The MEMS-TAR is a microminiature device that converts heat directly into electrical energy. It operates from low-grade heat. In contrast with a photovoltaic cell, which can only use a narrow slice of the EM spectrum, it can use the entire radiant energy spectrum. Any frequency, even radio waves, that can be absorbed and converted to heat, will operate the MEMS-TAR.
The MEMS-TAR handles more throughput and has a greater output than PVs. It can produce two or three times the output, for a given surface area, as conventional photovoltaics--~600 Watt/sq. meter for MEMS-TARs vs. ~200 Watts/sq. meter for PVs. With water cooling the MEMS-TAR can easily tolerate throughputs of >10 Watts/cm2. It can withstand stagnation temperatures in excess of 600 F (315 C) for long periods without damage.
Since the MEMS-TAR can be produced on a semiconductor fab line, using the same photolithographic and chemical machining processes that produce computer chips, it costs pennies per Watt. Solar cells by comparison, cost over $5/Watt for amorphous thin-film photovoltaics, and >$20/Watt for gallium-arsenide PVs.
The MEMS-TAR is a MEMS (microelectromechanical system) device. The miniature heat exchangers and thermal capacitors are multi-micron in size, well within the current capabilities of computer chip fabs. They are etched into a multi-layer sandwich, along with all the necessary power conditioning and control circuitry. The MEMS-TAR has one moving part, an armature that oscillates within a magnetic field. It is a traveling-wave thermoacoustic engine. The armature is a resonant mass with a stroke of 1-5 millimeters, depending on size. A built-in oscillator circuit is activated by heat. It gates the armature coil to set it in motion, then the armature runs on its own. A one centimeter MEMS-TAR oscillates at about 4500 Hz. The smaller the device, the higher the operating frequency. It is entirely encased in metal, so it is virtually immune to electrostatic fields, radiation and weather.
MEMS-TARs can vary in size from a pinhead to a hockey puck. In a size about that of a pencil eraser, the MEMS-TAR can operate a hearing aid, a pacemaker, a blood pump, an artificial kidney and other prosthetic devices, from body heat. This would mean a better life for victims of heart and kidney disease. It can automatically dispense drugs such as insulin, with a built-in timing circuit. Because it operates from body heat, it need never be replaced, and it can be permanently implanted inside the body, with no external wires or attachments.
COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITES--The MEMS-TAR can produce 600 Watts/m2 in earth orbit. Mass is about half that of photovoltaics per Watt of generating capacity. The MEMS-TAR is entirely encased in metal, making it virtually immune to radiation and electrostatic fields commonly encountered by orbital spacecraft. It can deliver conditioned power at any frequency. Are you hearing this NASA? More bang per payload pound to power communication satellites and orbital spacecraft.
ELECTRIC POWER--As an energy converter, the MEMS-TAR can be printed in ganged arrays on a single panel substrate, complete with circuit wiring and power conditioning circuitry, to convert solar energy to 60 Hz electrical power at two to three times the efficiency of photovoltaic cells, and at 5% of the cost. It can be embedded into interconnecting roofing shingles for residential power--shingles that building contractors can install on new or existing homes. In large arrays, it promises a new era for independent electric utilities. Plant expansion can now be done cheaper and with no increase in fossil fuel consumption and no emissions control costs. It can also be used to convert waste heat from boilers, industrial processes and engines back into useful electrical energy.
AUTOMOBILES and TRUCKS--Fitted on the exhaust manifold of a vehicle, a MEMS-TAR can convert the waste exhaust heat to charge the battery and run the vehicle electrical system and a solid-state air conditioning/refrigeration system. It can replace the energy-consuming alternator. This will increase vehicle gas mileage and reduce air pollution, and increase the profitability of shipping and transportation companies whose bottom line is dependent on fuel costs.
BIOMEDICAL--Worn like a wristwatch, a MEMS-TAR can transmit physiological data from a patient to a hospital, or monitor babies in their cribs and sound an alarm the instant that respiration stops. This would prevent most instances of crib death in infants, or SIDS. It can monitor pulmonary and heart function, blood pressure, even certain blood chemistry. It can also be built into a hearing aid or pacemaker. It has potential as a ventricular-assist device, and as a permanent power source for prosthetic organs such as an artificial kidney, or insulin dispensing device. Since it runs from body heat, it never needs a battery and has an indefinite shelf life.
PERSONAL SAFETY BEACON--The MEMS-TAR could also power a GPS locator beacon and physiological transmitter for women, children, pets, soldiers and policemen, so that their location and physical condition could be known at all times.
MARKETS--The market potential of this device is incalculable. Cheap solar power, biomedical monitors and prostheses, consumer devices, sensors and controls, industrial processes, temperature measurement, toys, novelties, power for communications satellites and spacecraft, etc. It's here now. We are looking for serious developers and financiers to proliferate the technology.
MEMS-TAR PATENT #
6385972Contact: Lee Fellows, Fellows Research Group, Inc., 1-512-864-2097. E-mail frg@io.com
Updated 11/17/2006