Brendan M Hanrahan

Title: Brendan M. Hanrahan: Innovator in Dielectric Capacitors and Elastocaloric Cooling

Introduction

Brendan M. Hanrahan is a notable inventor based in Silver Spring, MD (US). He has made significant contributions to the fields of dielectric capacitors and elastocaloric cooling technologies. With a total of 3 patents to his name, Hanrahan's work reflects a commitment to advancing innovative solutions in energy storage and thermal management.

Latest Patents

One of Hanrahan's latest patents is for a dielectric capacitor formed of a dielectric-coated electrically conductive porous scaffold filled with metal. This novel design includes an electrically conductive porous scaffold that serves as a first conductor, a conformal thin dielectric that uniformly coats the pores, and a metal or alloy that fills the coated pores, forming a second conductor. This structure is designed to provide a high surface area for energy storage and capacitance density, as well as high thermal conductivity. The use of a liquid metal within the device allows for changes in electrical or mechanical properties, enhancing its versatility.

Another significant patent involves a continuous bending-mode elastocaloric cooling/heating flow loop. This method utilizes an elastocaloric material subjected to continuous mechanical deformation, resulting in a solid-to-solid phase transformation. The process emits exothermic latent heat to increase the temperature of the elastocaloric material and absorbs endothermic latent heat to decrease its temperature, thereby providing effective cooling or heating for adjacent environments or devices.

Career Highlights

Brendan M. Hanrahan is currently employed by the US Government as represented by the Secretary of the Army. His work in this capacity has allowed him to focus on innovative technologies that have practical applications in various fields, including military and civilian sectors.

Collaborations

Hanrahan has collaborated with notable coworkers such as Gabriel I. Smith and Christopher Michael Waits. Their combined expertise contributes to the advancement of technologies that address critical challenges in energy efficiency and thermal management.

Conclusion

Brendan M. Hanrahan's contributions to the fields of dielectric capacitors and elastocaloric cooling demonstrate his innovative spirit and dedication to technological advancement. His patents reflect a deep understanding of materials and their applications, positioning him as a key figure in the development of next-generation energy solutions.