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US 11,375,912 B2Granted
Liquid flow induced power generation using nanoscale metal layers
AssigneeNorthwestern University
InventorsMavis D. Boamah, Franz M. Geiger
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Abstract
Energy harvesting devices and methods for converting the mechanical energy of a flowing ionic solution, such as rainwater or seawater, into electric energy are provided. The energy harvesting devices include an electric current generating device that includes a metal layer and an amphoteric metal oxide film disposed over a surface of the metal layer. By moving an electric double layer across the surface of the amphoteric metal oxide film, an electric current is generated in the metal layer.
Claims26
A liquid flow-based device comprising:
- a metal layer comprising a metal;
- an amphoteric metal oxide film adjacent to the metal layer at an interface, the amphoteric metal oxide film having a surface disposed opposite the interface, wherein the metal layer has a thickness that facilitates charge carrier motion parallel to the interface;
- and
- at least one of:
- an electronic device that consumes electrical power connected laterally across the metal layer and configured to be powered by a current running parallel to the interface;
- an energy storage device connected laterally across the metal layer and configured to be charged by a current running parallel to the interface;
- a voltage measuring device configured to measure a voltage across the metal layer;
- and a current measuring device connected laterally across the metal layer and configured to measure a current running parallel to the interface.
5 more elements
A method of harvesting energy using a liquid flow-based device comprising:
- a metal layer comprising a metal;
- an amphoteric metal oxide film adjacent to the metal layer at an interface, the amphoteric metal oxide film having a surface disposed opposite the interface, wherein the metal layer has a thickness that facilitates charge carrier motion parallel to the interface;
- and
- at least one of:
- an electronic device that consumes electrical power connected laterally across the metal layer and configured to be powered by a current running parallel to the interface;
- an energy storage device connected laterally across the metal layer and configured to be charged by a current running parallel to the interface;
- a voltage measuring device configured to measure a voltage across the metal layer;
- and a current measuring device connected laterally across the metal layer and configured to measure a current running parallel to the interface, the method comprising:
- exposing the surface of the amphoteric metal oxide film to an intermittent flow of an ionic solution or to a flow of an ionic solution having a temporally varying ionic conductivity, wherein the intermittent flow or the temporally varying ionic conductivity generates a current in the metal layer;
- and
- powering the electronic device or charging the energy storage device with the generated current.
8 more elements
A method of monitoring the flow of an ionic solution using a liquid flow-based device comprising:
- a metal layer comprising a metal;
- an amphoteric metal oxide film adjacent to the metal layer at an interface, the amphoteric metal oxide film having a surface disposed opposite the interface, wherein the metal layer has a thickness that facilitates charge carrier motion parallel to the interface;
- and
- at least one of:
- an electronic device that consumes electrical power connected laterally across the metal layer and configured to be powered by a current running parallel to the interface;
- an energy storage device connected laterally across the metal layer and configured to be charged by a current running parallel to the interface;
- a voltage measuring device configured to measure a voltage across the metal layer;
- and a current measuring device connected laterally across the metal layer and configured to measure a current running parallel to the interface, the method comprising:
- exposing the surface of the amphoteric metal oxide film to an intermittent flow of an ionic solution or to a flow of an ionic solution having a temporally varying ionic conductivity, wherein the intermittent flow or the temporally varying ionic conductivity generates a current in the metal layer;
- and
- measuring the voltage across the metal layer as the ionic solution passes over the surface of the amphoteric metal oxide film.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.