US20030145594A1 - Method and apparatus for converting dissipated heat to work energy - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for converting dissipated heat to work energy Download PDFInfo
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- US20030145594A1 US20030145594A1 US10/068,632 US6863202A US2003145594A1 US 20030145594 A1 US20030145594 A1 US 20030145594A1 US 6863202 A US6863202 A US 6863202A US 2003145594 A1 US2003145594 A1 US 2003145594A1
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- heat
- dissipating device
- heat dissipating
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
- F03G7/025—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for characterised by its use
- F03G7/0252—Motors; Energy harvesting or waste energy recovery
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01K—STEAM ENGINE PLANTS; STEAM ACCUMULATORS; ENGINE PLANTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; ENGINES USING SPECIAL WORKING FLUIDS OR CYCLES
- F01K25/00—Plants or engines characterised by use of special working fluids, not otherwise provided for; Plants operating in closed cycles and not otherwise provided for
- F01K25/08—Plants or engines characterised by use of special working fluids, not otherwise provided for; Plants operating in closed cycles and not otherwise provided for using special vapours
- F01K25/14—Plants or engines characterised by use of special working fluids, not otherwise provided for; Plants operating in closed cycles and not otherwise provided for using special vapours using industrial or other waste gases
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D1/00—Wind motors with rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor
- F03D1/04—Wind motors with rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor having stationary wind-guiding means, e.g. with shrouds or channels
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D13/00—Assembly, mounting or commissioning of wind motors; Arrangements specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
- F03D13/20—Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motors; Masts or towers for wind motors
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D9/00—Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combinations of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby; Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
- F03D9/10—Combinations of wind motors with apparatus storing energy
- F03D9/11—Combinations of wind motors with apparatus storing energy storing electrical energy
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D9/00—Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combinations of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby; Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
- F03D9/20—Wind motors characterised by the driven apparatus
- F03D9/25—Wind motors characterised by the driven apparatus the apparatus being an electrical generator
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D9/00—Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combinations of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby; Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
- F03D9/30—Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
- F03D9/34—Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations on stationary objects or on stationary man-made structures
- F03D9/35—Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations on stationary objects or on stationary man-made structures within towers, e.g. using chimney effects
- F03D9/37—Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations on stationary objects or on stationary man-made structures within towers, e.g. using chimney effects with means for enhancing the air flow within the tower, e.g. by heating
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
- F03G7/10—Alleged perpetua mobilia
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
- F03G7/10—Alleged perpetua mobilia
- F03G7/129—Thermodynamic processes
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/20—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating
- H05K7/20009—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating using a gaseous coolant in electronic enclosures
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D3/00—Wind motors with rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the air flow entering the rotor
- F03D3/04—Wind motors with rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the air flow entering the rotor having stationary wind-guiding means, e.g. with shrouds or channels
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2240/00—Components
- F05B2240/10—Stators
- F05B2240/13—Stators to collect or cause flow towards or away from turbines
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2240/00—Components
- F05B2240/10—Stators
- F05B2240/13—Stators to collect or cause flow towards or away from turbines
- F05B2240/131—Stators to collect or cause flow towards or away from turbines by means of vertical structures, i.e. chimneys
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/70—Wind energy
- Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/70—Wind energy
- Y02E10/728—Onshore wind turbines
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E70/00—Other energy conversion or management systems reducing GHG emissions
- Y02E70/30—Systems combining energy storage with energy generation of non-fossil origin
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to methods and apparatuses for converting heat energy into other forms of energy.
- the invention relates to methods and other accommodations for dissipating heat away from devices generating heat.
- thermodynamic “availability,” or energy content, of a solid or fluid increases strongly with absolute temperature
- efficient electric power generation from a heat source is usually performed at elevated temperatures, often in the range of 600° C. -800° C.
- these systems are generally large, with each generator unit producing megawatts of electric power and occupying a volume of 10 m 3 to 100 m 3 .
- lower temperature equipment operating between 100° C. and 200° C., have been developed to recover energy from solar-concentrator heated fluids and geothermal sources and waste heat rejected by high temperature conversion systems.
- Thermal management of the electronic components in the enclosed electronic apparatus is necessary to prevent the enclosed electronic apparatus from failing or to extend the useful life of the enclosed electronic apparatus.
- a typical CPU operating in a personal computer may operate at a maximum temperature of 70° C. without experiencing a thermal failure; but due to the heat generated by a typical CPU, however, the temperature often reaches 100° C. and above which could lead to thermal failure.
- the present invention provides systems, methods and apparatus for applying the “chimney effect” to enhance natural convection cooling of an electrical component.
- the present invention provides systems, methods and apparatus for converting relatively low temperature waste heat into other useful forms of energy.
- the invention is especially useful for generating electrical energy from relatively low temperature heat.
- the present invention provides that relatively lower temperature heat energy is transferred to a fluid medium in a channel and that natural convection of the fluid medium is utilized to generate another useful energy, preferably electricity.
- a “fluid medium” unless otherwise noted is included to mean any flowable medium such as gas or liquid.
- the present invention provides an improved heat dissipater and method for using same in which dissipated heat is converted to work energy. Heat generated by electrical components is dissipated via a channel internally housed within an enclosure.
- the channel can have an inlet and an outlet and a nozzle section for generating an increased flow portion within the channel.
- a plurality of such channels are provided with each channel sized and shaped for paralleably extending across the electrical device.
- the present invention provides a plurality of heat transfer members which are adjacently disposed to a plurality of electrical components where each electrical component is generating heat.
- Each heat transfer member thermally connects each electrical component to the channel wall for maintaining a temperature differential between the electrical component and the channel. This temperature differential generates fluid medium flow by natural convection through the channel to the outlet.
- a manifold which thermally connects to each outlet for combining the heated flow of fluid medium of each outlet and directing the heated air flow out of the enclosure.
- the invention provides an energy converter that harnesses the heated fluid medium flow.
- the energy converter may have a turbine mounted at the outlet of the channel.
- the turbine can be mounted in any other appropriate portion of the channel, one example of which is a nozzle section of the channel mentioned above.
- the energy converter is connected to an electrical storage for transferring power generated by the turbine to an external load.
