Method and apparatus for converting energy to electricity

• US 7,679,205 B1
• Filed: 07/07/2006
• Issued: 03/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 02/20/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Phillip Burns
• Original Assignee: Phillip Burns
• Inventors: Burns, Phillip
• Primary Examiner(s): Waks; Joseph
• Application Number:
  US11/483,055
• Time in Patent Office: 1,348 Days
• Field of Search: 290/4.B
• US Class Current: 290/1.00R
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: H10N 15/20 Thermomagnetic devices using thermal change of the magnetic permeability, e.g. working above and below the Curie point
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/50 Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for converting electromagnetic radiation directly into electricity. The method aligns a plurality of ferromagnetic nanocrystals to produce an aggregate magnetic field; utilizes an electrical coil in the aggregate magnetic field; and alternately directs and removes radiant energy from the ferromagnetic nanocrystals such that the aggregate magnetic field decays and regenerates to produce a current in the electrical coil. The apparatus includes either a distribution or a stackup of ferro-magnetic nanocrystals and an electrical coil, the combination of the nanocrystals and the electrical coil operating with energy derived from the source of radiant energy.

Claims

1. A system for generating electricity, said system comprising:

a magnetic dipole module having a plurality of single-domain magnetic particles disposed in a matrix; and

a source of radiant energy for irradiating said magnetic dipole module, wherein said source of radiant energy comprises a laser;

an electrical coil enclosing at least a portion of said magnetic dipole module.

2. A system as recited in claim 1 further comprising a shutter disposed between said source of radiant energy and said magnetic dipole module.

3. A system as recited in claim 1 further comprising an optical fiber having a first end attached to said source of radiant energy and a second end attached to said magnetic dipole module.