Abstract:
The present invention is directed to techniques and apparatus for generating power using multi-spectrum energy. An apparatus includes an electrical device and a power source, the power source comprising a multi-spectrum power generation system in electrical communication with the mobile electrical device, the multi-spectrum power generation system including a photovoltaic electrical power generator, and a microelectromechanical power generator; a primary power storage system in electrical communication with the electrical device; and a controller system in data communication with the multi-spectrum energy power generator systems to regulate electrical communication between the power storage system and the power generation system. In an alternative embodiment, the multi-spectrum power generation system may further a thermoelectric power generator.

Description:
[0001]    The present invention relates to electricity production and more particularly to the generating electricity for devices not continuously coupled to an electrical grid when using electricity. 
         [0002]    Historically, electricity is generated at a central location, commonly referred to as a power station, and transmitted over a network of transmission lines to substations located proximate to demand centers. This is referred to as an electrical grid. The substations typically step-down the voltage and transmit the stepped-down electricity to end users of the demand centers. With the advent of computing technology mobile devices using electricity have increased the demand for devices that use energy and are not continuously coupled to the electrical grid. Examples of such devices include cameras, sensors, telephones, radios, tablet computers lighting systems, automobiles and drones just to name a few. 
         [0003]    Mobile electrical devices, such as cellular telephones, computing tablets and laptops have become the preferred device for the personal computing experience and have driven recent changes in power generating technology. This is, in part, attributable to the ease of transport that provides substantially continued access, as well as the expansion of wireless access to networked computing environments, such as the internet. Additionally, the computational power of these devices has attained a level almost equal to that of the traditional desktop computing environment. However, with the increased computational power of the mobile electrical devices the energy usage of the same also increases. This provides the deleterious effect of necessitating an increase in the size of the power storage device, e.g., battery. This reduces one of attractive features of these devices, ease of transport. As the power storage device increases so does the size and weight of the mobile electrical device. The typical solution to overcome the conflicting requirements increasing the computation power of a mobile electrical device without increasing the weight and/or size of the same is to increase the efficiency of the computing device and/or the efficiency of the energy storage system. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,084,995 discloses an intelligent lithium-battery-activating charging device connectable between a charging power source and an application electrical device and contains an internal circuit that builds up a charging/discharging mode to correspond the charging power source to a lithium battery accommodated in the application electrical device. After a short time period of charging, which is short enough that the voltage detection circuit inside the application electrical device cannot properly respond, a time period of discharging follows and then discharging is stopped, so that the detection performed by the voltage detection circuit is delayed until the cycles of short time period charging and discharging are completed. If the detection shows the battery is not fully charged, then the charging operation starts again. During the charging process, ions are moved in one direction in one moment and then reversed in the next moment so that built up of deposition on electrodes can be avoided. 
         [0005]    United States patent publication number 20130122973 to Mark Caskey discloses apparatuses, systems and methods for reducing power consumption during standby operation of a mobile device. A page decoding algorithm can be stored in nonvolatile memory during standby. The page decoding algorithm can be executed from the nonvolatile memory, when the mobile device is awakened from a sleep state to determine if there is any activity such as an incoming call. No power is required for the nonvolatile memory to maintain storage of the algorithm so that the power requirement during standby of the mobile device is reduced. 
         [0006]    United States patent publication number 20130109443 to Eric Eaton discloses a power management method with a portable electronic device that includes identifying, with a controller of the portable electronic device, a power consumption event in the portable electronic device, the power consumption event having a power consumption requirement. The method further includes selecting, in response to the identifying, one of a collection of energy storage devices in an energy storage device farm for the portable electronic device, the selecting being based at least on the power consumption requirement of the power consumption event and on one or more characteristics of the one of the plurality of energy storage devices. The portable electronic device executes the power consumption event using energy stored in the selected one of the plurality of energy storage devices. The portable electronic device may be a mobile phone or other wireless communication device. 