- the invention provides for an extendable channel that is removably fixed to the channel.
- This extendable channel can be caused to extend either manually or by a suitable automatic mechanism.
- the present invention also provides for methods of using such heat dissipating devices.
- the method in accordance with one aspect of the invention comprises the steps of conducting heat away from an electronic component into a channel and transferring the conducted heat to a fluid medium disposed within the channel.
- the method provides creating a natural convection fluid flow effect in the fluid medium by virtue of the transfer of heat. Further, the energy is harnessed by the fluid medium flow to generate another form of energy. In one method, the form of energy is electrical energy.
- the step of harnessing the energy provided by the fluid flow comprises the step of using the fluid medium flow to drive a turbine connected to an energy converter.
- the present invention has many advantages. These advantages relate to an enhanced cooling of an electrical component and generating power from the heat given off by the electrical component.
- An advantage of the invention is the ability to transfer the heat given off from the electrical component to a fluid medium, which in turn is subject to flow due to natural convection caused by transfer of heat to the fluid medium.
- Another advantage of the invention is the ability to derive electricity from the natural convection and to supply the electricity to an electrical storage without requiring additional energy.
- FIG. 1 illustrates in cross section a first heat dissipating device or arrangement embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 2 illustrates in cross section a second heat dissipating device or arrangement embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 3 illustrates in cross section a channel embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 4 illustrates in cross section another channel embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 5 illustrates in cross section yet another channel embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 6 illustrates in cross section a third heat dissipating device or arrangement embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 7 illustrates in perspective form a fourth heat dissipating device or arrangement embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 8 illustrates in perspective form a fifth heat dissipating device or arrangement embodying principles of the inventions.
- FIG. 9 illustrates in perspective form a first turbine device.
- FIG. 10 illustrates in perspective form a second turbine device.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic form of an electrical storage device embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 12 illustrates in perspective form a cathode ray tube embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 13 illustrates in perspective form a device representative of a cellular telephone or a laptop computer embodying principles of the invention in a first state.
- FIG. 14 illustrates in perspective form the device of FIG. 13 in a second state.
- FIG. 15 illustrates in cross section a channel member of the cathode ray tube of FIG. 11 embodying principles of the invention in a general state.
- FIG. 16 illustrates in perspective form an electric device, such as a video tape recorder, embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 17 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary process for dissipating heat and for generating energy from the dissipated heat.
- an apparatus and method for efficiently transferring unconverted or remaining waste heat away from a heat source such as an electrical component.
- the present invention also provides for converting waste heat from the heat source into other forms of energy such as work energy.
- the present invention is directed to converting waste heat for energy conversion in a 75° C.-150° C. temperature range into other useful energy.
- power is derived from waste heat via an energy converter producing approximately 1W-10W yet only occupying several cm 3 of volume.
- the present invention can generate power derived from the waste heat for output for operating other devices for cooling purposes (such as a fan or a miniature refrigerator), extending battery life, re-charging depleted batteries, and reducing the electricity demand on the power grid in the office or home.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a cross section view of an exemplary heat dissipating device or arrangement 20 to convert heat energy or waste heat into work energy in accordance with general principles of the invention.
- the heat dissipating device 20 is thermally connected to an electrical component 22 of an electrical device 24 .
- the electrical component 22 may be one of a plurality of electrical components 22 that are part of the electrical device 24 .
- Electrical components 22 may be any device that gives off heat when operating or when power is supplied to the electrical components 22 .
- Electrical components 22 may be heat sources that emit heat up to a temperature of 150° C. before thermal breakdown.
- the electrical device 24 also includes a circuit board 26 that supports and provides electrical interconnections between the electrical components 22 .
- the electrical device 24 may also include an enclosure 28 or housing that substantially surrounds the circuit board 26 and the electrical components 22 .
- the heat emitted by the electrical components 22 must be dissipated outside the enclosure 28 to prevent thermal breakdown.
- the present invention prohibits the enclosure 28 from retaining or inhibiting heat generated by the electrical components 22 from being transferred out of the electrical device 24 .
- the heat dissipating device 20 includes a channel 30 that has an exterior 32 adapted to receive heat and an interior 34 adapted to dissipate heat.
- the heat dissipating device 20 also includes a fluid medium 36 that substantially fills the channel 30 and which is thermally convective.
- the fluid medium 36 is preferably non-corrosive to the channel 30 .
- the fluid medium 36 may be a gas with the gas commonly being air.
- the channel 30 further has a portion 38 that is effective to conduct thermal energy.
- the portion 38 can occupy that part or parts of the channel where the exterior 32 meets the electrical component 22 .
- the portion 38 can occupy one side of the channel 30 or can occupy opposed sides of the channel 30 as shown in FIG. 1.
- the portion 38 acts as a heat sink.
- various electrical components 22 are in thermal contact with the portion 38 , to enable transfer of heat from the electrical components 22 to the portion 38 .
- There may or may not be a thermally conductive intermediary such as a thermally conductive adhesive between the components 22 and the portion 38 .
- the components 22 may be mounted on circuit boards by means known to those in the art.
- the channel 30 dissipates heat emitted by one or more of the electrical components 22 .
- the channel 30 has an inlet 40 an outlet 42 .
- the inlet 40 draws in the fluid medium 36 disposed within the enclosure 28 or external to the enclosure while the outlet 42 exits the fluid medium 36 out of the enclosure 28 .
- the heat dissipating device 20 receives heat energy emitted from the electrical component 22 through the exterior 32 .
- the exterior 32 has a first temperature that may be as high as 150° C. while the interior 34 of the channel 30 has a second temperature that may be at ambient temperature.
- the heat transfer from the exterior 32 into the interior 34 causes a temperature and pressure gradient which forces the fluid medium 36 to move within the channel 30 .
- the channel 30 acts as a small chimney in the sense that the now hot fluid medium 36 is caused/allowed to flow upwardly therethrough and out of an outlet 42 of the channel 30 .
- the heat dissipating device 20 may include an insulation layer 44 surrounding the channel 30 to insulate the channel 30 to prevent heat loss out of the channel 30 resulting in increased efficiency.
