# US 2014/0191614 A1 · Ferroelectric energy conversion using phase changing fluids > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2014/0191614 A1 - Document ID: US20140191614A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 14/147,359 - Filed: 2014-01-03 - Published: 2014-07-10 - Earliest claimed: 2013-01-04 - Assignees: Pyro-E, LLC - Applicants: Pyro-E, LLC - Inventors: David G. Gerhart; Murat Piker - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140191614A1 ## CPC - H10N 15/10: Thermoelectric devices using thermal change of the dielectric constant, e.g. working above and below the Curie point - F28D 15/0266: {with separate evaporating and condensing chambers connected by at least one conduit; Loop-type heat pipes; with multiple or common evaporating or condensing chambers (F28D15/043 takes precedence)} - H10N: ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - F28D: HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT (fluid heaters having heat generating means and heat transferring means F24H; furnaces F27; details of heat-exchange apparatus of general) ## Abstract The invention provides apparatus and methods for heating and cooling ferroelectric materials during a conversion between thermal and electrical energy. One method comprises the use of a fluid that performs repeated heating and cooling cycles, e.g., ‘thermal cycling’, of ferroelectric materials during the evaporation and condensation of a phase changing fluid. The systems, devices, and methods eliminate the need for external inputs such electrical or mechanical power, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the energy conversion. One apparatus comprises liquid-retaining wicks that helps fluid distribution and expands the range of operational environment for the energy system. Ultimately, the uniformity and speed of various embodiments of the thermal cycler apparatus and method provide improvements in conversion efficiency and reductions in parasitic loss over current thermal cyclers. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method for generating electrical current, comprising: heating a ferroelectric material above the Curie temperature of said ferroelectric material; wherein said heating uses no electrical energy. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, where in the electrical current generation is executed for a single use. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, comprising: heating and cooling a ferroelectric material via thermocycling, wherein said ferroelectric material is in contact with a fluid, wherein said thermocycling comprises raising and lowering the temperature of said fluid above and below the Curie temperature of said ferroelectric material; wherein said raising and lowering is conducted with a fluid circulation component that uses no electrical energy. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The method of claim 3, wherein the fluid circulation component permits heating and cooling at the rate of at least +/−50° C./s. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) The method of claim 3, wherein the heating and cooling of the ferroelectric material is executed uniformly such that the temperature differential between any two regions of the ferroelectric material is at most 0.1° C. ### Claim 6 (depends on 3) The method of claim 3, wherein the heating and cooling of the ferroelectric material is accurate within 5% of a target temperature. ### Claim 7 (depends on 3) The method of claim 3, wherein the fluid circulation system uses exclusively passive fluid dynamics. ### Claim 8 (depends on 3) The method of claim 3, wherein the method is performed in zero- or micro-gravity environments or in accelerating or decelerating bodies. ### Claim 9 (depends on 3) The method of claim 3, wherein the fluid circulation component is entirely powered by thermal energy. ### Claim 10 (depends on 3) The method of claim 3, wherein the fluid circulation component functions regardless of directional orientation and acceleration or deceleration of the fluid circulation component. ### Claim 11 (depends on 3) The method of claim 3, wherein the fluid circulation component uses a wick. ### Claim 12 A method for generating electrical current, comprising: heating and cooling a ferroelectric material via thermocycling, wherein said ferroelectric material is in contact with a fluid, wherein said thermocycling comprises raising and lowering the temperature of said fluid above and below the Curie temperature of said ferroelectric material; wherein said raising and lowering is conducted with a fluid circulation component comprising a wick. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the wick is open structured foam, wire, or screen. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the heating and cooling of the ferroelectric material is executed uniformly such that the temperature differential between any two regions of the ferroelectric material is at most 0.1° C. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the fluid circulation system uses exclusively passive fluid dynamics. ### Claim 16 An electrical generator comprising: a. a ferroelectric material; b. a fluid chamber in contact with said ferroelectric material; c. a fluid circulation component for movement of fluid to and from the fluid chamber; and d. a control system for thermocycling heated and cooled fluid to said fluid chamber using said fluid circulation component to heat and cool said ferroelectric material above and below its Curie temperature; wherein said fluid circulation component is not powered by electrical energy. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The electrical generator of claim 16, wherein the fluid circulation component uses exclusively passive fluid dynamics. ### Claim 18 (depends on 16) The electrical generator of claim 16, wherein the fluid circulation component is entirely powered by thermal energy. ### Claim 19 An electrical generator comprising: a. a ferroelectric material; b. a fluid chamber in contact with said ferroelectric material; c. a fluid circulation component for movement of fluid to and from the fluid chamber; and d. a control system for thermocycling heated and cooled fluid to said fluid chamber using said fluid circulation component to heat and cool said ferroelectric material above and below its Curie temperature; wherein said a fluid circulation component comprising a wick. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The electrical generator of claim 19, wherein the wick is open structured foam, wire, or screen.