Aquarium thermostat using plurality of peltier elements and method for adjusting breeding water temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control systems using single Peltier elements are inefficient due to overheating and overcooling, leading to prolonged time to reach target temperatures and reduced lifespan due to excessive heat generation, and lack of precise control.
Innovation Solution
A culture water thermostat utilizing multiple Peltier elements for heating and cooling functions, with separate heating and cooling heat sinks and a chilling heat sink with an 'X' shaped aperture to enhance heat exchange efficiency, and a cooling fan to expedite temperature adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single Peltier element is used for temperature control, then the device structure is simple, but the time to reach target temperature is prolonged and temperature control precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature control function into multiple independent Peltier elements (heating element and cooling element) instead of using a single element. This segmentation allows simultaneous or independent operation of heating and cooling functions, significantly reducing the time to reach target temperatures and improving control precision without excessive structural complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If a single Peltier element is used for both heating and cooling, then the device is compact, but overheating occurs leading to element short-circuit and reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the heating and cooling functions into distinct Peltier elements. Each element is dedicated to a specific function, preventing overheating and short-circuits that would occur if a single element attempted to perform both functions. This segmentation maintains compact device size while significantly improving reliability and element lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat sink as an intermediary component between the Peltier elements and the environment. The heat sink efficiently dissipates heat from the heating element and manages thermal loads, preventing overheating and extending the lifespan of the Peltier elements while maintaining a compact overall device structure.
3Productivity
If the surface area of heat exchange is increased using conventional methods, then heat exchange efficiency improves, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a heat sink with fin structures that increase the heat exchange surface area in the vertical dimension rather than expanding the horizontal footprint. This dimensional approach allows high heat exchange efficiency to be achieved while maintaining a compact device size, as the increased surface area is achieved through vertical stacking of heat dissipation fins rather than lateral expansion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system significantly reduces the time to reach set temperatures by maximizing heat exchange surface area and preventing overheating, thereby extending the lifespan of Peltier elements and improving temperature control precision.
Implementation Method 1
When electric current is applied to two different materials in contact with each other, endothermic and exothermic effects are generated. The Peltier effect directs the property where heat is generated when a current flows in one direction, while heat is absorbed when the current flows in the other direction.
Implementation Method 2
the surface area of a flow pipe is expanded, and the heat exchange efficiency is enhanced using a plurality of heat sinks
Implementation Method 3
a cooling fan mounted in the upper surface of the heating heat sink
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a peltier device comprising a plurality of peltier elements specified in cooling or heating temperature, a heating heat sink connected in contact on one side surface of the peltier element, a chilling heat sink connected in contact on the other side surface of the peltier element, and a cooling fan. Using peltier elements each of which is specified in a cooling or a heating activity, a heat exchange efficiency is enhanced thank to a plurality of functions of a single peltier element; thermal radiation is separated by bringing the peltier element into contact with a heating heat sink and a cooling heat sink independently from each other; the surface area in contact with the fluid is maximized through the "X" shaped aperture formed with four wings protruding from the inner surface of the aperture towards the center part, directly transferring the endothermic and exothermic effects from the Peltier element to the fluid to thereby reducing the time to reach the prescribed temperature.