- thermally conductive adhesive connecting the electrical component 22 to the channel 30 may be used.
- FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment where a heat transfer member 46 is disposed adjacent to each electrical component 22 .
- the heat transfer member 46 comprises a thermal conductor 48 , which may include a tapered cross section, which is conductably attached to the electrical component 22 .
- the thermal conductor 48 is further attached to the exterior 32 at the portion 38 as shown in FIG. 2. The thermal conductor 48 thus maintains a temperature differential between the electrical component 22 and the exterior 32 as the heat travels from the electrical component 22 to the exterior 32 and into the interior 34 to heat the fluid medium 36 .
- thermal conductor 48 To reduce thermal resistance, highly thermal conductive material is used as the thermal conductor 48 . It should be noted that the highly thermal conductive material can include those materials in the art, such as, but is not limited to, copper or aluminum. To further reduce contact resistance among the electrical components 22 , the thermal conductor 48 and the exterior 32 , interfacial material or a thermal conductive gel 50 , such as, but not limited to, a silicone based aluminum powder compound, is applied around the thermal conductor 48 as shown in FIG. 2.
- interfacial material or a thermal conductive gel 50 such as, but not limited to, a silicone based aluminum powder compound
- the thermal resistance between the electrical component 22 and the channel 30 is smaller then any other heat path out from the electrical component 22 .
- the channel 30 is designed with low thermal conductivity materials such as Polystyrene and Acrylonitryl-Butadiene-Styrene.
- the insulation layer 44 is coated with a thin metal layer, which has low surface emissivity (below 0.01), on the outside surface of the exterior 32 as shown in FIG. 2 to reduce the heat loss.
- the electrical component 22 is soldered at a first end to the circuit board 26 while attaching a second end to the thermal conductor 48 .
- the thermal resistance between the electrical component 22 and the channel 30 is less than any other heat path to the circuit board 26 or enclosure 28 .
- the channel 30 is also configured to the variety of electrical devices.
- the channel 30 is extended through the enclosure 28 in a path of least resistance as the channel 30 is formed as straight as possibly allowed within the internal makeup of the electronics of the electrical device 24 .
- the channel 30 is capable of being bent or made to curve, although the most efficient design results in the straightest channel 30 .
- each channel 30 does not contain any ports or branches.
- the channel 30 is shown for use in a vertical configuration found in such devices as, but not limited to, a desktop computer. Accordingly, the channel 30 is configured in an upright form generally shown as 52 .
- the channel 30 is shown for use in a curved configuration found in such devices as, but not limited to, a video cassette recorder. Accordingly, the channel 30 is configured in a curved form generally shown as 54 .
- the channel is shown for use in a thin configuration found in such devices as, but not limited to, a cellular phone. Accordingly, the channel 30 is configured in a nozzle form generally shown as 56 .
- FIG. 6 depicts a cross section view of one embodiment of the heat dissipating device 20 that dissipates heat emitted by the electrical component 22 .
- the channel 30 is attached around the electrical component 22 .
- the sides and top of the electrical component 22 are physically inside in the channel 30 and connected to the interior 34 as shown in FIG. 6.
- at least one electrical component 22 may be positioned within the channel 30 . Accordingly, heat generated by the electrical component 22 emits directly into the channel 30 to cause the natural convection of the fluid medium 36 .
- FIG. 7 an alternate embodiment is shown in which three channels 34 are illustrated in parallel arrangement. Since the electrical component 22 layout is based on the electrical connection, or the space limitation of the enclosure 28 , it is possible to design a plurality of channels 34 in one enclosure 28 . Thus, in these configurations, each channel 30 can be designed, either independently or in parallel.
- the channels 34 are shown placed within an enclosure 28 , which can be, by way of one example only, a computer cabinet where at the outlet ends of the channels 34 is a common final channel or manifold 58 . Accordingly, the manifold 58 is thermally connected to each outlet 42 of the plurality of channels 34 to combine the heated air flow of the channels 34 to dissipate heat outside the enclosure 28 .
- FIG. 8 depicts in perspective view another embodiment of the invention employing other principles of the invention.
- the electrical components 22 are in a thermally conductive association with a common channel 60 .
- the common channel 60 may terminate in the manifold 58 outside of the enclosure 28 .
- the common channel 60 may terminate outside the enclosure 28 without the manifold 58 .
- the common channel 60 encompasses the electrical component 22 , the circuit board 26 itself is exposed to the inside of the common channel 60 .
- an energy converter 62 such as a generator may be mounted to the channel 30 .
- the energy converter 62 may also be mounted to the manifold 58 .
- the energy converter 62 may use a turbine 64 which is designed to fit in the cross section of the channel 30 to connect to the outlet 42 .
- the energy converter 62 may be positioned within the channel 30 where the fluid medium 36 movement may be greatest as in the nozzle configuration. Since the airflow velocity is extremely low, the turbine 64 is optimized for the balance between flow resistance and rotational energy gain.
- the turbines 62 are directly connected to the energy converter 62 so that the kinetic energy is converted to an electric current flowing in a circuit with a proper load as commonly known in the art.
- the turbine 64 has different embodiments depending on the configuration of the enclosure 28 .
- the turbine 64 may incorporate a round turbine 66 as shown in FIG. 9. If the outlet 42 is narrow, then a round turbine 66 would be used. However, if the outlet 42 is long, a column turbine 68 would be used as shown in FIG. 10.
- the electrical device 24 may also include an electrical storage 70 , such as a capacitor or battery, that is adapted to store an electrical charge.
- the heat dissipating device 20 may transfer the work energy in the form of electricity to the electrical storage 70 .
- the electrical storage 70 may be operably connected to a load device (not shown) to provide power to the load device.
- the load device is preferably a box fan or other cooling apparatus that would utilize the power from the electrical storage 70 to further dissipate heat out of the electrical device 24 .
- the electrical storage 70 is shown in schematic form.
- the electrical storage 70 has a positive input 72 and a negative input 74 that are each electrically connected to a respective positive and negative electrode (not shown) of the energy converter 62 .
- the electrical storage 70 receives and stores the voltage from the energy converter 62 .
- the electrical storage 70 also has a first and a second output 76 and 86 that can be connected to the load device to provide power to the load device.
