Heat Exchanger Reactive to Internal and External Temperatures
Abstract
The present invention relates to a system for harvesting thermal energy from the environment and more particularly to such a system that utilizes a heat engine to convert thermal energy to mechanical energy. Thermal energy harvesting systems extract thermal energy from high temperature areas of the environment in order to drive thermo-mechanical engines that perform work. These energy harvesting systems require a high temperature source, a low temperature sink, and a heat engine to convert thermal energy to mechanical energy as heat is transferred from the high temperature source to the low temperature sink. The kinetic energy produced by the heat engine drives electro-mechanical devices that generate electricity or perform work. Heat exchanger elements are employed at the high temperature source and the low temperature sink in order to transfer energy into and out of working fluids contained in the heat exchanger elements. The thermal energy in the working fluid drives the heat engine.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 20, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1057960
Entities
People
- Thomas J. Gieseke
Organizations
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center