
that impact said impact mass, said impact mass being restrained to
move within a predetermined range of distance.
2. The energy conversion system of claim 1, wherein said impact
mass further comprises a generator device that converts kinetic
energy of said impact mass, resulting from said molecules impacting
said impact mass, into a different form of energy.
3. The energy conversion system of claim 2, wherein said impact
mass is electrostatically charged.
4. The energy conversion system of claim 1, wherein said nanometer
scale assembly further comprises: a generator device that converts
kinetic energy of said impact mass, resulting from said molecules
impacting said impact mass, into a different form of energy.
5. The energy conversion system of claim 4, wherein said generator
device is an electromagnetic generator that converts mechanical
energy into electromagnetic energy.
6. The energy conversion system of claim 3, wherein said impact
mass comprises a gas molecule.
7. The energy conversion system of claim 6, wherein said gas
molecules are restrained by being located in an enclosed carbon
nanotube.
8. The energy conversion system of claim 7, wherein a first half of
said plurality of assemblies comprises nanotubes containing at
least one positively charged gas molecules and a second half of
said plurality of assemblies comprises nanotubes containing at
least one negatively charged gas molecule.
9. The energy conversion system of claim 4, wherein said impact
mass comprises a carbon nanotube.
10. The energy conversion system of claim 9, wherein said base
member comprises a conductive lower plate.
11. The energy conversion system of claim 1, wherein said nanometer
scale assembly further comprises: a restraining member that limits
motion of said impact mass within a predetermined range of
distance.
12. The energy conversion system of claim 1, wherein said molecular
impact mass contributes, at least in part, to restraining movement
of said impact mass within a predetermined range of distance.
13. The energy conversion system of claim 1, wherein said working
substance is a working fluid.
14. The energy conversion system of claim 13, wherein said working
fluid comprises a first substance laden with particulates of a
second substance.
15. The energy conversion system of claim 14, wherein said second
substance comprises a carbon-based molecule.
16. The energy conversion system of claim 13, wherein said working
fluid is a liquid.
17. The energy conversion system of claim 13, wherein said working
fluid is a gas.
18. The energy conversion system of claim 17, wherein said gas is
air at atmospheric pressure.
19. The energy conversion system of claim 17, wherein said working
substance is a heavy molecule gas.
20. The energy conversion system of claim 19, wherein said heavy
molecule gas is xenon gas.
21. The energy conversion system of claim 13, wherein said working
fluid is at an elevated pressure.
22. The energy conversion system of claim 11, wherein said
restraining member is coupled between said impact mass and said
base member.
23. The energy conversion system of claim 4, wherein said generator
device is coupled between said impact mass and said base
member.
24. The energy conversion system of claim 23, wherein said
generator device is a piezoelectric generator having a pair of
output leads.
25. The energy conversion system of claim 24, wherein motion of
said impact mass is limited to being substantially between a
neutral point and a single limit point.
26. The energy conversion system of claim 25, wherein said
piezoelectric generator produces a pulsating DC output.
27. The energy conversion system of claim 26, wherein said each
pair of said output leads are coupled together in series to provide
a system output.
28. The energy conversion system of claim 26, wherein said each
pair of said output leads are coupled together in parallel to
provide a system output.
29. The energy conversion system of claim 24, wherein said
generator device further comprises: a resistor coupled between said
pair of output leads.
30. The energy conversion system of claim 29, wherein said
generator device further comprises: a thermoelectric generator
comprising a hot side thermally coupled to said resistor and a cold
side; and a thermally conductive member coupled to said cold
side.
31. The energy conversion system of claim 30, wherein said
generator device further comprises: a first layer of thermal
insulation between said resistor and said working substance; and a
second layer of thermal insulation between said thermoelectric
generator and said working substance.
32. The energy conversion system of claim 30, wherein said
thermoelectric generator further comprises: a pair of output
leads.
33. The energy conversion system of claim 32, wherein said each
pair of said output leads are coupled together in series to provide
a system output.
34. The energy conversion system of claim 33, further comprising: a
load resistor thermally isolated from said working substance, said
system output being coupled to said load resistor.
35. The energy conversion system of claim 34 further comprising: a
thermally conductive housing that contains said base member, said
plurality of nanometer scale assemblies and said working
substance.
36. The energy conversion system of claim 35, wherein said energy
conversion system operates as a heat pump that cools an external
substance.
37. The energy conversion system of claim 35, wherein said energy
conversion system operates as a heat pump that heats an external
substance.
38. The energy conversion system of claim 35 further comprising: a
heat engine coupled between said housing and said load
resistor.
39. The energy conversion system of claim 32, wherein said each
pair of said output leads are coupled together in parallel to
provide a system output.
40. The energy conversion system of claim 29 further comprising: a
heat engine having a hot side coupled to said resistor and a cold
side coupled to a heat sink.
41. The energy conversion system of claim 1, wherein said molecular
impact mass comprises a nanometer scale paddle.
42. The energy conversion system of claim 41, wherein said
nanometer scale paddle is a silicon paddle.
43. The energy conversion system of claim 41, wherein said
nanometer scale paddle is a carbon paddle.
44. The energy conversion system of claim 41, wherein said impact
mass further comprises: a plurality of carbon nanotubes, each of
which is mounted at one end to said paddle.
45. The energy conversion system of claim 1 further comprising: a
three-dimensional object having an exterior surface, said plurality
of nanometer scale assemblies being mounted to said exterior
surface, said object being immersed in said working substance.
46. The energy conversion system of claim 45 further comprising: a
drive system that varies operation of said plurality of nanometer
scale assemblies such that assemblies on one portion of said object
create a pressure differential in comparison to operation of said
plurality of assemblies on a different portion of said object, said
pressure differential creating a net force on said object.
47. The energy conversion system of claim 46, wherein said pressure
differential operates to propel said object through said working
substance.
48. The energy conversion system of claim 46, wherein said drive
system comprises: a plurality of electromagnets.
49. The energy conversion system of claim 10 further comprising: an
upper conductive plate; and a source of potential that, when
applied, generates an electric field that creates a force that is
applied to said impact masses causing said impact masses to remain
generally perpendicular to the surface of said lower conductive
plate.
50. The energy conversion system of claim 1, wherein said impact
mass has a first end fixed to said base member that operates, at
least in part, to restrain movement of said impact mass within a
predetermined distance, and a second end that is free to move,
collisions between said second ends of different impact masses
creating friction that converts kinetic energy of said impact
masses into thermal energy.
