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Method and apparatus for energy harvesting through phase-change induced pressure rise under cooling conditions
Aerospace Engineering Patents
  • Ashraf F. Bastawros, Iowa State University
  • Abhijit Chandra, Iowa State University
  • Tom I-Ping Shih, Iowa State University
Document Type
Patent
Publication Date
4-1-2014
Abstract
A method and apparatus for generating power which includes a phase-change media (PCM) that expands upon cooling contained within an expandable capsule if the phase change involves solidification (if phase change is solid-solid, then capsules are not needed), a carrier liquid that does not freeze in the operating temperature range, a heat exchanger, and an engine. Alternatively, the method and apparatus can include a PCM contained within a layer next to the walls of a constant volume container, a working liquid within the container that does not freeze in the operating temperature range, a heat exchanger, and an engine. In both cases, the engine denotes a device that converts the energy in the high-pressure liquid into electrical or mechanical power.
Patent Number
US 8,683,803 B2
Application Number
12/019,349
Date Filed
1-24-2008
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Ashraf F. Bastawros, Abhijit Chandra and Tom I-Ping Shih. "Method and apparatus for energy harvesting through phase-change induced pressure rise under cooling conditions" (2014)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/ashraf-bastawros/11/