Power supply device applied to refrigerator sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to a power supply device applied to a refrigerator sensor. The power supply device comprises a thermoelectric power generation device and a power management device. The thermoelectric power generation device is arranged in a heat preservation layer of the refrigerator and is configured to generate electric energy through the temperature difference between the two sides of the heat preservation layer. The power management device is configured to transmit the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric power generation device to the sensor. According to the power supply device applied to the refrigerator sensor, heat energy can be converted into electric energy through the temperature difference between the two sides of the heat preservation layer, stable electric energy is provided for the wireless sensor, and the problem of the wireless sensor in a traditional power supply mode can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of refrigerators, and in particular to a power supply device for a refrigerator sensor. Background Art

[0002] In the field of smart refrigerators, existing sensor technologies mainly include traditional wired sensor technology and battery-powered wireless sensor technology. Among them, wireless sensor technology is widely used in modern refrigerators due to its high flexibility, easy installation, and low maintenance cost compared to traditional wired sensor technology.

[0003] While wireless sensor technology offers many advantages, its reliance on batteries for power generation presents a number of challenges. For example, batteries have a limited lifespan, requiring regular replacement, increasing user costs and maintenance burdens. Users may also forget to replace batteries, potentially impacting sensor operation. Furthermore, improper battery disposal can pollute the environment, and the low temperatures of refrigerators can affect battery performance, reducing sensor stability and reliability.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a wireless sensor technology that can stably power sensors and can be flexibly installed and arranged. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the problems existing in the prior art, the present application provides a power supply device for a refrigerator sensor, the power supply device comprising:

[0006] a thermoelectric power generation device, the thermoelectric power generation device being disposed within the heat-insulating layer of the refrigerator and configured to generate electrical energy by utilizing a temperature difference across the heat-insulating layer;

[0007] A power management device is configured to transmit the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric power generation device to the sensor.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present application, the insulation layer is a cavity between the inner cavity and the shell of the refrigerator;

[0009] Along the axial direction of the thermoelectric power generation device, the thermoelectric power generation device has a cold end and a hot end that are relatively distributed;

[0010] The cold end of the temperature difference power generation device is arranged adjacent to the inner cavity, and the hot end is arranged adjacent to the inner wall of the shell.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present application, the insulation layer is a cavity between the inner cavity and the shell of the refrigerator;

[0012] Along the axial direction of the thermoelectric power generation device, the thermoelectric power generation device has a cold end and a hot end that are relatively distributed;

[0013] The cold end of the thermoelectric power generation device is in contact with the inner cavity, and the hot end is in contact with the inner wall of the shell.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present application, the thermoelectric power generation device is composed of at least one P-type semiconductor thermocouple and at least one N-type semiconductor thermocouple connected in series.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present application, the power supply device further includes thermally conductive silicone grease, which is disposed on the inner wall of the housing and is configured to contact the hot end of the thermoelectric power generation device.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present application, the power management device is configured to convert the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric power generation device into stable direct current required by the sensor, and transmit the direct current to the sensor.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present application, the power supply device further includes an energy storage device, and the energy storage device is configured to be electrically connected to the power management device;

[0018] When the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation device is high, the energy storage device is configured to store the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric power generation device under the management of the power management device;

[0019] When the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation device is low, the energy storage device is configured to supply power to the sensor under the management of the power management device.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present application, the energy storage device is any one of a supercapacitor and a battery.

[0021] One beneficial effect of this application is that it utilizes the natural temperature difference between the refrigerator's interior and exterior to generate electricity, powering sensors within the refrigerator. This self-powered mechanism, achieved through the collaboration between a thermoelectric generator and a power management device, converts thermal energy into electrical energy simply by utilizing the difference between the refrigerator's low temperature and the higher temperature of the external environment, providing a stable power source for wireless sensors and resolving issues with traditional power supply methods.

[0022] Other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the application.

[0024] Figure 1This is a structural diagram of a power supply device for a refrigerator sensor provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle.

[0026] Figures 1 to 2 The one-to-one correspondence between the component names and the reference numerals is as follows:

[0027] 1. Inner cavity; 2. Power management device; 3. Thermoelectric power generation device; 31. Cold end; 32. Hot end; 4. Thermal grease; 5. Shell; 6. Insulation layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Various exemplary embodiments of the present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present application.

