Electrical energy-generating heat sink system and method of using same to recharge an energy storage device

#This invention relates generally to heat sink systems, and in particular, the present invention relates to an electrical energy-generating heat sink system.

#Electronic devices in use today are requiring ever-increasing amounts of power. Portable energy sources in such devices provide only limited use until the unit is recharged or the energy source is replaced. Typically, recharging can only be performed when the device is not being used (e.g., by placing the energy source or the entire device in a recharging unit) or otherwise requires a hook-up to the power grid or other external energy source, e.g., automobile cigarette lighter.

#In the mobile computing environment, one of the primary challenges has been to extend battery life to enable consumers to prolong the use of the device while mobile. In the past, this challenge has typically been met by building low power processors where power consumption is minimized through circuit design and/or power throttling features. However, persistent consumer demand for higher performance renders this approach impractical. For example, recently developed mobile applications use processors requiring 30 watts or more of power to be drawn off over a temperature of about 100° C. Other efforts have focused on extending battery life, although results, to date, have been incremental at best.

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram describing an electrical energy-generating heat sink system in one embodiment of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic of one embodiment of the electrical energy-generating heat sink system of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary turbine in the electrical energy-generating heat sink system of FIG. 2.

#In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the inventions may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

#Definitions

#As used herein, the term “working fluid” refers to a multi-phase liquid that can change between a liquid and a vapor at the operating temperatures and pressures of the system it is being used in.