Asymmetric Thermoelectric Module Electrode Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoelectric conversion modules experience decreased electricity generation performance when exposed to high temperatures, such as those found in engine exhaust systems, due to increased thermal energy.
Innovation Solution
The module is designed with thermoelectric elements having a first structural portion joined to a larger volume first electrode and a second structural portion joined to a smaller volume second electrode, where the second electrode is closer to the heating source, and both are diffusion-bonded, allowing controlled heat conduction and maintaining high performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the thermoelectric conversion module is applied to a heating source such as an exhaust system, then it can convert waste heat into electricity, but the temperature of the thermoelectric conversion elements increases too greatly, causing the electricity generation performance to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating asymmetric electrode volumes where the first electrode has a larger volume than the second electrode. This asymmetric structure distributes heat differently across the thermoelectric elements, with the larger first electrode providing better heat dissipation capability. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable electricity generation performance while still enabling waste heat conversion through optimized local heat management at different electrode positions.
2Productivity
If the thermoelectric conversion elements are positioned nearer to the heating source to capture more thermal energy, then the heat conversion efficiency increases, but the temperature of the elements increases excessively, reducing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the volume parameter of the electrodes, specifically making the first electrode larger than the second electrode. This parameter change optimizes the thermal parameters of the system, allowing the thermoelectric elements to operate at optimal temperatures while maintaining high heat conversion efficiency. The asymmetric electrode volumes create a balanced thermal environment that prevents excessive temperature rise while capturing sufficient thermal energy.
3Device complexity
If both electrodes are made with equal volume, then the structure is simple and symmetric, but the heat conduction is not optimized, leading to performance loss at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly applies asymmetry by designing the first electrode with a larger volume than the second electrode. This asymmetric configuration optimizes heat conduction pathways, allowing better thermal management of the thermoelectric elements. The asymmetric electrode structure resolves the contradiction by maintaining relatively simple device construction while significantly improving performance at high temperatures through optimized asymmetric heat distribution and conduction.
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
This configuration maintains high electricity generation performance even at high temperatures by optimizing the electricity generation temperature of the thermoelectric elements, resulting in a 43% improvement compared to conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric conversion module which generates electricity by thermoelectric conversion based on the Seebeck effect
Implementation Method 2
the thermoelectric elements are diffusion-bonded to the second electrodes
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A thermoelectric conversion module applied to a heating source, comprising a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements arranged adjacent to each other, first electrodes located away from the heating source and joined to first ends of the thermoelectric conversion elements to electrically connecting the first ends of adjacent thermoelectric conversion elements, second electrodes located nearer to the heating source and joined to opposite, second ends of the thermoelectric conversion elements to electrically connecting the second ends of adjacent thermoelectric conversion elements, wherein the thermoelectric conversion elements each comprise a first structural portion joined to the first electrode and a second structural portion joined to the second electrode, the second electrode being smaller in volume than the first electrode.