         [0007]    Thus it is realized that a need exists to provide improved energy supplies for devices powered by electricity. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention is directed to techniques and apparatus for generating power using multi-spectrum energy. An apparatus includes an electrical device and a power source, the power source comprising a multi-spectrum power generation system in electrical communication with the mobile electrical device, the multi-spectrum power generation system including a photovoltaic electrical power generator, and a microelectromechanical power generator; a primary power storage system in electrical communication with the electrical device; and a controller system in data communication with the multi-spectrum energy power generator systems to regulate electrical communication between the power storage system and the power generation system. In an alternative embodiment, the multi-spectrum power generation system may further a thermoelectric power generator. Other embodiments of the current invention are described more fully below. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a simplified top view of an example of a mobile electrical device that may employ the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a side view of power generation system that may be used to power the mobile electrical device shown in  FIG. 1  in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram depicting the power generation system shown in  FIG. 2 : 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram demonstrating the operation of the power generation system shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a flow diagram demonstrating the operation of charging a primary power storage system of the power generation system shown in  FIG. 5 ; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a flow diagram demonstrating the operation of charging a secondary power storage system of the power generation system shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a side view of power generation system shown in  FIG. 1  in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a side view of power generation system shown in  FIG. 1  in accordance with a second alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    Referring to  FIG. 1  an example of a mobile electrical device  10  that may employ the current invention is shown, which is commonly referred to as a smart phone. One such mobile electrical device is sold by Apple Computer of Cupertino, Calif. under the name an iPhone®, or the mobile electrical device available from the Open Handset Alliance of South Korea under the name Android®. 
         [0019]    Referring to both  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in electrical communication with mobile electrical device  10  is a power source  20 . Power source  20  includes a multi-spectrum power generation system in electrical communication with mobile electrical device  10 . The multi-spectrum power generation system includes a photovoltaic electrical power generator  24 , a thermoelectric power generator and a microelectromechanical power generator  28 . Power source  20  also includes a primary power storage system  30  in electrical communication with mobile electrical device  10  and a controller system  32 . Controller system  32  is in data communication with the multi-spectrum power generation system to regulate electrical communication between primary power storage system  30  and the multi-spectrum power generation system. To that end, controller system  32  includes a computer processor  33  and a memory  35  that stores computer readable instructions that are operated on by processor  33  to regulate power source  20  and a plurality of switches, discussed more fully below with respect to  FIG. 3 . Referring again to both  FIGS. 1 and 2 , power source  20  also includes a thermal dissipation system coupled between thermoelectric power generator and controller system  32  to remove thermal energy away from power source  20 . 
         [0020]    Primary power storage system  30  may be any suitable electrical storage device. Examples of primary power storage system  30  include lithium batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride, nickel polymer batteries, lithium sulfur battery, potassium-ion battery and the like. It is also contemplated that certain thin film batteries from this emerging field may also be employed as primary power storage system  30 . It should be understood that primary power storage system  30  may comprise of a battery native to mobile electrical device  10 , i.e., one that is included with the same. Alternatively, power source may be completely integrated to include primary power storage system  30 . In this manner power source  20  may be an after marker device to be used with an existing mobile electrical device  10 . Alternatively, power source  20  may be used as a replacement for a native battery in a mobile computing device  10 . It is desired, however, that primary power storage system  30  be capable of being recharged after power has been drained therefrom. To that end, power source  20  includes a multi-spectrum power generation system with which to produce electricity to recharge primary power storage system  30 . 
         [0021]    The benefits afforded by multi-spectrum power generation system are manifold. It provides extended power for mobile electrical device  10  in the absence of having to couple the same to the electrical grid, i.e., an alternating current wall outlet for charging primary power storage system  30 . Additionally, it allows multiple transducers to create electricity from a variety of physical phenomena. In the present example, electricity is produced by photons, heat and mechanical movement. The likelihood of any one or more of these physical phenomena occurring to produce electricity is greater than relying upon single physical phenomena. This reduces the quantity of power that need be stored by primary power storage system  30 , because the time between recharge may be greatly reduced. 