- the electrical storage 70 may include a standard full-wave rectifier 80 and a capacitor 82 that is electrically connected to the full-wave rectifier 80 .
- the full-wave rectifier 80 converts the asynchronous current received from the energy converter 62 to a D.C. voltage that is stored in the capacitor 82 .
- the electrical storage 70 also includes a resistor 84 that controls the current flow to the load device that may be connected to the first and second outputs 86 and 86 of the electrical storage 70 . It is contemplated that the electrical storage 70 may include any means known in the art for receiving an alternating current, transforming the alternating current to a direct current, and storing the voltage transported by the direct current.
- the energy converter 62 converts the kinetic energy of the fluid medium 36 to energy, preferably electrical energy, which can be stored in the electrical storage 70 .
- FIGS. 12 - 16 depict alternative embodiments where extending the channel 30 outside the enclosure 28 allows increased heat transfer from the electrical component 22 . Accordingly, an extendable channel 86 which may be thermally insulated may be used outside of the enclosure 28 as shown in FIGS. 12 - 16 .
- the extendable in channel 86 is provided to extend the heat flow.
- This extendable channel 86 has a stopper (not shown) to stop the extendable channel 86 at the proper extended position.
- the extendable channel 86 can be mechanically actuated by raising a handle (not shown). The handle which pushes or pulls to extend or retract the extendable channel 86 is optional for easy hand operation.
- the extendable channel 86 can be operated by a means for automatically extending the extendable channel 86 .
- the means for automatically extending may include a motor.
- the means for automatically extending can also include those means known in the art and can further include, such as, but not limited to, a piezo electric actuator, a shaped memory actuator and a thermostat. Accordingly, the means for extending is meant to include not only the structures described herein, but also, any acts or materials described herein, and also include any equivalent structures, equivalent acts, or equivalent materials to those described herein.
- the automatic means may be controlled by a temperature sensing means (not shown) to extend the extendable channel 86 when the temperature of the temperature sensing means exceeds the proper threshold and extract the extendable channel 86 when the temperature of the temperature sensing means registers below the proper threshold.
- the extendable channel 86 can be automatically operated based on the temperature of the electrical components 22 .
- FIG. 12 illustrates the extendable channel 86 connected to a monitor such as a computer monitor in the extended position.
- FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the extendable channel 86 connected to a cellular phone or laptop computer in the unextended and extended positions respectively.
- FIG. 15 illustrates the extendable channel 86 in cross section.
- FIG. 16 illustrates the extendable channel 86 connected to a video cassette recorder.
- FIG. 16 also illustrates the energy converter 62 utilizing the column turbine 68 connected to the extendable channel 86 .
- FIG. 17 a flowchart of an exemplary process for dissipating heat from an electrical component 22 to the ambient and for producing electricity from the dissipated heat is shown.
- the present invention is directed to cool heat generating electrical components 22 without using an additional power source, e.g. a fan.
- the heat is conducted away from the electrical components 22 and into the interior of the channel 30 .
- the heat is transferred to the fluid medium 36 (air being just one example of such a medium) wherein the heated fluid medium 36 expands and causes a fluid flow between pressure differentials within the channel 30 by natural convection as the lower density of the flow of the fluid medium gives rise to a natural convection flow through the channel 30 .
- the channel 30 can be aerodynamically designed in a narrow form to concentrate the fluid medium 36 flow from the channel 30 through the interior of the enclosure 28 . This fluid flow then can be harnessed to drive an energy converter 62 such as a generator.
- the energy converter 62 connects to an electrical circuit which transfers the power derived from the turbine 64 to an external load. Additionally, the energy converter 62 connected to the turbines 64 can also be used to help start up motion of the turbine blade of the turbine 64 .
- the method provides displacing at least one channel in the enclosure wherein the enclosure has at least one electrical component.
- the channel is thermally attached to the at least one electrical component.
- the method provides maintaining a temperature differential between the channel and the at least one electrical component via fluid medium flow. Convective cooling is performed on the enclosure by channeling the fluid medium through the channel.
- the method may also provide generating electricity by harnessing the fluid medium flow to an energy converter. Further, the method may provide nozzling the channel in a manifold to nozzle the fluid medium flow. The method may also provide extending the channel out of the enclosure.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatuses for converting heat energy into other forms of energy. In addition, the invention relates to methods and other accommodations for dissipating heat away from devices generating heat.
- Generally, the Second Law of Thermodynamics states that heat will travel from a hotter medium to a cooler medium. Further, as is known, hot air rises as the heated air expands and seeks to migrate to a lower pressure area, thereby creating what is known as natural convection. This process is commonly referred as the “chimney effect.”
- Since the thermodynamic “availability,” or energy content, of a solid or fluid increases strongly with absolute temperature, efficient electric power generation from a heat source is usually performed at elevated temperatures, often in the range of 600° C. -800° C. In the categories of high temperature conversion, these systems are generally large, with each generator unit producing megawatts of electric power and occupying a volume of 10 m3 to 100 m3. Alternatively, lower temperature equipment operating between 100° C. and 200° C., have been developed to recover energy from solar-concentrator heated fluids and geothermal sources and waste heat rejected by high temperature conversion systems.
- In the marketplace, many products generate heat in the low temperature range below 150° C. For example, electrical components, such as integrated circuits including a central processor unit (CPU) for a computer and operating in close proximity in an enclosed electronic apparatus, produce heat. To prevent thermal failure of one of the electrical components in the enclosed electronic apparatus this heat needs to be dissipated. These enclosed electronic apparatuses are common and typically include personal computers, laptop computers, display monitors, computer peripherals, television sets, projectors, projection monitors, handheld personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones, facsimile machines, video cassette recorders (VCRs), digital versatile disc (DVD) players, audio systems and similar equipment. Further, slightly larger equipment, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers and other similar appliances also may generate heat in this low temperature range.
- Thermal management of the electronic components in the enclosed electronic apparatus is necessary to prevent the enclosed electronic apparatus from failing or to extend the useful life of the enclosed electronic apparatus. For instance, a typical CPU operating in a personal computer may operate at a maximum temperature of 70° C. without experiencing a thermal failure; but due to the heat generated by a typical CPU, however, the temperature often reaches 100° C. and above which could lead to thermal failure.