51. The energy conversion system of claim 50, wherein said impact
mass comprises a carbon nanotube and said base member comprises a
thermally conductive material.
52. The energy conversion system of claim 51 further comprising: a
heat engine having a hot side coupled to said base member and a
cold side coupled to a heat sink.
53. The energy conversion system of claim 4, wherein said generator
device comprises an electromotive force generator that converts
kinetic energy into electrical energy.
54. The energy conversion system of claim 2, wherein said generator
device comprises an electromotive force generator that converts
kinetic energy into electrical energy.
55. The energy conversion system of claim 54, wherein said
electromotive force generator comprises: a plurality of nanometer
members each of which is loosely mounted between an individual pair
of said first and second mounting points that are fixed to said
base member such that slack exists in each of said nanometer
members; and an external magnetic field that, when applied to said
nanometer members, if said nanometer members are moving, induces a
voltage between said first and second mounting points.
56. The energy conversion system of claim 55, wherein said
nanometer member is electrically resistive.
57. The energy conversion system of claim 56, wherein said base
member is thermally conductive, said system further comprising: a
first electrically and thermally conductive rail, said first
plurality of mounting points being connected to said first rail,
said first rail being connected to said base member; and a second
electrically and thermally conductive rail, said second plurality
of mounting points being connected to said second rail, said second
rail being connected to said base member.
58. The energy conversion system of claim 57, wherein Brownian
motion of said nanometer members through said external magnetic
field generates a voltage across each individual pair of first and
second mounting points.
59. The energy conversion system of claim 58, wherein said voltage
generates an electrical current that flows from a first nanometer
member to said first rail, through a second nanometer member,
through said second rail, and to said first nanometer member.
60. The energy conversion system of claim 59, wherein said current
causes said nanometer members and said first and second rails to
heat up, said thermal energy being transferred from said first and
second rails to said base member.
61. The energy conversion system of claim 60 further comprising: a
layer of thermal insulation mounted to a surface of said base
member between said base member and said nanometer members, said
insulation substantially covering said surface of said base
member.
62. The energy conversion system of claim 55, wherein said
nanometer member comprises a carbon nanotube.
63. The energy conversion system of claim 2, wherein said impact
mass comprises: a nanometer member loosely mounted between a pair
of said first and second mounting points that are fixed to said
base member such that slack exists in said nanometer member; and an
external magnetic field that, when applied to said nanometer
member, if said nanometer member is moving, induces a voltage
between said first and second mounting points.
64. The energy conversion system of claim 55, wherein said base
member is thermally conductive, said system further comprising: a
resistor electrically coupled between said first and second points
and thermally coupled to said base; and a plurality of
thermoelectric generators comprising first and second thermally
responsive members and a pair of generator output leads, each of
said first thermally responsive members being coupled to said base
member, each of said output leads being coupled together in
series.
65. The energy conversion system of claim 1, wherein said impact
mass comprises a compressible portion of a piezoelectric
generator.
66. The energy conversion system of claim 4, wherein said generator
device is a piezoelectric generator.
67. The energy conversion system of claim 66, wherein said impact
mass comprises a compressible portion of said piezoelectric
generator.
68. The energy conversion system of claim 1, wherein said impact
mass converts energy from one form to another and operates to
restrain itself from moving beyond a predetermined range of
distance.
69. The energy conversion system of claim 68, wherein said impact
mass comprises a carbon nanotube.
70. An energy conversion system that is immersed in a working
substance having a plurality of molecules, and that converts energy
from one form to another, said system comprising: a first thermally
conductive member; a second thermally conductive member; a first
plurality of mounting points; a second plurality of mounting
points, each of said second plurality of mounting points
corresponding to one of said first plurality of mounting points; a
plurality of nanometer members each of which is loosely mounted
between one of said first and second pluralities of mounting points
such that slack exists in each of said nanometer members, wherein
Brownian motion causes said nanometer members to move; a plurality
of resistive elements, each of which is thermally coupled to said
first conductive member and is mounted between one of said first
and second pluralities of mounting points such that there is a
resistive element corresponding to each nanometer member; an
external magnetic field that, when applied to said moving nanometer
members, induces an electric field that induces current to flow;
and a plurality of thermoelectric generators comprising first and
second thermally responsive members, each of said first thermally
responsive members being coupled to said first thermally conductive
member, each of said second thermally responsive members being
coupled to said second thermally conductive member.
71. An energy conversion system that is immersed in a working
substance having a plurality of molecules, said system comprising:
a base member; a plurality of nanometer scale assemblies coupled to
said base member, each of said nanometer scale assemblies
comprising: a molecular paddle having a first end fixed to said
base member and a second end that is free to move; a piezoelectric
generator comprising a portion of piezoelectric material and a
resistor assembly coupled to said first end; and at least a first
heat engine comprising a HOT side and a COLD side, said HOT side
being thermally coupled to one of said resistor assemblies and said
COLD side being thermally coupled to a first heat sink.
72. An energy conversion system that is immersed in a working
substance having a plurality of molecules, said system comprising:
a thermally conductive base member; a plurality of nanometer scale
assemblies that convert energy from one form to another coupled to
said base member, each of said nanometer scale assemblies
comprising: a molecular impact mass that reduces the velocity of
said molecules that impact said impact mass, said impact mass being
restrained to move within a predetermined range of distance and
comprising a nanometer member loosely mounted between a pair of
said first and second mounting points that are fixed to said base
member such that slack exists in said nanometer member, said impact
mass further comprising a generator device that converts kinetic
energy of said impact mass, resulting from said molecules impacting
said impact mass, into a different form of energy; and a resistor
coupled between said first and second mounting points and thermally
coupled to said base member; at least a first layer of thermal
insulation between said working substance and said thermally
coupled resistor and base member; at least one heat engine
comprising: a HOT side thermally coupled to said base member; and a
COLD side thermally coupled to a heat sink; and an external
magnetic field that, when applied to each of said nanometer
members, if said nanometer member is moving, induces an electric
field that induces current to flow.
73. A method of using an energy conversion system immersed in a
working substance having a plurality of molecules to convert energy
from one form to another, said system comprising a base member and
a plurality of assemblies each of which comprises an impact mass
that is restrained to move within a predetermined range of
distance, said method comprising: generating kinetic energy from
statistical variations in molecular impacts of said molecules on
said impact mass; converting said kinetic energy to another form of
energy.