         [0022]    Generation of electricity from photovoltaic technology is well known. Thus, photovoltaic electrical power generator  24  may employ any suitable photovoltaic technology. As shown, photovoltaic electrical power generator  24  may comprise of a solar panel arranged such that when optical energy from an optical source, e.g., the sun, or other light source, impinges upon photovoltaic electrical power generator  24  and electricity is generated. To that end, photovoltaic electrical power generator  24  is typically positioned so as to be located on a side of power source  20  opposite to mobile electrical device  10 . In this manner, photovoltaic electrical power generator  24  may be exposed to an optical source. 
         [0023]    Adjacent to photovoltaic electrical power generator  24  is a first segment  34  of thermoelectric power generator. Thermoelectric power generator produces electricity in response to being exposed to thermal energy. Any suitable thermoelectric power generator may be employed. Examples of thermoelectric power generators that may be employed are available from TEG Power, 364 Patteson Drive #316 Morgantown, W. Va. 26505. To maximize the amount of electrical power generated from thermal energy a second segment  36  of thermoelectric power generator is disposed on a side of power source  20  opposite to photovoltaic electrical power generator  24  and adjacent to mobile electrical device  10 . Both segments  34  and  36  are electrically connected to operate as a single unit and positioned to maximize thermal energy sensed by thermoelectric power generator. 
         [0024]    Disposed between segments  34  and  36  are primary power storage system  30  controller system  32  and microelectromechanical power generator  28 . Microelectromechanical power generator  28  generates electrical power from movement of power source  20 . For example, the movement associated with carrying of mobile electrical device  10  coupled to power source  20  would allow microelectromechanical power generator  28  to generate electricity. One example of a microelectromechanical power generator  28  is sold by MicroGen Systems, Inc. 95 Brown Road, Suite 120, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850-1257 under the mark BOLT-R. Primary power storage system  30  is positioned adjacent to microelectromechanical power generator  28  and spaced-apart therefrom, with controller system  32  positioned therebetween. 
         [0025]    A thermal dissipation system is included to provide a larger thermal gradient for the thermoelectric elements  34  and  36  to enable more energy creation. Thermal dissipation system includes first  38  and second  40  spaced-apart layers of thermally conductive material. First layer  38  is disposed between segment  34  and microelectromechanical power generator  28 . Second layer is disposed between segment  36  and primary power storage system  30 . To facilitate discharge of thermal energy into the environs surrounding mobile electrical device  10  a pair of heat sinks  42  and  44  are in thermal communication with first and second layers  38  and  40 . Each of microelectromechanical power generator  28 , controller system  32  and primary power storage system  30  lie in a separate plane,  46 ,  48  and  50 , respectively. Heat sink  42  extends along a plane  52  that is parallel to a plane  54  over which heat sink  44  extends. Planes  52  and  54  extend transversely to planes  46 ,  48  and  50 . Heat sinks  42  and  44 , as well as first  38  and second  40  layers may be formed from any suitable thermally conductive material, such as aluminum, copper, gold, thermally conductive polymers and the like. It should be understood that first and second layers  38  and  40  may be integrally formed with heat sinks  42  and  44  or may be separate components in contact to facilitate thermal conduction. 