- The present invention provides systems, methods and apparatus for applying the “chimney effect” to enhance natural convection cooling of an electrical component.
- The present invention provides systems, methods and apparatus for dissipating heat emitted by an electrical component and out of an electrical device.
- The present invention provides systems, methods and apparatus for converting relatively low temperature waste heat into other useful forms of energy. The invention is especially useful for generating electrical energy from relatively low temperature heat.
- In an embodiment, the present invention provides that relatively lower temperature heat energy is transferred to a fluid medium in a channel and that natural convection of the fluid medium is utilized to generate another useful energy, preferably electricity. As used herein, a “fluid medium” unless otherwise noted is included to mean any flowable medium such as gas or liquid.
- In an embodiment, the present invention provides an improved heat dissipater and method for using same in which dissipated heat is converted to work energy. Heat generated by electrical components is dissipated via a channel internally housed within an enclosure.
- In an embodiment, the channel can have an inlet and an outlet and a nozzle section for generating an increased flow portion within the channel.
- In an embodiment, a plurality of such channels are provided with each channel sized and shaped for paralleably extending across the electrical device.
- In an embodiment, the present invention provides a plurality of heat transfer members which are adjacently disposed to a plurality of electrical components where each electrical component is generating heat. Each heat transfer member thermally connects each electrical component to the channel wall for maintaining a temperature differential between the electrical component and the channel. This temperature differential generates fluid medium flow by natural convection through the channel to the outlet.
- In an embodiment, to direct the heated air flow from a plurality of such channels, a manifold is provided which thermally connects to each outlet for combining the heated flow of fluid medium of each outlet and directing the heated air flow out of the enclosure.
- Further, in an embodiment, the invention provides an energy converter that harnesses the heated fluid medium flow. The energy converter may have a turbine mounted at the outlet of the channel. Alternatively, the turbine can be mounted in any other appropriate portion of the channel, one example of which is a nozzle section of the channel mentioned above. The energy converter is connected to an electrical storage for transferring power generated by the turbine to an external load.
- In an embodiment, for increased air flow out of the enclosure, the invention provides for an extendable channel that is removably fixed to the channel. This extendable channel can be caused to extend either manually or by a suitable automatic mechanism.
- The present invention also provides for methods of using such heat dissipating devices. In that regard, the method in accordance with one aspect of the invention comprises the steps of conducting heat away from an electronic component into a channel and transferring the conducted heat to a fluid medium disposed within the channel.
- Next, the method provides creating a natural convection fluid flow effect in the fluid medium by virtue of the transfer of heat. Further, the energy is harnessed by the fluid medium flow to generate another form of energy. In one method, the form of energy is electrical energy.
- In one method, the step of harnessing the energy provided by the fluid flow comprises the step of using the fluid medium flow to drive a turbine connected to an energy converter.
- The present invention has many advantages. These advantages relate to an enhanced cooling of an electrical component and generating power from the heat given off by the electrical component.
- An advantage of the invention is the ability to transfer the heat given off from the electrical component to a fluid medium, which in turn is subject to flow due to natural convection caused by transfer of heat to the fluid medium.
- Another advantage of the invention is the ability to derive electricity from the natural convection and to supply the electricity to an electrical storage without requiring additional energy.
- These and other advantages and aspects of the present invention are set forth in greater detail in the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.
- FIG. 1 illustrates in cross section a first heat dissipating device or arrangement embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 2 illustrates in cross section a second heat dissipating device or arrangement embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 3 illustrates in cross section a channel embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 4 illustrates in cross section another channel embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 5 illustrates in cross section yet another channel embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 6 illustrates in cross section a third heat dissipating device or arrangement embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 7 illustrates in perspective form a fourth heat dissipating device or arrangement embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 8 illustrates in perspective form a fifth heat dissipating device or arrangement embodying principles of the inventions.
- FIG. 9 illustrates in perspective form a first turbine device.
- FIG. 10 illustrates in perspective form a second turbine device.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic form of an electrical storage device embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 12 illustrates in perspective form a cathode ray tube embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 13 illustrates in perspective form a device representative of a cellular telephone or a laptop computer embodying principles of the invention in a first state.
- FIG. 14 illustrates in perspective form the device of FIG. 13 in a second state.
- FIG. 15 illustrates in cross section a channel member of the cathode ray tube of FIG. 11 embodying principles of the invention in a general state.
- FIG. 16 illustrates in perspective form an electric device, such as a video tape recorder, embodying principles of the invention.
- FIG. 17 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary process for dissipating heat and for generating energy from the dissipated heat.
- As discussed above, there is provided an apparatus and method for efficiently transferring unconverted or remaining waste heat away from a heat source, such as an electrical component. The present invention also provides for converting waste heat from the heat source into other forms of energy such as work energy.