74. The method of claim 73, wherein said another form of energy is
pulsating DC electrical energy.
75. The method of claim 73, wherein said another form of energy is
radiated electromagnetic energy.
76. The method of claim 73, wherein said another form of energy is
AC electrical energy.
77. The method of claim 76 further comprising: reconverting said AC
electrical energy into thermal energy.
78. The method of claim 77 further comprising: converting said
thermal energy into DC electrical energy.
79. The method of claim 78, wherein said converting said thermal
energy comprises: applying a plurality of thermoelectric generators
to said system, each of said thermoelectric generators having a
pair of output leads that are coupled together in series; and
outputting a system output from said plurality of series-connected
output leads.
80. The method of claim 79 further comprising: providing a
resistive load across said system output, said resistive load being
thermally isolated from said working substance.
81. The method of claim 74, wherein converting comprises: providing
an individual output from each of said plurality of assemblies; and
coupling said plurality of individual outputs together in series to
create a system output.
82. The method of claim 81 further comprising: providing a
resistive load across said system output, said resistive load being
thermally isolated from said working substance.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to nanometer scale electromechanical
systems. In particular, the present invention relates to nanometer
scale electromechanical systems that may be used in various
applications, such as heat engines, heat pumps, or propulsion
systems.
[0002] Electromechanical systems that rely on molecular motion are
known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,152,537 (the "'537 patent"),
describes an electricity generator that produces electrical energy
from the random movement of molecules in a gas, and the uneven
distribution of thermal energy in different molecules of the gas,
which is at an overall uniform temperature.
[0003] Other such systems are described in, for example, U.S. Pat.
Nos. 3,365,653; 3,495,101, 2,979,551; 3,609,593; 3,252,013 and
3,508,089. These systems produce electricity or devices driven by
electricity, such as an oscillator, based on molecular motion and
thermal energy.
[0004] One problem common to all of these systems is the low level
of output power when compared to the amount of power required to
operate the systems. For example, such systems often require a
certain amount of energy to maintain the systems at a constant
overall temperature. While the '537 patent attempted to address
some of the known deficiencies in such systems, the electricity
generator described therein also suffers from similar deficiencies.
For example, the '537 patent attempts to heat the thermocouple
junction between two dissimilar materials by simply being in
contact with a gas-molecule having an above-average speed. In
addition, the '537 patent utilizes an array of electrical
rectifiers (see, e.g., rectifier bridge 40 in FIGS. 2 and 4) that
may have difficulty in operating properly due to the
infinitesimally small voltages produced at the molecular scale.
[0005] Moreover, as the use of electronic devices continues to
flourish, there is an ever increasing need to provide more
efficient and/or quieter ways to cool the components that are
typically the heart of such devices. For example, most personal
computers include one or more fans that are required to maintain
the temperature of the microprocessor within a certain operational
range. These fans are often noisy, and often result in large
quantities of dirty air being pulled through the computer from the
air intakes.
[0006] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide nanometer scale electromechanical systems that efficiently
convert molecular-level energy into another form that can be used
at a macroscopic scale.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide
nanometer scale electromechanical systems that efficiently convert
molecular-level heat energy into useful mechanical and/or
electrical energy.
[0008] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide nanometer scale electromechanical systems that utilize
molecular-level energy to create a pressure differential on a
surface of an object to propel the object in a controllable
direction.
[0009] An even further object of the present invention is to
provide nanometer scale electromechanical systems that utilize
molecular-level energy to heat or cool an external substance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The nanometer scale electromechanical systems of the present
invention efficiently convert molecular-level energy from one form
into another form by reducing the velocity of the molecules within
the working substance. These systems may include, for example, a
heat engine that converts molecular-level heat energy into useful
mechanical or electrical energy. Such systems may also include a
heat pump that utilizes molecular-level energy to either heat or
cool a substance. For example, a system of the present invention
may be mounted to a microprocessor as the primary cooling device,
so that little or no fans would be necessary. In addition, these
systems may also include propulsion systems in which
molecular-level energy is utilized to create a pressure
differential on the surface of an object, thereby providing the
ability to propel that object in a controllable direction.
[0011] Nanometer scale electromechanical systems constructed in
accordance with the present invention may include a large number of
nanometer-sized objects, such as paddles, impact masses, and/or
tubes, that are placed in a liquid or gas. These objects may be
sized on the order of several nanometers per side, and may have a
thickness on the order of about one or two nanometers. One side of
the paddle is connected to a flexible, spring-like, attachment,
that couples the paddles to a common base. Also attached to each
paddle is some form of generator device, such as a piezoelectric,
electromotive force or electrostatic generator, that converts
random molecular motion into electrical, electromagnetic or thermal
energy.
[0012] The nanometer-sized paddles, in conjunction with an
associated generator, reduce the speed of individual molecules
which results in a reduction of thermal energy within the working
fluid. The generated electrical energy may be converted back to
thermal energy at a higher temperature than the working fluid and
used to establish a temperature differential that is capable of
performing useful work. Essentially, the paddles are configured to
be immersed in a working substance. The paddles move in a random
manner within the working substance due to variations in the
thermal motion of the molecules of the working substance. This
movement necessarily results from collisions between the molecules
of the working substance and the paddles which are large enough to
cause the paddles to oscillate. The kinetic energy from this
oscillation may then be converted into electrical, electromagnetic
or thermal energy by various methods, as described above.
[0013] Nanometer scale electromechanical systems constructed in
accordance with the present invention also provide components that
efficiently collect and sum the outputs of the numerous paddles so
that a useful electrical output is produced. For example, one
embodiment of the present invention includes the use of an array of
resistive elements, one for each paddle, that are in contact with
one side of the thermocouple. The other side of the thermocouple is
placed in thermal contact with something else that is at an ambient
temperature (such as a gas or liquid). Each of the thermocouples
produces an output (i.e., a DC current and voltage) that can be
summed through a simple series connection to produce an output,
depending on the number of paddles and configuration, on the order
of several milliwatts.