         [0026]    Referring to both  FIGS. 1 and 2 , processor  33  is in data communication with several switches  61 - 66  to regulate electrical communication between primary power storage system  30  and the multi-spectrum power generation system. Specifically, processor  33  is in electrical communication with switches  61 - 66  over transmission line  68 . Power lines place switches  61 - 66  in electrical communication with primary power source  30  and mobile electrical device  10 . As shown, switches  61 - 66  are connected in common with power line  69 . Switch  61  is coupled to regulate electricity propagating between photovoltaic electrical power generator  24  and signal line  68 . To that end, switch  61  is in electrical communication with photovoltaic electrical power generator  24  over power line  70 . Switch  62  is coupled to regulate electricity propagating between first segment  34  of thermoelectric power generator and signal line  68 . To that end switch  62  is in electrical communication with thermoelectric power generator over power line  72 . Switch  63  is coupled to regulate electricity propagating between microelectromechanical power generator  28  and signal line  68 . To that end, switch  63  is in electrical communication with microelectromechanical power generator  28  over power line  74  via an AC to DC converter  76 . Switch  64  is coupled to regulate electricity propagating between second segment  36  of thermoelectric power generator and signal line  68 . To that end, switch  64  is in electrical communication with thermoelectric power generator over power line  78 . Switch  65  is coupled to regulate electricity propagating between primary storage  30  and signal line  68 . To that end, switch  65  is in electrical communication to with primary storage system  30  over power line  80 . Switch  66  is coupled to selectively place mobile computing unit  10  in electrical communication with power line  69 . To regulate electricity switches  61 - 65  may be either a binary or analog switch. A binary switch has either an on or off state, i.e., either electricity is allowed to propagate therethrough or electricity is prevented from propagating therethrough. An analog switch, in addition to the off state, allows different magnitudes of current to propagate therethrough. 
         [0027]    Referring to both  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in operation switches  65  and  66  are activated to regulate electricity flowing from primary storage system  30  to mobile electrical device  10 , while controller system  32  senses a level of charge in primary power storage system  30  at function  100 . At function  102  controller system  32  determines whether primary storage system  30  has less than a predetermined level of charge. Were controller system  32  to sense that the charge level of primary storage system  30  was not below the predetermined level function  100  is repeated. Were controller system  32  to sense that the charge level of primary storage system  30  was below the predetermined level, controller system  32  would cause one or more of switches  61 - 64  to vary electricity, produced by one or more of photovoltaic electrical power generator  24 , a thermoelectric power generator and a microelectromechanical power generator  28 , propagating to primary storage system along signal line  68 . To that end, charging of primary storage system  30  would occur at function  104 . This may be achieved by processor  32  operating one or more of switches  61 - 65  to allow electricity to propagate to primary power storage  30  at a rate sufficient to charge the same. Charging of primary power storage system  30  would continue until controller system  32  sensed a desired charge level is sensed in primary power storage system  30 , e.g., a maximum charge level being present in primary power storage system  30 . 
         [0028]    The predetermined level of charge may be design dependent. For example, the predetermined level of charge may be 10% of the maximum charge capacity of primary power storage system  30 . It should be understood, however, that several factors may be taken into consideration when determining the predetermined level of charge. For example, controller system  32  could sense the drain on primary power storage system  30  and determine that 25%, 20% 15% and the like may be the maximum charge capacity of primary power storage system  30 , depending upon the quantity of power being used by mobile electrical device  10 . 
         [0029]    Switches  61 - 64  operated by processor  33  at function  104  may be dependent upon many factors. In a first embodiment, switches  61 - 64  operated at function  104  is based upon a real time analysis of the electricity being generated by photovoltaic electrical power generator  24 , first segment  34  and second segment  36  of thermoelectric power generator and microelectromechanical power generator  28 . In this manner, processor  33  senses the electricity at switches  61 - 64  and determines which combination of switches  61 - 64  would be operated to supply sufficient electricity to power line  69  to reduce, if not prevent, depletion of the remaining charge in primary power storage system  30 . It is desired to achieve simultaneously increasing the charge in primary power storage system  30  while allowing mobile electrical device  10  to operate. Following operation of one or more switches  61 - 64 , controller system  32  determines whether the charge of primary power storage system  30  is decreasing at function  106 . If that is the case, then processor  33  determines at function  108  whether the charge rate of primary storage system  30  may be increase. This