Three-dimensionally printed lattice structure for thermal energy generation
AssigneeFirst Ammonia Motors, Inc.
InventorsJames L. Wall, II, David Gwynn Kapp, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates, in general, to a system and method for focusing gas distribution through at least one three-dimensionally (3D) printed lattice heating elements within an electric catalyst unit to promote ammonia dissociation. The present invention allows gaseous ammonia to be continuously heated under turbulence as it flows through non-linear paths within a 3D printed lattice heating element. The lattice structure of the heating element provides a balance between surface area and heat dissipation, allowing the heating elements to reach a suitable temperature to perform ammonia dissociation, but which are not oversaturated with heat which could result in failure or melting of the heating element.
Claims20
A heating element, comprising:
- a first flange having a first set of supporting structures;
- a second flange having a second set of supporting structures;
- and
- a series of lattice cells integrally formed with and extending longitudinally between the first set of supporting structures and the second set of supporting structures,
- wherein each of the first flange and the second flange has an angled portion formed at a non-orthogonal angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the series of lattice cells.
A heating element, comprising:
- a first flange having a first set of supporting structures;
- a second flange having a second set of supporting structures;
- and
- a series of lattice cells three-dimensionally (3D) printed with and extending longitudinally between the first set of supporting structures and the second set of supporting structures,
- wherein each of the first flange and the second flange has an angled portion formed at a non-orthogonal angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the series of lattice cells.
A heating element, comprising:
- a first flange having a first set of supporting structures;
- a second flange having a second set of supporting structures;
- and
- a series of lattice cells three-dimensionally (3D) printed with and between the first set of supporting structures and the second set of supporting structures,
- wherein the first flange and the second flange are formed at opposite longitudinal end portions of the series of lattice cells,
- wherein each of the first flange and the second flange has an angled portion formed at a non-orthogonal angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the series of lattice cells, and
- wherein the first flange, second flange, and the series of lattice cells are formed from the same material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.