公开(公告)号：US20110100430A1

公开(公告)日：2011-05-05

申请号：US12590304

申请日：2009-11-05

Applicant: Robert C. Zak, JR. ,  Jon P. Wade

Inventor： Robert C. Zak, JR. ,  Jon P. Wade

IPC: H01L31/058

CPC classification number: H01J45/00 ,  H01G9/2022 ,  H02S10/10 ,  Y02E10/542

Abstract: The current invention uses a combination of technologies from dye-sensitized solar cells, and from thermionic generators, to form a unique, efficient, broad spectrum solar radiation to electric power converter. Light passing through the cell first passes through a dye-sensitized matrix of nanoporous semiconductor. Light within the absorption spectrum of the dye is absorbed and converted into electrons which are injected into the conduction band of the semiconductor matrix. Light, which is not absorbed by the dye, passes on to cathode. The cathode is heated upon absorbing the incoming radiation. At a temperature dependent on the work function of the cathode, the cathode emits electrons thermionically, thereby cooling the cathode. These electrons replenish the electrons in the dye, thus completing the flow of current between cathode and anode. The hot cathode is thermally isolated from portions of the device at ambient temperature, thereby minimizing parasitic thermal loss. The device produces electricity similar to a two junction photovoltaic cell in that the anode is added to the cathode voltage.

Abstract translation: 本发明使用来自染料敏化太阳能电池和热电子发生器的技术的组合，以形成独特的，有效的广谱太阳辐射到电力转换器。 首先通过细胞的光通过纳米多孔半导体的染料敏化基质。 在染料的吸收光谱内的光被吸收并转换成注入到半导体矩阵的导带中的电子。 不被染料吸收的光传递到阴极。 阴极在吸收进入的辐射时被加热。 在取决于阴极功函数的温度下，阴极发射热电子，从而冷却阴极。 这些电子补充染料中的电子，从而完成阴极和阳极之间的电流流动。 热阴极在环境温度下与器件的部分热隔离，从而最小化寄生热损失。 该装置产生类似于二结光伏电池的电力，因为将阳极添加到阴极电压。

公开(公告)号：US07928561B2

公开(公告)日：2011-04-19

申请号：US11449002

申请日：2006-06-07

Applicant: Stanton Earl Weaver ,  Mehmet Arik

Inventor： Stanton Earl Weaver ,  Mehmet Arik

IPC: H01L23/34

CPC classification number: H01L35/08 ,  H01J45/00 ,  H01L35/32

Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a device that includes top and bottom thermally conductive substrates positioned opposite to one another, wherein a top surface of the bottom thermally conductive substrate is substantially atomically flat and a thermal blocking layer disposed between the top and bottom thermally conductive substrates. The device also includes top and bottom electrodes separated from one another between the top and bottom thermally conductive substrates to define a tunneling path, wherein the top electrode is disposed on the thermal blocking layer and the bottom electrode is disposed on the bottom thermally conductive substrate.

Abstract translation: 提供了一个系统。 该系统包括一个装置，该装置包括彼此相对定位的顶部和底部导热基底，其中底部导热基底的顶表面基本上是原子上平坦的，以及设置在顶部和底部导热基底之间的热阻挡层。 该装置还包括在顶部和底部导热基板之间彼此分离的顶部和底部电极以限定隧道路径，其中顶部电极设置在热阻挡层上，而底部电极设置在底部导热基底上。

公开(公告)号：US07419022B2

公开(公告)日：2008-09-02

申请号：US10719446

申请日：2003-11-21

Applicant: Isaiah Watas Cox

Inventor： Isaiah Watas Cox

IPC: B60K25/00

CPC classification number: B60L11/00 ,  B60L11/002 ,  B60L11/18 ,  B60L2200/26 ,  B60L2260/162 ,  H01J45/00 ,  Y02T10/7005

Abstract: It is the principal object of the invention to provide a new and improved electrical power unit for use in automobiles, on aircraft, or for local generation of electrical power. In one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical power unit comprises: a combustion chamber that burns fuel to produce heat energy; and a thermionic device that converts the heat energy into electrical energy. In another embodiment of the present invention, the electrical power unit additionally comprises an electric motor. In a further embodiment, the electrical power unit additionally comprises an electrically power air compressor, an electrically power hydraulic compressor, and an electrical power conditioning unit.

