Self-charging electronic devices

• US 9,711,670 B2
• Filed: 09/03/2013
• Issued: 07/18/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 08/21/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Plain Sight Innovations LLC
• Original Assignee: Flux Photon Corporation
• Inventors: Grimes, Craig, Kreisler, Kevin
• Primary Examiner(s): Boateng, Alexis A
• Application Number:
  US14/016,563
• Publication Number:
  US 20140097786A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,414 Days
• Field of Search: 320101, 320134, 320136, 320135, 320107, 320108, 320113, 320114, 320111, 136253, 136244, 136201, 136205, 136206, 136245, 136246, 136251
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/035218 the quantum structure being quantum dots
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/035227 the quantum structure being quantum wires, or nanorods carbon nanotubes H10K85/211
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/046 PV modules composed of a plurality of thin film solar cells deposited on the same substrate
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/46 Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus circuits for charging H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2207/20 Charging or discharging characterised by the power electronics converter
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00 Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/35 with light sensitive cells
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 10/30 Thermophotovoltaic systems photovoltaic cells specially adapted for conversion or sensing of infrared [IR] radiation H01L31/00; thermoelectric devices H10N10/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/50 Photovoltaic [PV] energy
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

Self-powered portable electronic devices are disclosed that have the capacity to generate their own electrical power, store electrical charge, and distribute electrical power to similarly designed devices in close proximity. Devices generate power in part using one or more non-solar thermal energy sources that have increased stability and efficiency compared to current solar cell powered devices. Devices comprise components including, control processors, data storage, energy storage, dedicated energy and power management processors, and thermophotovoltaic cells that convert thermal energy into electrical power. Devices are capable of transmitting and receiving energy, power, voice and data information using standard frequencies associated with portable devices. Additionally, the invention discloses methods, systems, and apparatuses comprising circuitry that can control power generation from multiple thermophotovoltaic cells and traditional power sources.

Claims

1. A thermophotovoltaic power package for use with an electronic device, the package comprising:

one or more thermophotovoltaic cells operable to derive thermophotovoltaic power from thermal energy, the thermophotovoltaic cells comprising vertically-oriented anatase nanowires in communication with a substrate; and

a power charger operable to provide the derived thermophotovoltaic power to the electronic device, wherein the derived thermophotovoltaic power is provided in a plug-and-play fashion when the electronic device is coupled to the package, and wherein the power charger is operative to adjust the amount of power provided to the electronic device based on attributes of the electronic device.

2. The thermophotovoltaic power package of claim 1, wherein the power charger is further operable to provide the derived thermophotovoltaic power to the electronic device by charging a battery of the electronic device.

3. The thermophotovoltaic power package of claim 1, further comprising an accessory battery, wherein:

the power charger is further operable to charge the accessory battery with the derived thermophotovoltaic power; and

the accessory battery is operable to provide the derived thermophotovoltaic power to the electronic device.

4. The thermophotovoltaic power package of claim 1, further comprising an accessory battery and wherein the power charger is further operable to concurrently:

provide a first portion of the derived thermophotovoltaic power to the electronic device; and

charge the accessory battery with a second portion of the derived thermophotovoltaic power.

5. The thermophotovoltaic power package of claim 1, wherein one or more thermophotovoltaic cells are removable from the thermophotovoltaic power package.

6. The thermophotovoltaic power package of claim 1, wherein the thermophotovoltaic power package is capable of being plugged into and removed from the electronic device.

7. The thermophotovoltaic power package of claim 1, wherein the power charger is further operable to be enabled to provide the derived thermophotovoltaic power to the electronic device based on the status of the package.