may be achieved in many achieved either by activating additional switches  61 - 64  or in the case of analog switches, increase the rate at which electricity propagates therethrough onto signal line  68 . If so, at function  110  the charge rate is increased. Following function  110 , function  106  is repeated. If controller system  32  determines at function  106  that the charge in primary power storage system  30  was not depleting, then function  112  occurs. At function  112  controller system  32  determines whether a desired charge level of primary power storage system  30  has occurred, e.g., a maximum charge level. If not, function  106  repeats. If the desired charge level has occurred, which may be less than maximum charge, function controller system  32  terminates charging of primary storage system  30  at function  114 . This is achieved by controller system  32  operates switches  61 - 65  to electrically isolate primary power storage  30  from photovoltaic electrical power generator  24 , microelectromechanical power generator  28 , and first and second segments  34  and  36  of thermoelectric power generator, If processor  33  determines at function  108  that the charge rate of primary storage system  30  may not be increased, function  116  occurs. At function  116  controller system  32  sends a signal to mobile electrical device  10  to indicate that the primary power storage system  30  is being depleted of electrical charge. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in accordance with another embodiment power source  220  includes a secondary power storage system  290  in addition to a primary power storage system  230 . To that end, excepting the addition of secondary power storage system  290  and switch  282 , power source  220  is substantially identical to power source  20 . Specifically, processor  233  is in data communication with a several switches  261 - 266  to regulate electrical communication between primary power storage system  230  and the multi-spectrum power generation system. Processor  233  is in electrical communication with switches  261 - 266  over transmission line  269 . Power lines place switches in electrical communication with primary power source  230  and mobile electrical device  10 . As shown, switches  261 - 266  are connected in common with power line  269 . Switch  261  is coupled to selectively place photovoltaic electrical power generator  224  in electrical communication to signal line  268  over power line  270 . Switch  262  is coupled to selectively place first segment  234  in electrical communication to signal line  268  over power line  272 . Switch  263  is coupled to selectively place microelectromechanical power generator  228  in electrical communication to signal line  268  over power line  274  via an AC to DC converter  276 . Switch  264  is coupled to selectively place second segment  236  in electrical communication to signal line  268  over power line  278 . Switch  265  is coupled to selectively place primary storage  230  in electrical communication to signal line  268  over power line  280 . Switch  266  is coupled to selectively place mobile computing unit  10  in electrical communication with power line  268 . In this embodiment the presence of switches  283  and  282  facilitate electrically isolating primary power source  280  from photovoltaic electrical power generator  224  first segment  234  and second segment  236  and microelectromechanical power generator  228 . In this manner, charging of secondary power storage system  290  may occur without any of the electricity developed by photovoltaic electrical power generator  224  first segment  234  and second segment  236  or microelectromechanical power generator  228  being drawn by mobile electrical device  10 . Rather, all the electricity generated thereby could be used to charge secondary primary storage system  290 . This reduces the time required for secondary power storage system  290  to reach maximum compared to the time required were mobile electrical device  10  concurrently draining electricity therefrom during charging. 
         [0031]    Referring to both  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in operation, processor  233  senses a level of charge in primary power storage system  230  at function  300  with switches  265  and  266  being activated to allow electricity to flow from primary storage system  232  to mobile electrical device  10  and switch  282  being activated to electrically isolate primary power storage system  230  from the remaining elements of power source  220 . At function  302  processor  233  determines whether primary storage system  230  has less than a predetermined level of charge. Were processor  233  to sense that the charge level of primary storage system  230  was not below the predetermined level function  300  is repeated. Were processor  233  to sense that the charge level of primary storage system  230  was below the predetermined level, one or more of switch  282  would be activated to allow electricity to propagate between primary power storage  230  and secondary power storage system  290  at function  304 . To that end, switch  282  is activated to place primary  230  and secondary  290  power storage systems in electrical communication. Charging of primary power storage system  230  would continue until processor  233  sensed a maximum charge level being present in primary power storage system  230  at function  306 . Once processor  233  determines that the maximum level of charge has been reached in primary power storage system  230 , processor  233  activates switch  282  to electrically isolate primary power storage system  230  from second power storage system  290 . 
