Method and apparatus for energy harvesting through phase-change induced pressure rise under cooling conditions

Thumbnail Image
Date
2014-04-01
Authors
Bastawros, Ashraf
Chandra, Abhijit
Shih, Tom
Major Professor
Advisor
Committee Member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Authors
Person
Bastawros, Ashraf
Professor
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Organizational Unit
Journal Issue
Is Version Of
Versions
Series
Department
Aerospace Engineering
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.

Comments
Description
Keywords
Citation
DOI
Source
Copyright
Collections