[0029] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0030] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0031] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to like items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0032] The specific implementation of this application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] In this document, “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, etc. are only used to indicate the relative position relationship between related parts, rather than to limit the absolute positions of these related parts.

[0034] In this article, "first", "second", etc. are only used to distinguish each other, and do not indicate the importance and order, or the prerequisite for each other's existence.

[0035] In this document, “equal”, “same”, etc. are not strictly limited in a mathematical and / or geometric sense, but also include errors that can be understood by those skilled in the art and are allowed in manufacturing or use.

[0036] The present application provides a power supply device for a refrigerator sensor, wherein the refrigerator is mainly composed of a shell 5, an insulation layer 6, an inner cavity 1, a refrigeration system, an electronic control system, and a lighting system.

[0037] The refrigerator's housing 5 is typically made of metal or plastic. Its primary function is to provide the refrigerator's exterior structure and protect its internal components. An insulation layer 6, typically made of a thermally insulating material such as polyurethane foam, is located between the housing 5 and the inner chamber 1. This insulation layer 6 reduces heat exchange between the inner chamber 1 and the external environment outside the housing 5, thereby improving the refrigerator's energy efficiency and maintaining a low temperature within the inner chamber 1. The inner chamber 1, the internal volume of the refrigerator, is made of a low-temperature-resistant and corrosion-resistant material, such as plastic or stainless steel.

[0038] The refrigeration system, comprising components such as the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and throttle valve, is the core component of the refrigerator. These components maintain a low temperature within the refrigerator's interior 1. Specifically, the compressor, typically located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator, compresses the refrigerant gas, raising its temperature and pressure so that heat can be released in the condenser, thus completing the refrigeration cycle. The condenser, typically located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator, dissipates heat from the compressed, high-temperature gas through fins, condensing it into a liquid. The evaporator, typically located inside the refrigerator, absorbs internal heat through the evaporation of the liquid refrigerant, thereby lowering the temperature within the refrigerator's interior 1. The throttle valve controls the flow of refrigerant, reducing its pressure to allow it to enter the evaporator for evaporation. The electronic control system, which controls the operation of the refrigerator and includes components such as a thermostat, electronic control board, sensors, and a power management device 2, is responsible for starting and stopping the compressor and managing other functions. The lighting system, typically an LED light, is installed within the refrigerator's interior 1 to facilitate user inspection of the contents when the refrigerator door is opened.

[0039] Most refrigerators on the market use wireless sensors to monitor and manage their internal environment. Wireless sensors offer advantages such as flexibility, ease of installation, and lower maintenance costs compared to wired sensors. However, wireless sensors rely on traditional battery power, which presents maintenance and performance challenges. For example, the limited battery life of wireless sensors and the low temperature environment within the refrigerator cavity can affect battery performance.

[0040] Specifically, wireless sensors typically rely on batteries for power. However, traditional batteries degrade in low temperatures, shortening their lifespan and requiring frequent replacement. This not only increases maintenance costs but can also affect sensor performance if users forget to replace the batteries, leading to decreased stability and reliability. Furthermore, the disposal of replaced batteries can pollute the environment. Therefore, finding a more stable power supply for wireless sensors has become an urgent issue.

[0041] Based on this, the present application provides a power supply device for a refrigerator sensor, comprising a thermoelectric generator 3 and a power management device 2. Thermoelectric generator 3 utilizes the Seebeck effect to generate an electromotive force using temperature differences. Specifically, thermoelectric generator 3 is located inside the refrigerator and converts thermal energy into electrical energy by utilizing the temperature difference between the inner cavity 1 and the housing 5. The power management device 2 is configured to transmit the electrical energy generated by thermoelectric generator 3 to the sensor, thereby powering the sensor.

[0042] In this way, the sensor in this application not only has the characteristics of high flexibility, easy installation and low maintenance cost of wireless sensors, but also has the advantage of being able to stably power the wireless sensor, greatly improving the user experience.