- The present invention is directed to converting waste heat for energy conversion in a 75° C.-150° C. temperature range into other useful energy. As mentioned above and described more fully below, in accordance with principles of the invention, power is derived from waste heat via an energy converter producing approximately 1W-10W yet only occupying several cm3 of volume. Thus, the present invention can generate power derived from the waste heat for output for operating other devices for cooling purposes (such as a fan or a miniature refrigerator), extending battery life, re-charging depleted batteries, and reducing the electricity demand on the power grid in the office or home.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a cross section view of an exemplary heat dissipating device or
arrangement 20 to convert heat energy or waste heat into work energy in accordance with general principles of the invention. In FIG. 1, theheat dissipating device 20 is thermally connected to anelectrical component 22 of anelectrical device 24. - The
electrical component 22 may be one of a plurality ofelectrical components 22 that are part of theelectrical device 24.Electrical components 22 may be any device that gives off heat when operating or when power is supplied to theelectrical components 22.Electrical components 22 may be heat sources that emit heat up to a temperature of 150° C. before thermal breakdown. As illustrated in FIG. 1, theelectrical device 24 also includes acircuit board 26 that supports and provides electrical interconnections between theelectrical components 22. Theelectrical device 24 may also include anenclosure 28 or housing that substantially surrounds thecircuit board 26 and theelectrical components 22. The heat emitted by theelectrical components 22 must be dissipated outside theenclosure 28 to prevent thermal breakdown. The present invention prohibits theenclosure 28 from retaining or inhibiting heat generated by theelectrical components 22 from being transferred out of theelectrical device 24. - As shown in FIG. 1, the
heat dissipating device 20 includes achannel 30 that has an exterior 32 adapted to receive heat and an interior 34 adapted to dissipate heat. Theheat dissipating device 20 also includes a fluid medium 36 that substantially fills thechannel 30 and which is thermally convective. Thefluid medium 36 is preferably non-corrosive to thechannel 30. Further, the fluid medium 36 may be a gas with the gas commonly being air. Thechannel 30 further has aportion 38 that is effective to conduct thermal energy. Theportion 38 can occupy that part or parts of the channel where the exterior 32 meets theelectrical component 22. Thus, theportion 38 can occupy one side of thechannel 30 or can occupy opposed sides of thechannel 30 as shown in FIG. 1. - Essentially, the
portion 38 acts as a heat sink. In FIG. 1, variouselectrical components 22 are in thermal contact with theportion 38, to enable transfer of heat from theelectrical components 22 to theportion 38. There may or may not be a thermally conductive intermediary such as a thermally conductive adhesive between thecomponents 22 and theportion 38. Thecomponents 22 may be mounted on circuit boards by means known to those in the art. Thus, thechannel 30 dissipates heat emitted by one or more of theelectrical components 22. - As shown in FIG. 1, the
channel 30 has aninlet 40 anoutlet 42. Theinlet 40 draws in the fluid medium 36 disposed within theenclosure 28 or external to the enclosure while theoutlet 42 exits the fluid medium 36 out of theenclosure 28. In general, theheat dissipating device 20 receives heat energy emitted from theelectrical component 22 through theexterior 32. When receiving the heat energy, theexterior 32 has a first temperature that may be as high as 150° C. while the interior 34 of thechannel 30 has a second temperature that may be at ambient temperature. As known to one skilled in the art, the heat transfer from the exterior 32 into the interior 34 causes a temperature and pressure gradient which forces the fluid medium 36 to move within thechannel 30. Essentially, thechannel 30, acts as a small chimney in the sense that the now hot fluid medium 36 is caused/allowed to flow upwardly therethrough and out of anoutlet 42 of thechannel 30. In FIG. 1, it is also illustrated that theheat dissipating device 20 may include aninsulation layer 44 surrounding thechannel 30 to insulate thechannel 30 to prevent heat loss out of thechannel 30 resulting in increased efficiency. - As stated before, a thermally conductive adhesive connecting the
electrical component 22 to thechannel 30 may be used. - Turning to FIG. 2, in order to efficiently dissipate the heat, a
heat transfer member 46 may be used. FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment where aheat transfer member 46 is disposed adjacent to eachelectrical component 22. Theheat transfer member 46 comprises athermal conductor 48, which may include a tapered cross section, which is conductably attached to theelectrical component 22. Thethermal conductor 48 is further attached to the exterior 32 at theportion 38 as shown in FIG. 2. Thethermal conductor 48 thus maintains a temperature differential between theelectrical component 22 and the exterior 32 as the heat travels from theelectrical component 22 to the exterior 32 and into the interior 34 to heat thefluid medium 36. - To reduce thermal resistance, highly thermal conductive material is used as the
thermal conductor 48. It should be noted that the highly thermal conductive material can include those materials in the art, such as, but is not limited to, copper or aluminum. To further reduce contact resistance among theelectrical components 22, thethermal conductor 48 and the exterior 32, interfacial material or a thermalconductive gel 50, such as, but not limited to, a silicone based aluminum powder compound, is applied around thethermal conductor 48 as shown in FIG. 2. - Accordingly, the thermal resistance between the
electrical component 22 and thechannel 30 is smaller then any other heat path out from theelectrical component 22. To thermally insulate thechannel 30, thechannel 30 is designed with low thermal conductivity materials such as Polystyrene and Acrylonitryl-Butadiene-Styrene. In addition, for more effective insulation, theinsulation layer 44 is coated with a thin metal layer, which has low surface emissivity (below 0.01), on the outside surface of the exterior 32 as shown in FIG. 2 to reduce the heat loss. Thus, in a typical environment, theelectrical component 22 is soldered at a first end to thecircuit board 26 while attaching a second end to thethermal conductor 48. Thus, to concentrate heat to the exterior 32, the thermal resistance between theelectrical component 22 and thechannel 30 is less than any other heat path to thecircuit board 26 orenclosure 28. - As the
heat dissipating device 20 is capable of being applied to a variety of electrical devices, thechannel 30 is also configured to the variety of electrical devices. Thechannel 30 is extended through theenclosure 28 in a path of least resistance as thechannel 30 is formed as straight as possibly allowed within the internal makeup of the electronics of theelectrical device 24. Thus, thechannel 30 is capable of being bent or made to curve, although the most efficient design results in thestraightest channel 30. Further, eachchannel 30 does not contain any ports or branches. - Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3, the
channel 30 is shown for use in a vertical configuration found in such devices as, but not limited to, a desktop computer. Accordingly, thechannel 30 is configured in an upright form generally shown as 52. - Turning to FIG. 4, the
channel 30 is shown for use in a curved configuration found in such devices as, but not limited to, a video cassette recorder. Accordingly, thechannel 30 is configured in a curved form generally shown as 54. - Turning to FIG. 5, the channel is shown for use in a thin configuration found in such devices as, but not limited to, a cellular phone. Accordingly, the
channel 30 is configured in a nozzle form generally shown as 56. - FIG. 6 depicts a cross section view of one embodiment of the
heat dissipating device 20 that dissipates heat emitted by theelectrical component 22. Instead of applying thethermal conductor 48 in this embodiment, thechannel 30 is attached around theelectrical component 22. Thus, the sides and top of theelectrical component 22 are physically inside in thechannel 30 and connected to the interior 34 as shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, at least oneelectrical component 22 may be positioned within thechannel 30. Accordingly, heat generated by theelectrical component 22 emits directly into thechannel 30 to cause the natural convection of thefluid medium 36. - As the layout of the
