Patents Assigned to Power Conversion Technology, Inc.
  • Patent number: 4425540
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for converting heat to electrical energy by the use of one or more capacitors having temperature dependent capacitance. The capacitor is cycled between relatively high and relatively low temperatures by successive thermal contact with relatively high and relatively low temperature portions of a heat transfer medium having a temperature gradient therein. Upon heating of the capacitor, the capacitance thereof is reduced, so that a charge therein is caused to expand into associated external circuitry in which it is available to do electrical work. The capacitor is then cooled and recharged and the cycle is repeated. The electrical output of the capacitor results from the regenerative delivery of heat to and removal of heat from the capacitor by the heat transfer medium, and efficient conversion of heat to electric energy is thereby effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Assignee: Power Conversion Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall B. Olsen