[0043] For ease of understanding, refer to Figures 1 to 2 , the specific structure and working principle of the power supply device of the present application applied to the refrigerator sensor are explained in detail with reference to an embodiment.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 In one embodiment of the present application, a power supply device for a refrigerator sensor is provided. The power supply device includes a thermoelectric generator 3 and a power management device 2. The thermoelectric generator 3 is disposed within the refrigerator's insulation layer 6 and is configured to generate electrical energy using the temperature difference across the insulation layer 6. The power management device 2 is configured to transmit the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generator 3 to the sensor.

[0045] The power supply device of the present application utilizes the natural temperature difference between the refrigerator's inner cavity 1 and the housing 5 to generate electricity and power the sensors inside the refrigerator. This self-powered mechanism is achieved through the cooperation between the thermoelectric power generation device 3 and the power management device 2. Simply by utilizing the temperature difference between the low temperature inside the refrigerator and the higher temperature of the external environment, thermal energy can be converted into electrical energy, providing a stable power source for the wireless sensor and resolving the problems encountered in traditional power supply methods. Specifically, the power generated by the thermoelectric power generation device 3 is sufficient to meet the power consumption requirements of the wireless sensor, enabling the continuous and stable operation of the wireless sensor. Furthermore, the thermoelectric power generation device 3 operates based on the low temperature environment of the inner cavity 1 and the high temperature environment outside the housing 5. Therefore, it can operate stably in low-temperature environments, further improving the reliability and stability of the power supply to the sensor. While reducing the wireless sensor's reliance on traditional batteries, it also reduces the user's usage and maintenance costs. Furthermore, it reduces battery replacement, which also meets green environmental protection requirements.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present application, reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The insulation layer 6 forms the cavity between the refrigerator's inner cavity 1 and the housing 5. Along the axial direction of the thermoelectric generator 3, the thermoelectric generator 3 has a cold end 31 and a hot end 32 that are relatively distributed. To ensure an effective temperature difference between the cold end 31 and the hot end 32, the cold end 31 of the thermoelectric generator 3 is positioned adjacent to the inner cavity 1, while the hot end 32 is positioned adjacent to the inner wall of the housing 1. This utilizes the low temperature of the refrigerator's inner cavity 1 and the high temperature of the area adjacent to the refrigerator's housing 5 to ensure an effective temperature difference for the thermoelectric generator 3 while also improving its power generation efficiency to a certain extent. Furthermore, since the cold end 31 and the hot end 32 of the thermoelectric generator 3 do not need to be directly in contact with the inner cavity 1 and the housing 5, the design and layout of the thermoelectric generator 3 can be more flexibly adjusted to different installation locations to accommodate refrigerators of different types or structures.

[0047] In this embodiment, the low temperature environment of the inner cavity 1 provides an ideal cold-end power source for the thermoelectric generator 3. The hot end 32 of the thermoelectric generator 3 utilizes the natural heat dissipation characteristics of the housing 5 to absorb heat from the external environment, providing an ideal hot-end power source for the thermoelectric generator 3. The power management device 2 converts the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generator 3 into stable direct current suitable for wireless sensors, ensuring a stable and continuous power supply for the wireless sensors.

[0048] Specifically, the inner cavity 1 is in contact with the cooler air inside the refrigerator, and its surface temperature is relatively low, providing a cold-end contact point for the thermoelectric power generation device 3. Furthermore, in order to ensure the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation device 3, a specific area in the inner cavity 1 can be used as the cold-end contact surface of the thermoelectric power generation device 3. This cold-end contact surface can be the area with the lowest temperature in the inner cavity 1. Based on the same principle, the shell 5 is in contact with the external environment, which has a higher temperature. Therefore, the surface temperature of the shell 5 is relatively high, providing a hot-end contact surface for the thermoelectric power generation device 3. Furthermore, the material of the shell 5 can be a material that helps improve heat dissipation efficiency to maintain the temperature of the hot end 32.

[0049] In another embodiment of the present application, continue to refer to Figure 2 To improve the power generation efficiency of thermoelectric power generation device 3 and ensure a sufficient temperature difference between the cold end 31 and the hot end 32 of thermoelectric power generation device 3, the cold end 31 of thermoelectric power generation device 3 contacts the inner cavity 1, and the hot end 32 contacts the inner wall of the housing 5. This arrangement improves the heat transfer efficiency between the cold end 31 and the hot end 32 and the inner cavity 1 and the housing 5, helping to enhance the power generation efficiency of thermoelectric power generation device 3.