electrical components 22 is dependent on, among other criteria, the configuration and size of theenclosure 28,additional channels 34 may be needed to thermally connect to all theelectrical components 22. Accordingly, an alternate embodiment is shown in FIG. 7 in which threechannels 34 are illustrated in parallel arrangement. Since theelectrical component 22 layout is based on the electrical connection, or the space limitation of theenclosure 28, it is possible to design a plurality ofchannels 34 in oneenclosure 28. Thus, in these configurations, eachchannel 30 can be designed, either independently or in parallel. Thechannels 34 are shown placed within anenclosure 28, which can be, by way of one example only, a computer cabinet where at the outlet ends of thechannels 34 is a common final channel ormanifold 58. Accordingly, the manifold 58 is thermally connected to eachoutlet 42 of the plurality ofchannels 34 to combine the heated air flow of thechannels 34 to dissipate heat outside theenclosure 28. - FIG. 8 depicts in perspective view another embodiment of the invention employing other principles of the invention. As illustrated, the
electrical components 22 are in a thermally conductive association with a common channel 60. The common channel 60 may terminate in the manifold 58 outside of theenclosure 28. Alternatively, the common channel 60 may terminate outside theenclosure 28 without the manifold 58. As the common channel 60 encompasses theelectrical component 22, thecircuit board 26 itself is exposed to the inside of the common channel 60. - In order to generate electricity of the
fluid medium 36, anenergy converter 62 such as a generator may be mounted to thechannel 30. Referring to FIG. 3, theenergy converter 62 may also be mounted to themanifold 58. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, theenergy converter 62 may use aturbine 64 which is designed to fit in the cross section of thechannel 30 to connect to theoutlet 42. Alternatively, theenergy converter 62 may be positioned within thechannel 30 where the fluid medium 36 movement may be greatest as in the nozzle configuration. Since the airflow velocity is extremely low, theturbine 64 is optimized for the balance between flow resistance and rotational energy gain. Theturbines 62 are directly connected to theenergy converter 62 so that the kinetic energy is converted to an electric current flowing in a circuit with a proper load as commonly known in the art. - As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the
turbine 64 has different embodiments depending on the configuration of theenclosure 28. For example, theturbine 64 may incorporate around turbine 66 as shown in FIG. 9. If theoutlet 42 is narrow, then around turbine 66 would be used. However, if theoutlet 42 is long, acolumn turbine 68 would be used as shown in FIG. 10. - Turning to FIG. 11, the
electrical device 24 may also include anelectrical storage 70, such as a capacitor or battery, that is adapted to store an electrical charge. Theheat dissipating device 20 may transfer the work energy in the form of electricity to theelectrical storage 70. Theelectrical storage 70 may be operably connected to a load device (not shown) to provide power to the load device. The load device is preferably a box fan or other cooling apparatus that would utilize the power from theelectrical storage 70 to further dissipate heat out of theelectrical device 24. - Referring to FIG. 11, the
electrical storage 70 is shown in schematic form. Theelectrical storage 70 has apositive input 72 and anegative input 74 that are each electrically connected to a respective positive and negative electrode (not shown) of theenergy converter 62. Theelectrical storage 70 receives and stores the voltage from theenergy converter 62. Theelectrical storage 70 also has a first and asecond output - The
electrical storage 70 may include a standard full-wave rectifier 80 and acapacitor 82 that is electrically connected to the full-wave rectifier 80. The full-wave rectifier 80 converts the asynchronous current received from theenergy converter 62 to a D.C. voltage that is stored in thecapacitor 82. Theelectrical storage 70 also includes aresistor 84 that controls the current flow to the load device that may be connected to the first andsecond outputs electrical storage 70. It is contemplated that theelectrical storage 70 may include any means known in the art for receiving an alternating current, transforming the alternating current to a direct current, and storing the voltage transported by the direct current. Thus, theenergy converter 62 converts the kinetic energy of the fluid medium 36 to energy, preferably electrical energy, which can be stored in theelectrical storage 70. - As the
channels 34 are limited by the dimensions of theenclosure 28, the required performance heat transport may not be met. Accordingly, additional heated flow of the fluid medium 36 may be needed. FIGS. 12-16 depict alternative embodiments where extending thechannel 30 outside theenclosure 28 allows increased heat transfer from theelectrical component 22. Accordingly, anextendable channel 86 which may be thermally insulated may be used outside of theenclosure 28 as shown in FIGS. 12-16. - Thus the extendable in
channel 86 is provided to extend the heat flow. Thisextendable channel 86 has a stopper (not shown) to stop theextendable channel 86 at the proper extended position. Theextendable channel 86 can be mechanically actuated by raising a handle (not shown). The handle which pushes or pulls to extend or retract theextendable channel 86 is optional for easy hand operation. - In addition, the
extendable channel 86 can be operated by a means for automatically extending theextendable channel 86. In one embodiment, the means for automatically extending may include a motor. However, it should be noted that the means for automatically extending can also include those means known in the art and can further include, such as, but not limited to, a piezo electric actuator, a shaped memory actuator and a thermostat. Accordingly, the means for extending is meant to include not only the structures described herein, but also, any acts or materials described herein, and also include any equivalent structures, equivalent acts, or equivalent materials to those described herein. The automatic means may be controlled by a temperature sensing means (not shown) to extend theextendable channel 86 when the temperature of the temperature sensing means exceeds the proper threshold and extract theextendable channel 86 when the temperature of the temperature sensing means registers below the proper threshold. Thus, theextendable channel 86 can be automatically operated based on the temperature of theelectrical components 22. - FIG. 12 illustrates the
extendable channel 86 connected to a monitor such as a computer monitor in the extended position. FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate theextendable channel 86 connected to a cellular phone or laptop computer in the unextended and extended positions respectively. FIG. 15 illustrates theextendable channel 86 in cross section. FIG. 16 illustrates theextendable channel 86 connected to a video cassette recorder. FIG. 16 also illustrates theenergy converter 62 utilizing thecolumn turbine 68 connected to theextendable channel 86. - In FIG. 17, a flowchart of an exemplary process for dissipating heat from an
electrical component 22 to the ambient and for producing electricity from the dissipated heat is shown. In use, the present invention is directed to cool heat generatingelectrical components 22 without using an additional power source, e.g. a fan. The heat is conducted away from theelectrical components 22 and into the interior of thechannel 30. Inside thechannel 30 the heat is transferred to the fluid medium 36 (air being just one example of such a medium) wherein theheated fluid medium 36 expands and causes a fluid flow between pressure differentials within thechannel 30 by natural convection as the lower density of the flow of the fluid medium gives rise to a natural convection flow through thechannel 30. - The
channel 30 can be aerodynamically designed in a narrow form to concentrate the fluid medium 36 flow from thechannel 30 through the interior of theenclosure 28. This fluid flow then can be harnessed to drive anenergy converter 62 such as a generator. - While the flow resistance becomes slightly larger, this raises the local fluid medium velocity and increases the power generation of the
turbines 64. Theenergy converter 62 connects to an electrical circuit which transfers the power derived from theturbine 64 to an external load. Additionally, theenergy converter 62 connected to theturbines 64 can also be used to help start up motion of the turbine blade of theturbine 64. - Thus, the method provides displacing at least one channel in the enclosure wherein the enclosure has at least one electrical component. Next, the channel is thermally attached to the at least one electrical component. The method provides maintaining a temperature differential between the channel and the at least one electrical component via fluid medium flow. Convective cooling is performed on the enclosure by channeling the fluid medium through the channel.