Abstract translation: 本发明的主要目的是提供一种用于汽车，飞机上或用于本地产生电力的新的和改进的电力单元。 在本发明的一个实施例中，电力单元包括：燃烧燃料以产生热能的燃烧室; 以及将热能转换成电能的热离子装置。 在本发明的另一实施例中，电力单元另外包括电动机。 在另一实施例中，电力单元另外包括电力空气压缩机，电动液压压缩机和电力调节单元。

公开(公告)号：US07323709B2

公开(公告)日：2008-01-29

申请号：US10534633

申请日：2003-11-27

Applicant: Avto Tavkhelidze ,  Leri Tsakadze

Inventor： Avto Tavkhelidze ,  Leri Tsakadze

IPC: H01L29/06

CPC classification number: H01J45/00 ,  F25B21/00 ,  F25B2321/003 ,  H01J19/24 ,  H01J21/02 ,  Y02B30/66 ,  Y10S438/979

Abstract: The present invention comprises a tunneling device in which the collector electrode is modified so that tunneling of higher energy electrons from the emitter electrode to the collector electrode is enhanced. In one embodiment, the collector electrode is contacted with an insulator layer, preferably aluminum oxide, disposed between the collector and emitter electrodes. The present invention additionally comprises a method for enhancing tunneling of higher energy electrons from an emitter electrode to a collector electrode, the method comprising the step of contacting the collector electrode with an insulator, preferably aluminum oxide, and placing the insulator between the collector electrode and the emitter electrode.

Abstract translation: 本发明包括一种隧穿装置，其中集电极被修改，使得能量较高的电子从发射电极到集电极的隧道效应得到增强。 在一个实施例中，集电极与设置在集电极和发射极之间的绝缘体层，优选氧化铝接触。 本发明还包括一种用于增强高能电子从发射电极到集电极的隧穿的方法，所述方法包括使集电极与绝缘体（优选氧化铝）接触的步骤，并将绝缘体放置在集电极和 发射电极。

公开(公告)号：US20070069357A1

公开(公告)日：2007-03-29

申请号：US11449002

申请日：2006-06-07

Applicant: Stanton Weaver ,  Mehmet Arik

Inventor： Stanton Weaver ,  Mehmet Arik

IPC: H01L23/02

CPC classification number: H01L35/08 ,  H01J45/00 ,  H01L35/32

Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a device that includes top and bottom thermally conductive substrates positioned opposite to one another, wherein a top surface of the bottom thermally conductive substrate is substantially atomically flat and a thermal blocking layer disposed between the top and bottom thermally conductive substrates. The device also includes top and bottom electrodes separated from one another between the top and bottom thermally conductive substrates to define a tunneling path, wherein the top electrode is disposed on the thermal blocking layer and the bottom electrode is disposed on the bottom thermally conductive substrate.

Abstract translation: 提供了一个系统。 该系统包括一个装置，该装置包括彼此相对定位的顶部和底部导热基底，其中底部导热基底的顶表面基本上是原子上平坦的，以及设置在顶部和底部导热基底之间的热阻挡层。 该装置还包括在顶部和底部导热基板之间彼此分离的顶部和底部电极以限定隧道路径，其中顶部电极设置在热阻挡层上，而底部电极设置在底部导热基底上。

公开(公告)号：US20070013055A1

公开(公告)日：2007-01-18

申请号：US11376520

申请日：2006-03-14

Applicant: Hans Walitzki

Inventor： Hans Walitzki

IPC: H01L23/34

CPC classification number: H01L23/34 ,  H01J45/00 ,  H01L2924/0002 ,  H01L2924/00

Abstract: A thermionic or thermotunneling gap diode device consisting of two silicon electrodes maintained at a desired distance from one another by means of spacers. These spacers are formed by oxidizing one electrode, protecting certain oxidized areas and removing the remainder of the oxidized layer. The protected oxidized areas remain as spacers. These spacers have the effect of maintaining the electrodes at a desired distance without the need for active elements, thus greatly reducing costs.

Abstract translation: 由两个硅电极组成的热离子或热电子间隙二极管器件通过间隔物保持彼此所需的距离。 这些间隔物通过氧化一个电极，保护某些氧化区域并除去氧化层的其余部分而形成。 受保护的氧化区域保留为间隔物。 这些间隔物具有将电极保持在期望距离而不需要有源元件的效果，因此大大降低了成本。

公开(公告)号：US20050247337A1

公开(公告)日：2005-11-10

申请号：US11007557

申请日：2004-12-08

Applicant: Gang Chen ,  Ronggui Yang ,  Arvind Narayanaswamy

Inventor： Gang Chen ,  Ronggui Yang ,  Arvind Narayanaswamy

IPC: H01J45/00 ,  H01L35/00 ,  H01L35/16 ,  H01L35/22 ,  H01L35/28 ,  H01L35/30 ,  H01L37/00

CPC classification number: H01L35/00 ,  H01J45/00 ,  H01L35/30

Abstract: A surface-plasmon-coupled thermoelectric apparatus includes a first surface-plasmon substrate and a thermoelectric substrate electrically coupled to a plurality of electrodes. The substrates are electrically isolated from each other, and a first face of the thermoelectric substrate opposes a first face of the first surface-plasmon substrate to define a phonon insulating gap. A method of transferring thermal energy across the phonon insulating gap includes creating a first surface-plasmon polariton at the first surface-plasmon substrate when the first surface-plasmon substrate is coupled to a first thermal reservoir. Also included is creating a nonequilibrium state between the electron temperature and the phonon temperature at a first face of the thermoelectric substrate, when a second face of the thermoelectric substrate is coupled to a second thermal reservoir. Also included is coupling the first surface plasmon polariton with electrons in the thermoelectric substrate across the phonon insulating gap, thereby transferring thermal energy between the thermal reservoirs through the phonon insulating gap.

