Differential temperature energy harvesting in a fuel cell powered underwater vehicle
First Claim
1. An apparatus for harvesting energy in a fuel cell powered vehicle comprising:
- first and second energy harvesting elements, the first and second energy harvesting elements having a difference between their respective Seebeck coefficients, each of the first and second elements having at least two ends, the first ends being in thermal communication with a high temperature reservoir associated with the fuel cell, the second ends being in thermal communication with a low temperature reservoir associated with an exterior of the vehicle.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for harvesting energy in a fuel cell powered vehicle has first and second energy harvesting elements with at least two ends, the first end being electrically insulated from and in thermal communication with a high temperature reservoir associated with the fuel cell, the second end being electrically insulated from and in thermal communication with a low temperature reservoir associated with an exterior of the vehicle. The apparatus has particular utility for use in watercraft, specifically an underwater vehicle. The energy harvesting apparatus can include an electrical storage means for storing the energy harvested, and/or an electric load for consuming the energy harvested.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for harvesting energy in a fuel cell powered vehicle comprising:
first and second energy harvesting elements, the first and second energy harvesting elements having a difference between their respective Seebeck coefficients, each of the first and second elements having at least two ends, the first ends being in thermal communication with a high temperature reservoir associated with the fuel cell, the second ends being in thermal communication with a low temperature reservoir associated with an exterior of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for harvesting energy in a fuel cell powered vehicle comprising:
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(a) providing first and second energy harvesting elements having a difference between their respective Seebeck coefficients, each element having at least two ends, the first ends being in thermal communication with a high temperature reservoir associated with the fuel cell, the second ends being in thermal communication with a low temperature reservoir associated with an exterior of the vehicle; and
(b) directing an electrical voltage generated across the first and second energy harvesting elements to one or more of an energy management system, electrical storage means, or electric load. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method for harvesting energy in a fuel cell powered vehicle having first and second energy harvesting elements, the first and second energy harvesting elements having at least two ends, the first ends being in thermal communication with the fuel cell, the second ends being in thermal communication with a low temperature reservoir, the method comprising:
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(a) energizing a high temperature reservoir with waste heat derived from the fuel cell; and
(b) directing an electrical voltage generated across the first and second energy harvesting elements to one or more of an energy management system, electrical storage means, or electric load.
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Specification