[0014] In one particular embodiment, a nanometer scale
electromechanical system constructed in accordance with the present
invention may include an array of nanotubes, such as tubes made of
carbon, which are coupled between two plates of a capacitor. One of
the tubes is physically connected to one plate of the capacitor,
while the other end is free to move. The entire assembly is
immersed in a fluid (i.e., a liquid or a gas). A voltage is applied
to the capacitor (across the plates), which creates an electric
field ("E") that keeps the length of the tubes perpendicular to the
surface of the capacitor plate. The "free" ends of the tubes, which
are immersed in a working substance, move erratically due to
collisions between the molecules of the working substance and the
tubes, causing some of the tubes collide into each other. Kinetic
energy of the colliding tubes, as well as other energy, may be
converted for one or more useful purposes, as previously
described.
[0015] In another embodiment of the present invention, numerous
nanotubes are connected at each end to an electrically and
thermally conductive rail. Each of the tubes is installed such that
there is slack, or bend, in the tube. The slack permits the tubes
to vibrate in response to random pressure variations from
surrounding fluid (gas or liquid). In this case, an external
magnetic field ("{overscore (B)}") is applied to the entire
assembly which is perpendicular to the tubes and rails. Heat
generated in the tubes, from the induced current, flows down the
tubes to the thermally conductive rails, which are attached to a
thermally conductive plate.
[0016] Further features of the invention, its nature and various
advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and
the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The above and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with accompanying
drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts
throughout, and in which:
[0018] FIG. 1A is an illustrative schematic diagram of a portion of
a nanometer scale electromechanical system constructed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 1B is an illustrative schematic diagram of one
embodiment of conversion circuitry constructed in accordance with
the principles of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is an illustrative schematic diagram of a portion of
another nanometer scale electromechanical system constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a nanometer
scale electromechanical system constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of another
nanometer scale electromechanical system constructed in accordance
with the principles of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 5 is an illustrative schematic diagram of a nanometer
scale electromechanical system constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 6 is an illustrative schematic diagram of another
nanometer scale electromechanical system constructed in accordance
with the principles of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another nanometer scale
electromechanical system constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 8 is an illustrative schematic diagram of a portion of
the nanometer scale electromechanical system of FIG. 7;
[0027] FIG. 9 is another illustrative schematic diagram of a
portion of the nanometer scale electromechanical system of FIG.
7;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another nanometer scale
electromechanical system constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a perspective, partial cross-sectional view of
another nanometer scale electromechanical system constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 12 is an illustrative schematic diagram of a portion of
the nanometer scale electromechanical system of FIG. 11;
[0031] FIG. 13 is a perspective, partial cross-sectional view of
another nanometer scale electromechanical system constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 14 is an illustrative schematic diagram of a portion of
the nanometer scale electromechanical system of FIG. 13;
[0033] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional plan view of the nanometer
scale electromechanical system of FIG. 13 taken along line
14-14;
[0034] FIG. 16 is an illustrative schematic diagram of a portion of
the nanometer scale electromechanical system of FIG. 13; and
[0035] FIG. 17 is an illustrative schematic diagram of an
electromechanical propulsion system constructed in accordance with
the principles of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] FIG. 1A shows an illustrative example of a portion of a
nanometer scale electromechanical system constructed in accordance
with the present invention. The portion shown includes an impact
mass in the form of paddle 100, a restraining member 102, an
generator device 104 (which provides an electrical output at leads
106), and a base 108 (which is typically thousands or millions
times larger than paddle 100). Paddle 100 is attached to base 108,
which may be thermally conductive, but need not be, so that paddle
100 may be moved within a predetermined range of distance in one or
more directions (such as laterally, or up and down). A complete
energy conversion system using nanometer scale assemblies would
typically include a million or more of the devices shown in FIG.
1A, as will become more apparent below (see, for example, FIGS. 5
and 6).
[0037] Paddle 100 may be constructed, for example, from a substance
such as carbon or silicon, although persons skilled in the art will
appreciate that variations may be made in the fabrication materials
of paddle 100 without departing from the spirit of the present
invention. Moreover, paddle 100 can generally be manufactured using
known semiconductor fabrication techniques such as sputtering,
etching, photolithography, etc.
[0038] In addition, each paddle 100 may be constructed to be about
five nanometers on each side, and have a height of about one to two
nanometers--this size being selected so that the effects of
Brownian motion are large enough to overcome inertia of paddle 100
and the spring constant of restraining member 102. Persons skilled
in the art will appreciate that the specific size of paddle 100 is
not critical to the basic operation of the present invention,
provided that paddle 100 is able to move in an irregular manner
within the working substance as a result of random variations in
the velocity of the working substance molecules that strike paddle
100.
[0039] Also shown in FIG. 1A, is molecule 110 which is shown as
having bounced off of paddle 100, and is now traveling at a reduced
velocity. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that, while
some molecules will have a reduced velocity as a result of the
impact, others may exhibit little change in velocity, and others
may actually achieve an increased velocity. In general however, and
in accordance with the present invention, the impact of molecule
110 with paddle 100 results, on the average, with a reduction in
velocity.
[0040] The molecule is a molecule of the working substance of the
system, which is preferably a fluid (i.e., a gas or a liquid), but
may also be a solid. The fluid may be kept at atmospheric pressure
or it may be kept at an elevated pressure, such as, for example a
pressure in excess of about 15 PSI. As described above, the
pressure of the working fluid may have an impact in the output
provided by the system. Molecule 110 strikes paddle 100, thereby
causing molecule 110 to experience a reduction in velocity. The
reduction in velocity corresponds to a reduction in temperature of
the working substance of the system.
[0041] The reduction in velocity of molecule 110 is caused by
paddle 100 in conjunction with device 104, which may be any one of
a variety of devices without departing from the present invention.
For example, device 104 may be a piezoelectric device, or it may be
a electromotive force or electrostatic generator. In each instance,
device 104 converts the energy of the impact mass, from the impact
of molecule 110 into impact mass 100, into electrical energy that
is output via leads 106.
[0042] The amount of electrical energy output via leads 106, even
under the most favorable conditions will be very small. For
example, the output of paddle 100 may be on the order of about
10.sup.-12 watts, depending on the size of the device and various
other factors. Accordingly, for the system to provide useful output
power, such as, for example, a few microwatts, the system requires
that millions of such paddles be fabricated, and that they be
connected together in some fashion, so that the outputs of all, or
substantially all, of them can be summed into a single output
signal.
