Patent ID: 7444812
Filing Date: 2008-11-04
Classification: F03G,F04D

Abstract:
1. An oscillating shape memory alloy heat engine comprising; an oscillating member wherein said member has a dimension less than 100 microns wherein a first portion of said member comprises a shape memory alloy a heat source a cold source wherein said heat engine has a temperature gradient between said heat source and said cold source, wherein said temperature gradient is the difference between said heat source and said cold source, wherein said temperature gradient has a heat flow, wherein a portion of said heat flow is converted into mechanical power, wherein said mechanical power portion is a fraction of said heat flow, wherein said mechanical power fraction is proportional to said difference between said heat source and said cold source, wherein said heat engine contains an isolation region, wherein said isolation region reduces said heat flow into said cold source wherein said oscillating member contains at least one thin film wherein said heat source has a distance from said oscillating member, wherein said distance from said oscillating member oscillates when said oscillating member oscillates, wherein said oscillating member has at least a first and a second position, wherein said heat source has a heat source temperature above an austenite transformation temperature for said shape memory alloy, wherein said cold source has a cold source temperature below a martensite transformation temperature for said shape memory alloy, wherein said heat source temperature is capable of transforming the phase of a portion of the shape memory alloy of the oscillating member when in said first position from martensite to austenite thus changing the oscillating member position from said first position to said second position, wherein said cold source temperature is capable of transforming the phase of a portion of the shape memory alloy of the oscillating member when in said second position from austenite to martensite thus changing the oscillating member position from said second position to said first position, wherein said cold source transforming the phase occurs when said heat source is at said heat source temperature, wherein said oscillating member contains a means for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.