Process device with improved power generation

• US 20050208908A1
• Filed: 03/02/2005
• Published: 09/22/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Rosemount Incorporated (Emerson Electric Company)
• Original Assignee: Rosemount Incorporated (Emerson Electric Company)
• Inventors: Toy, Adrian C., Karschnia, Robert J., Peluso, Marcos
• Granted Patent: US 7,957,708 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/127.100
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/00 Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/50 Photovoltaic [PV] energy
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 70/30 Systems combining energy storage with energy generation of non-fossil origin
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/12 Improving ICE efficiencies

Abstract

A wireless field device is disclosed. The field device includes a wireless communications module and an energy conversion module. The wireless communications module is configured to wirelessly communicate process-related information with another device. The energy conversion module is coupled to the wireless communications module. The energy conversion module is configured to couple to a thermal source, and to generate electricity from thermal potential energy in the thermal source.

Claims

1. A field device comprising:

a wireless communications module configured to wirelessly communicate process-related information with another device; and

an energy conversion module coupled to the wireless communications module, the energy conversion module configured to couple to a thermal source, and to convert thermal potential energy into electricity to power circuitry within the field device.

2. The field device of claim 1, wherein the energy conversion module includes a thermopile.

3. The field device of claim 1, wherein the energy conversion module includes a thermoelectric diode.

4. The field device of claim 1, wherein the energy conversion module includes a semiconductor thermoelectric generator.

5. The field device of claim 1, wherein the energy conversion module is disposed proximate the field device.

6. The field device of claim 1, wherein the energy conversion device is disposed remote from the field device.

7. The field device of claim 1, and further comprising:

a controller coupled to the energy conversion module and to the wireless communication module; and

a transducer coupled to the process and the controller.

8. The field device of claim 7, wherein the transducer is a sensor.

9. The field device of claim 8, wherein the sensor is a temperature sensor.

10. The field device of claim 9, wherein the temperature sensor generates electricity and is a component of the energy conversion module.

11. The field device of claim 9, and further comprising:

a thermowell configured to couple to a process fluid.

12. The field device of claim 11, and further comprising a heat conducting member disposed within the thermowell and configured to convey heat away from the process fluid.

13. The field device of claim 12, wherein the energy conversion module includes a semiconductor thermoelectric generator operably coupled to the heat conducting member.

14. The field device of claim 13, wherein the semiconductor thermoelectric generator has a hot side thermally coupled to the process fluid, and a cold side thermally coupled to the heat conducting member.

15. The field device of claim 14, wherein the heat conducting member has a first end coupled to the thermoelectric generator, and a second end coupled to at least one cooling fin.

16. The field device of claim 13, wherein the semiconductor thermoelectric generator has a hot side coupled to a first end of the heat conducting member, and a cold side coupled to at least one cooling fin, and wherein a second end of the heat conducting member is thermally coupled to the process fluid.

17. The field device of claim 1, wherein the amount of electricity converted by the conversion module is used to provide a temperature indication related to the thermal source.

18. The field device of claim 1, wherein the thermal source is a process thermal source.

19. The field device of claim 1, and further comprising a power storage device coupled to the conversion module.

20. A method of providing electricity to a wireless field device, the method comprising:

thermally coupling a thermoelectric device to a source of thermal potential energy; and

electrically coupling the thermoelectric device to a wireless communication module of the field device.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein thermally coupling the thermoelectric device includes conveying heat through the thermoelectric device.

22. A field device comprising:

a wireless communications module configured to wirelessly communicate process-related information with another device; and

means for converting thermal potential energy in a process thermal source to electricity to power the field device.