[0043] If a million or so of paddles 100 were arranged together in
an array (see, for example, FIGS. 5 and 6), one way to sum all of
the energy from each of those paddles would be to couple the leads
106 of each paddle 100 to resistive element 112 (see FIG. 1B), and
have resistive element 112 be in thermal contact with one side 114
of thermocouple 116. The other side 118 of thermocouple 116 would
then be in thermal contact with a heat sink or some other substance
at ambient temperature (which may even include the working
substance itself). Thermocouple 116 is a thermoelectric generator
that, in response to a temperature differential, produces a voltage
across a pair of leads and, if the leads are connected to a load, a
DC current.
[0044] Variations in molecular impacts on paddle 100 will cause an
increase in the temperature of resistive element 112, which will
then be converted into electrical energy by thermocouple 116 and
output via leads 120. One advantage of the use of resistive
elements is the fact that, because a resistive load is independent
of current/polarity direction, there is no need for a rectifier
associated with each paddle. Thus, in accordance with the present
invention, even infinitesimal voltages produced by the impacts of
molecules 110 on paddles 100 can be used to heat resistive elements
to useful values. Each thermocouple in the array, in turn, produces
an output having a DC voltage, and current if connected through an
electrical load. All of these outputs can then be connected
together in series to produce an output of at least several
microwatts.
[0045] If additional power is needed, numerous subassemblies of
paddles could be coupled together in series. For example, if a
given subassembly was formed to include an array of paddle
assemblies in which each assembly occupied approximately one
hundred square nanometers, a square centimeter assembly would
include roughly one trillion paddle assemblies. Then, any number of
the one square centimeter subassemblies could be coupled together
in series or parallel to achieve the desired ratio of voltage and
current.
[0046] In addition, with a combined output on the order of
approximately 700 mV, the output of each one square centimeter
assembly could even be manipulated using conventional semiconductor
switches. Thus, a given component could be fabricated by
fabricating many one square centimeter assemblies next to each
other on a thin, flexible sheet of material (such as aluminum) in a
continuous process. The resultant sheets of material could then be
cut up and rolled into a tube, similar to the fabrication process
of some capacitors.
[0047] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the
electrical output of these devices per unit surface area is
proportional to the pressure of the fluid, the average temperature
of the fluid, the oscillation frequency of the paddle and the mass
of the fluid molecules used (regardless of whether the fluid is a
gas or a liquid). The output per unit area is inversely
proportional to the size of the paddle and the density of the
paddle material. Accordingly, by choosing a heavy molecule gas,
such as xenon, or by using a fluid heavily laden with particulates,
such as air laden with carbon molecules, and/or by immersing the
paddles in the gas at elevated pressure, such as 100 times
atmospheric pressure, the power output of the units can be
increased by a factor of over 100, as compared with units operating
in air at atmospheric pressure.
[0048] FIG. 2 shows a alternate embodiment of the paddle assembly
shown in FIG. 1. In particular, the assembly in FIG. 2 varies from
that in FIG. 1 in that restraining member 102 is coupled to a
housing 208 instead of base 108. Housing 208 is a thermally
conductive chamber which includes the ability to receive thermal
inputs (shown as "Q" in FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the influx of
heat Q is converted into electrical energy that is output via each
of leads 106. In addition, while the assembly shown in FIG. 1 does
not include a housing, it may be desirable, but is certainly not
required, to locate that assembly in a housing as well, if only to
protect it from contaminates.
[0049] The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 may be used to illustrate one
of the advantages of the present invention, in that the nanometer
scale energy conversion systems of the present invention may be
used as a heat pump. For example, thermally conductive housing 208
will be cooled as a result of the molecular impacts on paddles 100
and subsequent conversion of the paddle kinetic energy into
electrical energy. Warm or hot air may be cooled by blowing it
across housing 208. On the other hand, resistive load 112 may be
connected in series with leads 106, which results in the
temperature of resistive load 112 being raised. Cool air may be
warmed by blowing it over resistive load 112. In this manner, the
same assembly may be used to heat an external substance or to cool
an external substance.
[0050] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a portion of a nanometer
scale electromechanical system 300 constructed in accordance with
the principles of the present invention. The portion of system 300
shown in FIG. 3 includes three paddle assemblies 302, 322 and 342,
which are each coupled to one of piezoelectric generators 304, 324
and 344. Each of paddle assemblies 302, 322 and 342 is somewhat
similar to paddle assembly 100 of FIG. 1, in that each paddle
assembly shown in FIG. 3 also includes a substantially planar
surface that is held in place such that it may move in response to
molecular impacts. In this instance, paddle assemblies 302, 322 and
342 are attached at one end which is generally referred to by
numeral 380 in FIG. 3.
[0051] The piezoelectric generators are each formed from a portion
of piezoelectric material and a resistor assembly. Generator 324,
for example, which is substantially similar to generators 304 and
344, is illustrated to show the division between piezoelectric
material 326 and resistor assembly 328. However, the division
between the piezoelectric portion and the resistor assembly may
also be observed in FIG. 3 for generators 304 and 344.
[0052] Resistor assemblies 308, 328 and 348 are each connected to
two wires that are made from different material. For example, each
of wires 307, 327 and 347 are made from one material, while wires
309, 329 and 349 are all made from a different material. The other
end of all of the wires are connected to a series of heat sinks
360, which are themselves mechanically coupled to a substrate 370
(which may, for example, be a silicon substrate). It should be
noted that paddle assemblies 302, 322 and 342 are only connected to
substrate 370 at one end, generally referred to by reference number
380, so that, for example, the paddle assemblies may easily vibrate
up and down.
[0053] System 300 operates in accordance with the present invention
as follows. The entire system is immersed in a fluid (i.e., a
liquid or a gas) that is the working substance. Statistical
variations in the velocity of working substance molecules that
strike paddle 302, for example, cause the free end of paddle 302 to
vibrate up and down. The up and down motion of paddle 302 causes
strain in piezoelectric material 306, which generates a voltage
between lower conductive outer layer 385 and upper conductive layer
387 of material 306.
[0054] Outer conductive layers 385 and 387 of material 306 are in
contact with resistor assembly 308, so that a current flows from
material 306 through resistor 308 and back to material 306. The
current through resistor 308 heats up the resistor, which is
coupled to one side of the thermoelectric generator formed by wires
307 and 309 (which, as described above, are made from different
materials). The other side of the thermoelectric generator (which
may also be referred to as a thermocouple) is coupled to heat sinks
360, which are at a lower temperature. Persons skilled in the art
will appreciate that other devices may be used, such as thermal to
electric heat engines (such as, for example, a thermionic heat
engine), rather than thermoelectric generators described herein,
without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0055] The temperature differential causes the thermoelectric
generator to produce a voltage, which, as described more fully
below, may be combined with the voltages from other paddle
assemblies to provide a system output voltage. These voltages, in
accordance with the present invention, may be coupled together in
series to produce an electrical output at a useable level from
system 300. The process of summing voltages from each paddle
assembly is more particularly illustrated with respect to FIGS. 5
and 6 below.