Abstract translation: 表面等离子体耦合热电装置包括电耦合到多个电极的第一表面等离子体激元基板和热电基板。 基板彼此电隔离，并且热电基板的第一面与第一表面等离子体激元基板的第一面相对以限定声子绝缘间隙。 传输热能穿过声子绝缘间隙的方法包括当第一表面等离子体激元基板耦合到第一热存储器时，在第一表面等离子体激元基板处产生第一表面等离子体激元。 还包括当热电基板的第二面耦合到第二热存储器时，在热电基板的第一面处在电子温度和声子温度之间产生非平衡状态。 还包括将第一表面等离子体激元与热电基片中的电子耦合穿过声子绝缘间隙，从而通过声子绝缘间隙在热存储器之间传递热能。

公开(公告)号：US06906449B2

公开(公告)日：2005-06-14

申请号：US10307241

申请日：2002-11-27

Applicant: Yan R. Kucherov ,  Peter L. Hagelstein

Inventor： Yan R. Kucherov ,  Peter L. Hagelstein

IPC: H01L37/00 ,  H01J45/00 ,  H01L35/30 ,  H02N3/00 ,  H02N10/00

CPC classification number: H02N3/00 ,  H01J45/00 ,  H01L35/30 ,  Y10S977/833

Abstract: The present invention embodies a solid state thermionic energy converter and is directed to a method and apparatus for conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy, and electrical energy to refrigeration. The present invention maintains a thermal separation between an emitter and a collector through a fractional surface contact of decreasing cross-sectional area towards the point of contact. The fractional surface contacts may be associated with the emitter, a barrier, or the collector. Maintaining a thermal separation between the emitter and the collector provides for ballistic electron transport through the barrier and reduces the transport of electrons through thermal conductivity. Hence, the efficiency is increased through the collection of ballistic electrons and the reduction of thermal conductivity electrons which cannot be collected. The inventive principle works for hole conductivity, as well as for electrons. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract translation: 本发明体现了固态热电子能量转换器，并且涉及用于将热能转换成电能，并将电能转换成制冷的方法和装置。 本发明通过减小横截面积朝向接触点的分数面接触来保持发射器和集电器之间的热分离。 分数表面接触可以与发射体，屏障或收集器相关联。 保持发射极和集电极之间的热分离，提供通过势垒的弹道电子传输，并减少电子传导通过热导率。 因此，通过收集弹道电子和减少不能收集的热导率电子来提高效率。 本发明的原理适用于空穴导电性以及电子。 要强调的是，该摘要被提供以符合要求摘要的规则，这将允许搜索者或其他读者快速确定技术公开的主题。 提交它的理解是，它不会用于解释或限制权利要求的范围或含义。

公开(公告)号：US06720704B1

公开(公告)日：2004-04-13

申请号：US09481803

申请日：1998-08-31

Applicant: Avto Tavkhelidze ,  Jonathan S. Edelson

Inventor： Avto Tavkhelidze ,  Jonathan S. Edelson

IPC: H02N300

CPC classification number: F25B21/00 ,  F25B2321/003 ,  F25B2400/15 ,  H01J21/08 ,  H01J45/00 ,  Y02B30/66

Abstract: Diode devices are disclosed in which the separation of the electrodes is set and controlled using piezo-electric, electrostrictive or magnetostrictive actuators. This avoids problems associated with electrode spacing changing or distorting as a result of heat stress. In addition it allows the operation of these devices at electrode separations which permit quantum electron tunneling between them. Pairs of electrodes whose surfaces replicate each other are also disclosed. These may be used in constructing devices with very close electrode spacings.

Abstract translation: 公开了二极管器件，其中使用压电，电致伸缩或磁致伸缩致动器设置和控制电极的分离。 这避免了由于热应力而导致电极间距变化或变形的问题。 此外，它允许这些器件在电极分离处的操作，这允许它们之间的量子电子隧穿。 还公开了其表面彼此复制的电极对。 这些可以用于构造具有非常接近的电极间距的装置。

公开(公告)号：US06653547B2

公开(公告)日：2003-11-25

申请号：US09959972

申请日：2001-11-14

Applicant: Norio Akamatsu

Inventor： Norio Akamatsu

IPC: H02N300

CPC classification number: H01J45/00 ,  H02S99/00

Abstract: The solar energy converter comprises an electron emitter and an electron collector. They are provided separate from each other in a vacuum vessel. Solar energy in a wide range of sunlight spectrum can be efficiently converted into electric energy by moving electrons from the electron emitter to the electron collector.