[0050] It is worth noting that the thermoelectric power generation device 3 can also be installed near the components in the refrigeration system of the refrigerator, such as between the evaporator and the condenser, by utilizing the temperature difference between the evaporator and the condenser during the cooling process to convert thermal energy into electrical energy. Those skilled in the art can choose and design according to actual needs, and this application does not impose too many restrictions here.

[0051] In a specific embodiment of the present application, the thermoelectric power generation device 3 is composed of at least one P-type semiconductor thermocouple and at least one N-type semiconductor thermocouple connected in series. These thermocouples work according to the Seebeck effect, converting temperature differences into electrical energy. Typically, the P-type semiconductor thermocouple and the N-type semiconductor thermocouple are connected in series. Generally, a P-type semiconductor thermocouple and an N-type semiconductor thermocouple connected in series are often referred to as a thermocouple pair.

[0052] A P-type semiconductor thermocouple is a semiconductor material doped with a small amount of acceptor impurities (such as boron). Its primary carriers are holes. When a temperature difference is applied across the two ends of a P-type semiconductor, holes (positive charges) move from the hot end to the cold end, generating a thermoelectric potential.

[0053] An N-type semiconductor thermocouple is a semiconductor material doped with a small amount of donor impurities (such as phosphorus). Its primary charge carriers are electrons. When a temperature difference is applied across the two ends of an N-type semiconductor, electrons (negative charges) migrate from the hot end to the cold end, generating a thermoelectric potential (EMF) with the opposite polarity to that of a P-type semiconductor.

[0054] Furthermore, the cold and hot ends of the thermocouple pair correspond to the cold end 31 and hot end 32 of the thermoelectric power generation device 3. The hot end of the thermocouple pair, i.e., the hot end 32 of the thermoelectric power generation device 3, is the connection point between the P-type and N-type semiconductors. This connection point is typically located near a heat source, absorbing heat and forming a high-temperature zone. The cold end of the thermocouple pair, i.e., the cold end 31 of the thermoelectric power generation device 3, is another connection point. This connection point is in a cold region relative to the hot end, forming a low-temperature zone.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present application, in order to better meet the power supply requirements of the wireless sensor, the thermoelectric power generation device 3 is composed of multiple thermocouple pairs composed of multiple P-type and N-type semiconductor materials. These thermocouple pairs are connected in series to generate sufficient voltage to fully meet the power supply requirements of the wireless sensor.

[0056] Specifically, the P-type and N-type semiconductor materials in the thermoelectric power generation device 3 are typically arranged alternately and connected in series via metal connectors. When a temperature difference acts on this series-connected thermocouple pair—that is, when a temperature difference occurs between the cold end 31 and the hot end 32 of the thermoelectric power generation device 3—the movement of holes in the P-type semiconductor and electrons in the N-type semiconductor generates a current in the same direction. Alternating multiple P-type and N-type semiconductors in series enhances the overall thermoelectromotive force of the thermoelectric power generation device 3, thereby more efficiently converting thermal energy into electrical energy.

[0057] Furthermore, when multiple thermocouple pairs are connected in series, the electromotive force they generate is the sum of the electromotive force generated by a single thermocouple pair. Consequently, the output voltage of multiple thermocouple pairs is significantly higher than that of a single thermocouple pair, enabling them to accommodate higher power requirements or a wider range of devices. The output voltage and current increase linearly with the number of thermocouple pairs, fully meeting the power supply requirements of wireless sensors.