[0056] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that, while
system 300 has been described as a system that converts kinetic
energy of the impact mass (resulting from the Brownian motion of
the impact mass immersed in a working substance) to AC electrical
energy to thermal energy and to DC electrical energy, system 300
may, with minor changes, directly produce DC electric energy as a
result of this kinetic energy.
[0057] In particular, it should be noted that movement of paddle
302 upward and then downward to its resting location generates a
voltage of one polarity. Movement downward and then upward back to
the resting location generates a voltage in the opposite polarity.
Thus, in accordance with the present invention, paddles 302 can be
substantially limited to moving between a neutral point (i.e., the
resting location) and a single limit point (versus normal vibration
that goes from a first limit point, through the neutral point to a
second limit point and back).
[0058] Accordingly, if paddle 302 were limited to "upward" movement
by placing an object at location 303 (i.e., toward the free end of
paddle 302), the output voltage would be limited to one polarity
(essentially, pulsating DC). In such a configuration, the outputs
of the piezoelectric generators (such as generator 304) could be
directly coupled together in series, which would eliminate the need
of, for example, resistor assembly 308, wires 307 and 309 and heat
sinks 360, while still providing useful levels of electrical power
without the need for rectification circuitry.
[0059] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a portion of a nanometer
scale electromechanical system 400 constructed in accordance with
the principles of the present invention. The portion of system 400
shown in FIG. 4 includes three paddle assemblies 402, 422 and 442,
which are each coupled to one of piezoelectric generators 304, 324
and 344 (which were described above with respect to FIG. 3).
[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, each of the paddle assemblies 402, 422
and 442 includes an impact mass 490 and a multitude of nanotubes
492 that are mounted on impact mass 490 such that they are
substantially perpendicular to impact mass 490. Each of nanotubes
492 may, for example, be constructed of a material such as carbon,
having a diameter of about approximately 2 nanometers and a height
of about approximately 25-50 nanometers (persons skilled in the art
will appreciate that the dimensions of nanotubes 492 may be varied
without departing from the spirit of the present invention).
Moreover, the stiffness and alignment of nanotubes 492 may be
controlled by the application of a static voltage, such as that
shown in FIG. 7, and described below.
[0061] System 400 operates in very much the same way as previously
described for system 300. Statistical variation in gas pressure
about paddles 402, 422 and 442 cause the free end of paddle 402 to
vibrate up and down, thereby causing strain in the piezoelectric
material, which generates a voltage on the conductive outer layers
of the piezoelectric material. In system 400, however, the up and
down motion of the paddles in system 400 may be enhanced by
nanotubes 492, which cause additional molecular impacts.
[0062] The outer conductive layers of the piezoelectric material
are in contact with resistor assembly, so that a current flows,
which heats up the resistor. The thermoelectric generator formed,
for example, by wires 307 and 309 is between the heated resistor
and the heat sinks 360, which are at a lower temperature. The
temperature differential causes the thermoelectric generator to
produce a voltage.
[0063] FIGS. 5 and 6 show two similar configurations of nanometer
scale electromechanical systems 500 and 600, respectively, that are
each constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention. Systems 500 and 600 each include a multitude of paddle
assemblies 302, coupled to generators 304 which are themselves,
coupled to wires 307 and 309 that are connected to heat sinks 360.
This may be more apparent by viewing the dashed box showing where
the portion of system 300 of FIG. 3, for example, may be found. As
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, systems 500 and 600 each include ninety
paddle assemblies 302 and the associated components (i.e.,
generators, wires and heat sinks).
[0064] In practice, nanometer scale electromechanical systems
constructed accordance with the present invention may include a
billion or more paddle assemblies on a single substrate. The output
voltage across each pair of wires extending from each
thermoelectric generator on a single substrate are, in accordance
with the present invention, coupled together in series to provide a
single output signal for the system. That output signal may have a
voltage that may be on the order of a volt, depending on the number
of individual components used and the specific fabrication
techniques used to manufacture those components. The primary
difference between systems 500 and 600, is that system 500 includes
a load resistor 502 while system 600 does not.
[0065] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that, while load
resistor 502 is shown as being mounted to substrate 370, it may be
preferable to thermally isolate load resistor from the working
fluid substrate 370 is immersed in so that heat dissipated by load
resistor 502 does not affect the temperature of the working
fluid.
[0066] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a nanometer scale
electromechanical system 700 constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present invention. System 700 includes an array
of nanotubes 702 located between an upper plate 704 and lower plate
706 of capacitor 708, and a source of voltage 710, which is also
coupled across the plates of capacitor 708. Each of nanotubes 702
may, for example, be constructed of a material such as carbon,
having a diameter of about approximately 2 nanometers and a height
of about approximately 25-50 nanometers (persons skilled in the art
will appreciate that the dimensions of nanotubes 702 may be varied
without departing from the spirit of the present invention).
[0067] One end of each nanotube 702 is fixed to lower plate 706 of
capacitor 708. The other end of each nanotube 702 is free to move.
The entire assembly 700 is then typically immersed in a fluid
(i.e., gas or liquid). Once a voltage V is applied from source 710
across the plates of capacitor 708, an electric field E is produced
that creates a force that helps keep the length of nanotubes 702
oriented substantially perpendicular with the surface of capacitor
plates 704 and 706. Statistical variations in the speed and
direction of working fluid molecules which strike nanotubes 702
cause statistical variations in fluid pressure about nanotubes 702
which, in turn, cause nanotubes 702 to move erratically as
illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 8, nanotubes 802 and 822 (which are simply
any two adjacent nanotubes 702) are substantially perpendicular to
lower capacitor plate 706 even though individual molecules 110 have
recently impacted each nanotube. In this instance, there is no
variation in the gas pressure on either side of the nanotubes, and
the tubes remain erect. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate
that, while the interaction of two nanotubes is shown, the
molecular impact of thousands or millions of nanotubes would be
occurring simultaneously.
