A thermoelectric conversion unit includes a pair of low-temperature fluid flow path sections arranged to face each other, a high-temperature fluid flow path section arranged between the pair of low-temperature fluid flow path sections, a pair of thermoelectric modules each arranged between the high-temperature fluid flow path section and one of the pair of low-temperature fluid flow path sections in a one-to-one relation, and flat heat transfer plates arranged in the high-temperature fluid flow path section to face each other. Each of the flat heat transfer plates includes an opening and a baffle projecting from a peripheral edge of the opening and baffling a high-temperature fluid passing through the opening to flow in a direction toward one of the pair of thermoelectric modules or the other.

A unique, environmentally-friendly micron scale autonomous electrical power source is provided for generating renewable energy, or a renewable energy supplement, in electronic systems, electronic devices and electronic system components. The autonomous electrical power source includes a first conductor with a facing surface conditioned to have a low work function, a second conductor with a facing surface having a comparatively higher work function, and a dielectric layer of not more than 200 nm in thickness sandwiched between the respective facing surfaces of the first conductor and the second conductor. The autonomous electrical power source is configured to harvest minimal thermal energy from any source in an environment above absolute zero. An autonomous electrical power source component is also provided that includes a plurality of autonomous electrical power source constituent elements electrically connected to one another to increase a power output of the autonomous electrical power source.

A thermoelectric generator includes: a heat-receiving plate having a heat-receiving surface configured to receive radiant heat; a thermoelectric generation module provided to a surface of the heat-receiving plate opposite from the heat-receiving surface and having an area smaller than an area of the heat-receiving plate; a cooling plate provided to a surface of the thermoelectric generation module opposite from a surface where the heat-receiving plate is provided; and a temperature equalizer provided to the heat-receiving plate and configured to equalize a temperature of the heat-receiving surface.

A system includes a first levitation magnet. The system also includes a suspension magnet configured underneath the first levitation magnet. The suspension magnet oscillates continuously. Magnetic flux cuts across electrical coil windings. Energy is generated as a result of the magnetic flux that cuts across the electrical coil windings. A second levitation magnet is positioned underneath the suspension magnet and first levitation magnet. The suspension magnet is configured to levitate between the first levitation magnet and the second levitation magnet.

Provided is a vibration presentation device that includes a plurality of vibration actuators that vibrate when voltage is applied, and a control unit that controls vibration to be generated in the plurality of vibration actuators. The vibration actuators include a flexible, lightweight, and thin material, and are in surface contact with the portion to be presented with vibration. The control unit then generates a vibration signal for each of the plurality of vibration actuators, and controls the vibration for the plurality of vibration actuators independently of one another.

A layered actuation structure includes a first platform pair and a second platform pair. Each of the first platform pair and the second platform pair include an actuation platform and a mounting platform, forming an actuation cavity of each of the first platform pair and the second platform pair. One or more connecting ledges of each platform pair couple at least one of the actuation platform and the mounting platform of each platform pair to at least one of an actuation arm and a support arm, respectively. A collective stiffness of the one or more connecting ledges of the first platform pair is different than a collective stiffness of the one or more connecting ledges of the second platform pair. The layered actuation structure also includes one or more artificial muscles disposed in the actuation cavity of the first platform pair and the second platform pair.

The invention relates to a method for supplying electrical energy (10), wherein a heat accumulator (2) is charged with thermal energy (3) in a heat charging station (1), wherein the thermal energy (3) is converted into electrical energy (10) in a conversion station (5). The invention also relates to an energy supply system for supplying electrical energy (10), in particular according to said method, wherein the energy supply system has at least one heat accumulator (2), and wherein the energy supply system has a heat charging station (1) for charging the heat accumulator (2) with thermal energy (3). The energy supply system has a conversion station (5) for converting thermal energy (3) stored in the heat accumulator (2) into electrical energy (10), wherein the system has an energy generating device for generating electrical energy (10), and wherein the system is designed to convert electrical energy (10) generated by the energy generating device into thermal energy (3) and to store same in the heat accumulator (2).

A method of manufacturing a photothermal conversion element includes preparing a solid material and forming a processed region processed by irradiation of the solid material with a laser beam. The forming includes grain refining the solid material to blacken the processed region.

Actuators (artificial muscles) comprising twist-spun nanofiber yarn or twist-inserted polymer fibers generate actuation when powered electrically, photonically, chemically, thermally, by absorption, or by other means. These artificial muscles utilize polymer fibers non-coiled or coiled yarns and can be either neat or comprising a guest. Devices comprising these artificial muscles are also described. In some embodiments, thermally-powered polymer fiber torsional actuator has a twisted, chain-oriented polymer fiber that has a first degree of twist at a first temperature and a second degree of twist at a second temperature in which the bias angles of the first degree and second degree of twist are substantially different.

Apparatus, method(s), and system(s) according to which electric power is generated in one or more coils by rotating a magnetic field generated by one or more permanent magnets. The one or more coils are connected to a collar. The collar is positioned downhole in an oil and gas wellbore. The one or more permanent magnets are connected to a rotor positioned within an internal passageway of the collar. A fluid is communicated along the internal passageway of the collar. The rotor, and thus the magnetic field generated by the one or more permanent magnets, are rotated using the fluid communicated along the internal passage.