HydroGraph Awarded New U.S. Patent for Graphene-Based Actuator Technology

Executive Summary

• HydroGraph Clean Power Inc. received U.S. Patent No. 12,378,948 for a novel electro‑thermal actuator that utilizes the company’s proprietary Fractal Graphene™ porous carbon material.
• The patented technology can generate controlled mechanical force (≈1 N from a finger‑sized unit) by Joule heating of air trapped within the highly porous graphene structure, offering rapid, silent and scalable actuation.
• HydroGraph now holds one issued U.S. patent plus 11 pending applications covering additional material innovations, expanding its IP portfolio beyond core graphene synthesis patents.

Key Details

• Patent Information: U.S. Patent No. 12,378,948 granted for an actuator using electrically conductive porous carbon materials, including Fractal Graphene™.
• Technical Principle: Small voltage induces Joule heating, expands trapped air within the fractal graphene matrix, producing mechanical force; a finger‑sized unit delivers ~1 newton of force.
• Scalability: Design can be scaled to larger outputs for diverse applications.
• Market Context: Global actuators market valued at USD 66.95 bn in 2024; projected USD 71.22 bn in 2025 and ≈USD 100.41 bn by 2030 (CAGR ~7.1%).
• Potential Applications:
• HVAC/building systems – replacement for wax/PTC actuators.
• Consumer appliances – silent, low‑voltage actuation for dishwashers, coffee/steam machines.
• Automotive thermal management – compact, EMI‑immune actuators for EV and ICE cooling loops.
• Microfluidics & diagnostics – lab‑on‑chip devices requiring fast, small actuators.
• Aerospace & robotics – lightweight, scalable actuation where traditional motors are impractical.
• IP Portfolio Expansion: In addition to the granted patent, HydroGraph has 11 pending patent applications covering various porous carbon materials (carbon black, graphite, CNTs, graphene foams) and their actuator implementations.
• Management Comments:
• Dr. Ranjith Divigalpitiya (Chief Science Officer) highlighted the >95 % air structure of Fractal Graphene™ as key to its force‑generation capability.
• Kjirstin Breure (CEO) emphasized that the patent strengthens HydroGraph’s long‑term position, provides optionality for future applications, and underscores the versatility of its technology platform.

Notable Quotes

• “Fractal Graphene™ is unique in that its structure is more than 95 percent air, giving it an extraordinary ability to generate force when heated electrically,” – Dr. Ranjith Divigalpitiya, Chief Science Officer.
• “Securing this patent is an important milestone in broadening HydroGraph’s intellectual property portfolio… It strengthens our long‑term position and provides optionality as we evaluate applications where our materials can create measurable value.” – Kjirstin Breure, CEO.