[0069] FIG. 9, on the other hand, illustrates the effect of
statistical variation in fluid pressure about nanotubes 902 and 922
(which, like nanotubes 802 and 822, are simply two adjacent
nanotubes 702) resulting from variations in the thermal movement of
working fluid molecules, which cause the free ends of nanotubes 902
and 922 to collide at location 930. The kinetic energy of colliding
nanotubes 902 and 922 is partially converted into thermal energy as
a result of the friction from contact and as the tubes slide past
each other. The thermal energy is conducted down the length of
nanotubes 902 and 922 to thermally conductive plate 706.
[0070] In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, each of
nanotubes 702 (or nanotubes 802, 822, 902 and 922) has an
electrostatic charge due to the electric field E between capacitor
plates 704 and 706. The collision of nanotubes 902 and 922 further
dissipates tube kinetic energy by accelerating electrical charges,
which in turn produces electromagnetic waves, at the free end of
the nanotubes. In this manner, a portion of the kinetic energy of
the working fluid is transferred to lower capacitor plate 706, and
to the surrounding space, as electromagnetic energy resulting in a
net effect of cooling the working substance and heating lower
capacitor plate 706. This temperature differential may then be used
to directly heat or cool an area of space or to power a heat
engine.
[0071] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a nanometer scale
electromechanical assembly 1000 constructed in accordance with the
present invention. Assembly 1000 includes many nanotubes 1002, all
connected to a base 1004. Unlike the previous embodiments,
nanotubes 1002 are closed at their upper end such that gas
molecules are captured within each nanotube 1002. In addition, as
shown in FIG. 10, at least one molecule in each nanotube 1002 is
electrically charged (for example, individual nanotube 1012
includes at least one positively charged molecule, while individual
nanotube 1022 includes at least one negatively charged
molecule).
[0072] Assembly 1000 is configured such that the net charge of
nanotubes 1002 in the assembly is zero, with half of the tubes
including positive charges and the other half including negative
charges. In this embodiment, as the charged molecules bounce
against the nanotube walls and the other molecules within the
nanotubes, an acceleration of charge results that generates
electromagnetic waves which pass through the tube assembly to the
surrounding space. As a result of the electromagnetic radiation,
gas within nanotubes 1002 cools, which cools thermally conductive
base 1004. In this instance, the reduced temperature of base 1004
may be utilized to cool a volume of fluid, or can be used as the
"cold side" of a heat engine, as will be apparent to persons
skilled in the art.
[0073] FIG. 11 shows a nanometer scale electromechanical assembly
1100 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention. Assembly 1100 includes a series of nanometer members
1102 that are connected between a pair of electrically and
thermally conductive rails 1104 and 1106. In this embodiment,
nanometer members 1102 are carbon nanotubes and each one of
nanotubes 1102 is provided with some slack, which enables the
nanotubes to vibrate in reaction to random pressure variations in
the surrounding working substance. Rails 1104 and 1106 are mounted
to and in thermal contact with thermally conductive base 1108.
[0074] It should be noted that various other nanometer members may
be used in accordance with the present invention instead of the
nanotubes described herein. For example, the principles of the
present invention may be carried out using essentially any
electrically conductive material that may be formed into very small
fibers. This may include simple carbon fibers instead of
nanotubes.
[0075] The nanometer members shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 (as well as
those of FIGS. 13-16 discussed below) perform additional functions
when compared to, for example, the previously described paddles.
For example, the nanometer members of FIGS. 11-16 all function as
the impact mass while contributing to the functions of the
previously described restraining member and generator device. In
addition, the nanometer members of FIGS. 11 and 12 also function as
the resistive element (FIGS. 13-16 include resistive element 1304,
as described more fully below).
[0076] Attached to thermally conductive base 1108, in accordance
with the principles of the present invention, is a thermal
insulation material 1110 that covers at least a majority of the
otherwise exposed portions of conductive base 1108. The use of
insulation 1110 aides in the prevention of thermal energy losses.
Moreover, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that similar
insulation may be utilized in the previously described embodiments
to further increase the efficiency of those systems and
assemblies.
[0077] An external magnetic field (shown as "{overscore (B)}" in
FIG. 11) penetrates assembly 1100 which is perpendicular to rails
1104 and 1106 and base 1108. The operation of assembly 1100 is
illustrated in FIG. 12, which shows a portion of rails 1104 and
1106, and includes two individual nanotubes 1202 and 1222 (which
are simply two adjacent nanotubes 1102). Nanotubes 1202 and 1222,
which are immersed in a working substance, move in an irregular
manner from the relaxed "rest" position (shown as straight dotted
lines 1203 and 1223) due to random variations in the thermal motion
of the molecules of the working substance. Motion of nanotubes 1202
and 1222 in the presence of the magnetic field {circle over
(x)}{overscore (B)} induces an electric field E along the length of
nanotubes 1202 and 1222 (as shown in FIG. 12).
[0078] Field E induces current "i" to flow that flows from one
nanotube, down one rail, across the other nanotube, and up the
other rail (which, while illustrated as a clockwise current, may be
counterclockwise at some other point in time when the direction of
the motion of the nanotubes changes, thereby producing AC current).
The current flow through the nanotubes and rails causes resistive
heating and causes heat to travel along the nanotubes and rails to
conductive base 1108. Fluid (either gas or liquid) surrounding the
nanotubes cools while base 1108 heats up, thereby establishing a
temperature differential that may be used in a variety of ways
(such as the heat pump, or heat engine previously described).
[0079] FIGS. 13-16 show a further illustration of the use of
insulation in accordance with the principles of the present
invention in assembly 1300. Assembly 1300 is similar to assembly
1100 of FIG. 11 in many aspects. Assembly 1300 also includes
nanotubes 1302 th at are immersed in a working substance. Moreover,
as described above with respect to nanotubes 1102, nanotubes 1302
are installed with slack such that they can move in an irregular
manner due to random fluctuations in the thermal motion of the
molecules of the working substance.
[0080] Assembly 1300 also relies on an external magnetic field
{overscore (B)}. As previously described, motion of nanotubes 1302
through the magnetic field {overscore (B)} induces an AC current to
flow, which in this case, is directed through a resistor 1304
located directly below each of nanotubes 1302. The value of
resistor 1304 may be chosen to be about twice the resistance of the
nanotube, in which case the majority of power generated is
dissipated as heat through the resistor.