[0058] In a specific embodiment of the present application, the thermoelectric power generation device 3 is made of either a bismuth-antimony alloy or a bismuth-tellurium alloy. Specifically, bismuth-antimony alloy is a common n-type thermoelectric material with excellent thermoelectric properties. It performs particularly well under low-temperature conditions, such as in the refrigerator cavity 1, and can effectively use temperature differences to generate electromotive force. Bismuth-tellurium alloy is one of the most commonly used thermoelectric materials, especially in thermoelectric applications near room temperature. Bismuth-tellurium alloy is a material that can be both n-type and p-type, and can effectively use temperature differences to generate electromotive force.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present application, to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the hot end 32, the power supply device further includes thermal grease 4, which is disposed on the inner wall of the housing 5 and is configured to contact the hot end 32 of the thermoelectric power generation device 3. Specifically, the thermal grease 4 facilitates rapid heat transfer between the housing 5 and the hot end 32, thereby increasing the temperature of the hot end 32 to a certain extent and thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation device 3.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present application, the temperature of the refrigerator's interior cavity 1 and housing 5 may be affected by the refrigerator's actual operating or installation environment, resulting in an unstable temperature difference between the cold end 31 and the hot end 32 of the thermoelectric generator 3. This fluctuation can cause the power generated by the thermoelectric generator 3 to be unstable, making it unable to directly power the wireless sensor. To address this issue, the power management device 2 is designed to convert the power generated by the thermoelectric generator 3 into stable direct current (DC) and transmit this DC power to the wireless sensor to ensure its normal operation.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present application, to further improve the power supply problem of the wireless sensor, the power supply device also includes an energy storage device, which is configured to be electrically connected to the power management device 2. When the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation device 3 is high, the energy storage device is configured to store the electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation device 3 under the management of the power management device 2; when the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation device 3 is low, the energy storage device is configured to supply power to the sensor under the management of the power management device 2.

[0062] The energy storage device provides the necessary energy buffer for the power supply. When the thermoelectric generator 3 generates a large amount of power, the energy storage device stores the additional energy. When power demand increases or the efficiency of the thermoelectric generator 3 temporarily decreases, the energy storage device releases its stored energy to provide a stable power supply to the sensor, maintaining normal operation. This buffering mechanism ensures that the wireless sensor can obtain continuous power even under changing environmental conditions or sudden increases in power demand, ensuring the reliability and stability of the wireless sensor's operation.

[0063] In one embodiment of the present application, the energy storage device is any one of a supercapacitor and a battery.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the power supply device can not only power the sensor, but also power other devices in the refrigerator that require electrical energy. The specific working principle can be referred to above, and this application will not go into details here.

[0065] The embodiments of the present application have been described above. The above description is exemplary, not exhaustive, and is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terms used herein are selected to best explain the principles of the embodiments, their practical applications, or technical improvements in the marketplace, or to enable other persons skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. The scope of this application is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A power supply device for a refrigerator sensor, characterized in that: include: A temperature difference power generation device, which is disposed in the heat preservation layer of the refrigerator and is configured to generate electric energy by utilizing the temperature difference between two sides of the heat preservation layer; A power management device is configured to transmit the electric energy generated by the temperature difference power generation device to the sensor.

2. The power supply device for refrigerator sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulation layer is a cavity between the inner cavity and the shell of the refrigerator; Along the axial direction of the thermoelectric power generation device, the thermoelectric power generation device has a relatively distributed cold end and a hot end; The cold end of the temperature difference power generation device is arranged adjacent to the inner cavity, and the hot end is arranged adjacent to the inner wall of the shell.

3. The power supply device for refrigerator sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulation layer is a cavity between the inner cavity and the shell of the refrigerator; Along the axial direction of the thermoelectric power generation device, the thermoelectric power generation device has a relatively distributed cold end and a hot end; The cold end of the temperature difference power generation device is in contact with the inner cavity, and the hot end is in contact with the inner wall of the shell.

4. The power supply device for refrigerator sensor according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that: The temperature difference power generation device is composed of at least one P-type semiconductor thermocouple and at least one N-type semiconductor thermocouple connected in series.

5. The power supply device for refrigerator sensor according to claim 4, characterized in that: The power supply device further includes thermally conductive silicone grease, which is disposed on the inner wall of the housing and is configured to contact the hot end of the temperature difference power generation device.

6. The power supply device for refrigerator sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power management device is configured to convert the electric energy generated by the temperature difference power generation device into stable direct current required by the sensor, and transmit the direct current to the sensor.

7. The power supply device for refrigerator sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply device further includes an energy storage device, and the energy storage device is configured to be electrically connected to the power management device; When the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation device is high, the energy storage device is configured to store the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric power generation device under the management of the power management device; When the power generation efficiency of the temperature difference power generation device is low, the energy storage device is configured to supply power to the sensor under the management of the power management device.

8. The power supply device for refrigerator sensor according to claim 7, characterized in that: The energy storage device is any one of a supercapacitor and a battery.

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