Abstract:
A device and method for producing electricity by harnessing sunlight to produce an amplified voltage signal, the device including: (a) a sealed chamber, defined by a transparent housing; (b) an excitable medium, disposed within the chamber, in which, when the medium is exposed to solar light having wavelengths in a range of 0.2 to 3 micrometers, bound electrons in the excitable medium are elevated to at least one higher energy state; (c) electrodes, disposed in a spaced apart fashion, whereby the medium is between, and fluidly communicates with, the electrodes; (d) an electric circuit, the medium and the electrodes completing the circuit; (e) an initiating mechanism, adapted to initiate an initial voltage signal through the chamber, between the electrodes, and (f) a power source, associated with the circuit, and adapted to maintain the first voltage signal through the chamber, between the electrodes, whereby the bound electrons in the higher energy state transfer energy to free electrons traversing the first voltage signal to produce the amplified voltage signal, and wherein the excitable medium is selected, and adapted within the chamber, to absorb at least 5% of an energy flux within a wavelength range of 0.2 to 3 micrometers, emitted by a black body operating at 5500K, by elevating the bound electrons to the higher energy state.
Abstract:
A field emission device is configured as a heat engine. Different embodiments of the heat engine may have different configurations that may include a cathode, gate, suppressor, and anode arranged in different ways according to a particular embodiment. Different embodiments of the heat engine may also incorporate different materials in and/or proximate to the cathode, gate, suppressor, and anode.
Abstract:
A current source and method of producing the current source are provided. The current source includes a metal source, a buffer layer, a filter and a collector. An electrical connection is provided to the metal layer and semiconductor layer and a magnetic field applier may be also provided. The source metal has localized states at a bottom of the conduction band and probability amplification. The interaction of the various layers produces a spontaneous current. The movement of charge across the current source produces a voltage, which rises until a balancing reverse current appears. If a load is connected to the current source, current flows through the load and power is dissipated. The energy for this comes from the thermal energy in the current source, and the device gets cooler.
Abstract:
A thermionic or thermotunneling converter consisting of two electrodes maintained at a desired distance from one another by means of spacers in which the electrodes comprise silicon coated with a hard material, or comprise a ceramic or other refractory material. The 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:
A solid oxide fuel cell and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. A solid oxide fuel cell includes first and second electrode formed opposite to each other and an electrolyte layer formed between the first and the second electrodes. Either the first electrode or the second electrode may include between about 1 to about 20 wt % of a thermoelectronic material configured to increase thermal emission of electrons with an increase in temperature.
Abstract:
A current source and method of producing the current source are provided. The current source includes a metal source, a buffer layer, a filter and a collector. An electrical connection is provided to the metal layer and semiconductor layer and a magnetic field applier may be also provided. The source metal has localized states at a bottom of the conduction band and probability amplification. The interaction of the various layers produces a spontaneous current. The movement of charge across the current source produces a voltage, which rises until a balancing reverse current appears. If a load is connected to the current source, current flows through the load and power is dissipated. The energy for this comes from the thermal energy in the current source, and the device gets cooler.
Abstract:
A current source and method of producing the current source are provided. The current source includes a metal source, a buffer layer, a filter and a collector. An electrical connection is provided to the metal layer and semiconductor layer and a magnetic field applier may be also provided. The source metal has localized states at a bottom of the conduction band and probability amplification. The interaction of the various layers produces a spontaneous current. The movement of charge across the current source produces a voltage, which rises until a balancing reverse current appears. If a load is connected to the current source, current flows through the load and power is dissipated. The energy for this comes from the thermal energy in the current source, and the device gets cooler.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for improved thermal isolation for thermoelectric devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a thermoelectric device includes a first substrate portion having a first p-type conductive portion electrically coupled to a first n-type conductive portion, and a second substrate portion having a second p-type conductive portion and a second n-type conductive portion, the second substrate portion being positioned proximate to the first substrate portion such that the first and second p-type conductive portions are approximately aligned and the first and second n-type conductive portions are approximately aligned, wherein the first and second p-type conductive portions are spaced apart to form a first gap, and the first and second n-type conductive portions are spaced apart to form a second gap.
Abstract:
A system for turning waste heat from the engine of a motorcycle into useable electricity through the use of thermotunneling and thermionic devices. The system described also provides cooling for the engine and driver along with pressurized air flow for use in cooling or forced induction. This air flow can also be diverted and pushed through a pored seat to keep the rider cool and dry. The use of thermionic or thermotunneling devices can also be used to aid in the cooling of the water or engine components.