Meso-to-micro-scaleable device and methods for conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy

摘要

The present invention provides systems and methods for conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy. The devices and methods according to the invention allow for efficient conversion of thermal energy to electrical power in a meso-to-micro scale device. In general, the present invention relates to a device for converting thermal energy to electrical energy comprising a working fluid contained within at least one region. The region is exposed to a thermal gradient and thermal energy is transferred through at least a first thermal energy-accepting layer for transferring thermal energy to the working fluid. At least one diaphragm is acted upon by the working fluid, which thermodynamically expands upon thermal energy being transferred thereto to flex the diaphragm. A mechanism is provided for converting the structural flexure of the diaphragm to electrical energy, along with at least one thermal energy transfer mechanism for transferring thermal energy from the working fluid through the diaphragm to cool the working fluid and cause thermodynamic contraction thereof. The thermodynamic cycle of heating and cooling the working fluid causes expansion and contraction thereof in turn causes cyclic flexure of the diaphragm in response to the device being exposed to thermal energy. The cyclic flexure of the diaphragm in conjunction with other structures produces the desired conversion to electrical energy.