- The method may also provide generating electricity by harnessing the fluid medium flow to an energy converter. Further, the method may provide nozzling the channel in a manifold to nozzle the fluid medium flow. The method may also provide extending the channel out of the enclosure.
- Although the foregoing detailed description of the present invention has been described by reference to various embodiments, and the best mode contemplated for carrying out the prevention invention has been herein shown and described, it will be understood that modifications or variations in the structure and arrangement of these embodiments other than there specifically set forth herein may be achieved by those skilled in the art and that such modifications are to be considered as being within the overall scope of the present invention.
Claims (32)
Priority Applications (2)
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US10/068,632 US6601390B1 (en) | 2002-02-05 | 2002-02-05 | Method and apparatus for converting dissipated heat to work energy |
JP2002343011A JP4160369B2 (en) | 2002-02-05 | 2002-11-26 | Cooling device and cooling method |
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US10/068,632 US6601390B1 (en) | 2002-02-05 | 2002-02-05 | Method and apparatus for converting dissipated heat to work energy |
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WO2010036199A1 (en) * | 2008-09-25 | 2010-04-01 | Tegner Jon | Cooling system |
WO2015023239A3 (en) * | 2013-08-15 | 2015-05-14 | Korur Mehmet Sami | Airstream chimney system |
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US20030133265A1 (en) * | 2002-01-17 | 2003-07-17 | Protractive Systems, Inc. | Thermal energy recovery system for electrical equipment |
US7200005B2 (en) * | 2003-12-09 | 2007-04-03 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method and apparatus for generating electricity using recycled air from a computer server |
US7013639B2 (en) * | 2003-12-29 | 2006-03-21 | Qnk Cooling Systems Inc. | Heat differential power system |
US20060156726A1 (en) * | 2004-12-20 | 2006-07-20 | Qnx Cooling Systems Inc. | Cooling system |
US20060201667A1 (en) * | 2005-03-08 | 2006-09-14 | William Swallow | Heat dissipater and method of dissipating heat |
JP4594189B2 (en) * | 2005-08-08 | 2010-12-08 | 富士通株式会社 | Heating element cooling device |
AU2009203009A1 (en) * | 2008-08-06 | 2010-02-25 | Code Valley Corp Pty Ltd | Cooling system |
US9209495B2 (en) * | 2009-03-25 | 2015-12-08 | Lava Energy Systems, Inc. | System and method for the thermal management of battery-based energy storage systems |
US7999407B2 (en) * | 2009-09-01 | 2011-08-16 | Raymond Saluccio | Air conditioning cover connecting exhaust to turbine |
US20120215111A1 (en) * | 2011-02-18 | 2012-08-23 | Samsung Medison Co., Ltd. | Natural exhaustion type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus |
US9045995B2 (en) * | 2011-05-09 | 2015-06-02 | International Business Machines Corporation | Electronics rack with liquid-coolant-driven, electricity-generating system |
US9076893B2 (en) | 2011-05-20 | 2015-07-07 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | Task-lit cabinet |
CN203312337U (en) * | 2013-03-11 | 2013-11-27 | 浙江佳明天和缘光伏科技有限公司 | Connection box for solar batteries |
CN104183341B (en) * | 2014-08-22 | 2017-12-05 | 南京南瑞继保电气有限公司 | A kind of resistor, radiator and resistor and heat dissipation device combination equipment |
US20180077821A1 (en) * | 2016-09-12 | 2018-03-15 | Hcl Technologies Limited | Energy Conversion Apparatus and Method for Generating Electric Energy from Waste Heat Source |
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US5458189A (en) * | 1993-09-10 | 1995-10-17 | Aavid Laboratories | Two-phase component cooler |
US5704416A (en) * | 1993-09-10 | 1998-01-06 | Aavid Laboratories, Inc. | Two phase component cooler |
US5587880A (en) * | 1995-06-28 | 1996-12-24 | Aavid Laboratories, Inc. | Computer cooling system operable under the force of gravity in first orientation and against the force of gravity in second orientation |
US6243269B1 (en) * | 1998-12-29 | 2001-06-05 | Ncr Corporation | Centralized cooling interconnect for electronic packages |
-
2002
- 2002-02-05 US US10/068,632 patent/US6601390B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-11-26 JP JP2002343011A patent/JP4160369B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2010036199A1 (en) * | 2008-09-25 | 2010-04-01 | Tegner Jon | Cooling system |
WO2015023239A3 (en) * | 2013-08-15 | 2015-05-14 | Korur Mehmet Sami | Airstream chimney system |
Also Published As
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US6601390B1 (en) | 2003-08-05 |
JP2003249612A (en) | 2003-09-05 |
JP4160369B2 (en) | 2008-10-01 |
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