SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, techniques related to energy devices are provided. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods to design, manufacture, and structure a multi-component energy device having a unified structure. The individual components can include electrochemical cells, photovoltaic cells, fuel-cells, capacitors, ultracapacitors, thermoelectric, piezoelectric, micro electromechanical turbines, or energy scavengers. The methods and systems described herein are also applicable to a variety of energy systems.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for using an integrated battery and device structure is provided. The method includes using two or more stacked electrochemical cells integrated with each other formed overlying a surface of a substrate. The two or more stacked electrochemical cells include related two or more different electrochemistries with one or more devices formed using one or more sequential deposition processes. The one or more devices are integrated with the two or more stacked electrochemical cells to form the integrated battery and device structure as a unified structure overlying the surface of the substrate. The one or more stacked electrochemical cells and the one or more devices are integrated as the unified structure using the one or more sequential deposition processes. The integrated battery and device structure is configured such that the two or more stacked electrochemical cells and one or more devices are in electrical, chemical, and thermal conduction with each other.

Numerous benefits are achieved by way of the present invention over conventional techniques. For example, electrochemical cells described herein present multiple chemistries to accommodate a wider range of voltage and current compared to individual ones. Additionally, energy-scavenging elements are utilized to collect energy and replenish it to other components within the unified structure. Depending upon the embodiment, one or more of these benefits may be achieved. These and other benefits will be described in more detail throughout the present specification and more particularly below.

These and other objects and features of the present invention and the manner of obtaining them will become apparent to those skilled in the art, and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