         [0032]    Referring to both  FIGS. 6 and 7 , once processor  233  isolates primary  230  and secondary  290  power storage systems, processor  233  concurrently senses the level of charge in primary power storage system  230  and secondary power storage system  290 . In this configuration processor  233  senses a level of charge in secondary power storage system  290  at function  400 . At function  402 , processor  233  determines whether secondary storage system  290  has less than a predetermined level of charge. Were processor  233  to sense that the charge level of secondary storage system  290  was not below the predetermined level function  400  is repeated. Were processor  233  to sense that the level of charge of secondary storage system  290  was below the predetermined level, at function  404  one or more of switches  61 - 64  would be operated to allow electricity charge primary power storage  30 . In this fashion, secondary power storage system  290  may be charged. Charging of primary power storage system would continue until processor  233  sensed a desired charge level present in primary power storage system  290 , e.g., a maximum charge level. To that end, following function  404 , function  406  occurs at which point processor  233  determines whether secondary power storage system  290  has reached the desired level of charge. If so, function  408  occurs at which point charging of secondary storage system  290  terminates. This occurs by processor  233  operating on switches  261 - 264  to prevent electricity generated by photovoltaic electrical power generator  224 , microelectromechanical power generator  228 , and first and second segments  234  and  236  of thermoelectric power generator from propagating along signal line  269 . If not, function  406  repeats. Following function  408 , function  400  repeats. 
         [0033]    Referring to both  FIGS. 1 and 8 , in an alternate embodiment power source  20  need not include thermoelectric generator. This is shown by power source  520  being virtually identical to power source  20 , excepting the omission of first and second segments  34  and  36  of thermoelectric power generator. To that end power source  520  includes photovoltaic electrical power generator  524 , microelectromechanical power generator  528  controller system  532  computer processor  533 , memory  535  first  538  and second  540  spaced-apart layers of thermally conductive material. Photovoltaic electrical power generator  24 , microelectromechanical power generator  28  controller system  32  computer processor  33 , memory  35  first  38  and second  40  spaced-apart layers of thermally conductive material are identical to photovoltaic electrical power generator  524 , microelectromechanical power generator  528  controller system  532  computer processor  533 , memory  535  first  538  and second  540  spaced-apart layers of thermally conductive material, respectively. 
         [0034]    Referring to both  FIGS. 1 and 9 , in a second alternate embodiment power source  20  need not include microelectromechanical power generator  28 . This is shown by power source  620  being virtually identical to power source  20 , excepting the omission of microelectromechanical power generator  28 . To that end power source  620  includes photovoltaic electrical power generator  624 , first and second segments  634  and  636  of thermoelectric power generator, controller system  632  computer processor  633 , memory  635  first  638  and second  640  spaced-apart layers of thermally conductive material. Photovoltaic electrical power generator  24 , first and second segments  34  and  36  of thermoelectric power generator, controller system  32  computer processor  33 , memory  35  first  38  and second  40  spaced-apart layers of thermally conductive material are identical to photovoltaic electrical power generator  624 , first and second segments  634  and  636  of thermoelectric power generator, controller system  632  computer processor  633 , memory  635  first  638  and second  640  spaced-apart layers of thermally conductive material, respectively. Although first and second segments  634  and  636  of thermoelectric power generator are shown, it should be understood that both are not required. Either first or second segments  634  and  636  of thermoelectric power generator may be omitted, thereby employing only a single segment  534  or  636  of the thermoelectric power generator. 
         [0035]    It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely an example of the invention and that modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. For example, the foregoing discussion is with respect to mobile electrical devices; however, the present invention may be employed with electrical devices that are not mobile, i.e., continuously and/or intermittently connected to an electrical grid. Furthermore, discussing the implementation of the present invention in a smartphone is not meant to limit the application of the current invention to smartphone mobile electrical devices. The present invention may be implemented in virtually any mobile electrical device, such as cameras, sensors, telephones, radios, tablet computers, lighting systems, automobiles and drones just to name a few. The scope of the invention should be determined with respect to the appended claims, including the full scope of equivalents thereof.