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 solar spectrum, the MEMS-TAR 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 1400 Watts insolation. 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 $4/Watt.
The MEMS-TAR is a MEMS
(microelectromechanical system) device. The miniature heat exchangers
and thermal capacitors are a few hundred microns in size, well within
the fabrication capabilities of computer chip labs. They are etched
into a
multi-layer sandwich, along with all the necessary power conditioning
and control circuitry. The MEMS-TAR can be embedded in ceramic
shingles, siding or patio tile and integrated into the residetial or
commercial building structure. The components plug into a unique
rapid-mounting gridwork, and we are done--a true "plug-and-play solar
system that delivers 240 Volt AC power, without batteries are
inverters.
BIO-MEDICAL applications: The 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.
SOLAR-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 ceramic 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.
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 or refrigeration system. It can replace the energy-consuming alternator. This will increase vehicle gas mileage and reduce air pollution in all vehicles, and increase the profitability of shipping and transportation companies that operate refrigeration systems on their carriers.
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 SIDS (crib death in infants). 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.
Contact: Lee Fellows, Fellows Research Group, Inc., 1-512-864-2097. E-mail frg@io.com
Updated 4/09/2009