[0081] Assembly 1300 is configured such that the resistors 1304 are
located below insulating layer 1310 and above thermally conductive
sheet 1312. This results in directing most of the generated power
and heat downward into assembly 1300, rather than up into the
working fluid. Moreover, rather than using rails, assembly 1300
utilizes posts 1306, so that only a limited amount of surface area
that is at an elevated temperature is exposed to the working fluid.
Resistors 1304, posts 1306 and the resistor leads are electrically
insulated from thermally conductive sheet 1312 by a thin layer of
electrical insulation 1314 that is deposited on top of conductive
layer 1312.
[0082] Heat from resistor 1304 raises the temperature of thermally
conductive sheet 1312. The bottom of conductive sheet 1312 is in
thermal contact with a "HOT" portion 1330 of a thermoelectric
generator 1334 (sheet 1312 is electrically insulated from hot
portion 1330 via electrically insulating sheet 1316). A second
thermally conductive sheet 1322 is in thermal contact with a "COLD"
portion 1332 of a thermoelectric generator 1334 (while the two are
electrically insulated by thin layer 1318). In this manner,
generated heat is directed from resistors 1304 downward through
assembly 1300 and out the bottom of lower layer 1322.
[0083] Temperature differentials between the HOT and COLD portions
(1330 and 1332, respectively) of thermoelectric generator 1334
create a DC voltage across each junction. By interconnecting a
multitude of these junctions together in series, assembly 1300 may
be used to provide a useable voltage which may be about at least 1
volt, as was previously described for the other embodiments. When
assembly 1300 is used to drive a load, such that the load is
connected in series to thermoelectric generator 1334, and the
working fluid is being cooled or maintained within a predetermined
temperature range, improved efficiency of the system will be
obtained by keeping the load away from the working fluid so that
dissipated power in the load does not affect the temperature of the
working fluid.
[0084] Moreover, as can be viewed most clearly in FIG. 15,
additional layers of thermal insulation are used to separate the
HOT portions of assembly 1300 from the COLD portions of assembly
1300. In particular, assembly 1300 also includes insulating layer
1342 sandwiched between conductive sheet 1312 (actually, as shown,
layer 1342 is below electrical insulating layer 1316) and COLD
portion 1332. Insulating layer 1352, on the other hand, is located
between a second conductive sheet 1322 and HOT portion 1330
(actually, as shown, layer 1352 is underneath electrically
insulating layer 1318). These insulating layers increase the
temperature difference between HOT and COLD portions of
thermoelectric generator, thus increasing the electrical output of
thermoelectric generator 1334.
[0085] Operation of assembly 1300 is similar to assembly 1100, and
is illustrated with respect to FIG. 16. Movement of nanotubes 1302
in the external magnetic field {circle over (x)}{overscore (B)}
induces a current "i" to flow as shown in FIG. 16. In this case,
though, the current from each individual nanotube 1302 remains in a
self-contained circuit, along with the corresponding resistor 1304.
For example, the current induced in individual nanotube 1342
remains in an "isolated" circuit with individual resistor 1344,
rather than interacting with an adjacent nanotube, as was described
with respect to assembly 1100. Once again, persons skilled in the
art will appreciate that, while the movement of two nanotubes is
shown, the movement of millions or billions of nanotubes would be
occurring simultaneously.
[0086] Persons skilled in the art should appreciate that, while it
may appear that an individual thermoelectric generator portion is
available for each individual nanotube 1302, is will likely be
impractical and or prohibitively expensive to implement such a
configuration. Thus, it may be more likely that, in accordance with
the present invention, several, if not millions, of nanotubes 1302
will be thermally coupled to each individual portion of
thermoelectric generator 1334.
[0087] FIG. 17 shows a propulsion system 1700 constructed in
accordance with the present invention in which an object immersed
in a working substance is moved in a controllable direction as a
result of variations in molecular impacts of working substance
molecules into the object. System 1700 includes sphere 1702 and a
series of electromagnets 1704, 1706, 1708, 1710, 1712 and 1714
(1712 and 1714 are shown as a single pair of dotted lines) arranged
axially about electronics core 1716 (axially simply refers to the
fact that there is one electromagnet located parallel to each of
the six sides of electronics core 1716, and that each electromagnet
may have its center aligned with an imaginary axis extending
perpendicular to the core surface). These electromagnets, along
with a control system form a drive system that, as set forth in
more detail below, helps to propel sphere 1702.
[0088] Sphere 1702 may be any three-dimensional object. Although a
sphere is shown, other shapes such as a cube, cylinder, etc., may
be used. The surface of sphere 1702 is covered with nanometer scale
assemblies, such as a series of nanotubes, that are mounted to the
surface with some slack, as described above with respect to FIGS.
11-16.
[0089] Electromagnets 1704, 1706, 1708, 1710, 1712 and 1714 may be
powered from, for example, a battery or some other source. In any
case, external power is provided to electronics core 1716 that is
then provided to the appropriate electromagnets, as described
below.
[0090] Assuming sphere 1702 is located in a fluid maintained at
non-zero temperature, when one electromagnet is energized, such as
electromagnet 1704, the resultant magnetic field 1718, along with
the nanotube assembly, lowers the fluid pressure immediately above
the surface. The reduced pressure causes sphere 1702 to move in
direction 1720 (if the propulsion force is strong enough). If, for
example, electromagnet 1710 is also energized, thereby establishing
magnetic field 1722, a force 1724 also affects sphere 1702. In this
instance, sphere 1702 would be propelled along a vector 45 degrees
away from magnetic axes 1718 and 1722 (as shown by arrow 1726). By
varying the current supplied to each of the electromagnets, the
movement of sphere 1702 through a fluid can be controlled.
[0091] From the foregoing description, persons skilled in the art
will recognize that this invention provides nanometer scale
electromechanical assemblies and systems that may be used to
convert one form of energy to another. These assemblies and systems
may be used to provide, for example, heat engines, heat pumps or
propulsion devices. In addition, persons skilled in the art will
appreciate that the various configurations described herein may be
combined without departing from the present invention. For example,
the nanotubes shown in FIG. 4 may be mounted directly to
piezoelectric generators of FIG. 4, instead of the configuration
shown. It will also be recognized that the invention may take many
forms other than those disclosed in this specification.
Accordingly, it is emphasized that the invention is not limited to
the disclosed methods, systems and apparatuses, but is intended to
include variations to and modifications thereof which are within
the spirit of the following claims.
* * * * *