Secondary Battery Thermoelectric Structure for Stable Power Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thermoelectric elements using the Seebeck effect require maintaining a temperature difference between electrodes for stable power generation, which is unstable due to fluctuations in heat transfer, and elements not requiring a temperature difference also experience unstable power generation.

Innovation Solution

A power generation function-equipped secondary battery using a thermoelectric element in contact with a heat medium at a temperature equal to or higher than outside air, with a non-conductor layer containing fine particles to support the electrodes and stabilize power generation, and the thermoelectric element is integrated within the battery housing or circuit board to convert thermal energy into electric energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a thermoelectric element using the Seebeck effect is used, then power generation can be achieved, but stable power generation cannot be maintained due to temperature difference fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation stabilityVSAvoidtemperature difference between electrodes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the working parameter from requiring a temperature difference to operating at a single temperature (equal to or higher than outside air temperature). This parameter change eliminates the instability caused by temperature difference fluctuations while maintaining the power generation function through the use of electrodes with different work functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical system (maintaining temperature difference) with an electrochemical system (electron emission based on work function difference). This substitution eliminates the need for temperature control mechanisms and achieves stable power generation through material property differences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If a thermoelectric element not requiring temperature difference is used, then temperature control complexity is reduced, but power generation becomes unstable when heat transfer fluctuates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control mechanismVSAvoidpower generation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The thermoelectric element utilizes the heat from the secondary battery itself (which is at or above outside air temperature) to generate power. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external temperature control while achieving stable power generation through the inherent temperature of the battery and the work function difference between electrodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary battery serves dual functions: as the energy storage device and as the heat source for the thermoelectric element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate temperature control systems while ensuring stable power generation through the battery's own thermal output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If electrodes with different work functions are used, then power generation stability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation stabilityVSAvoidwork function difference control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite material structures for the electrodes, combining different materials with distinct work function characteristics. This approach achieves the required work function difference through material selection rather than precise manufacturing control, thereby maintaining manufacturing feasibility while ensuring power generation stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 stabilizes power generation by suppressing heat fluctuations and eliminates the need for temperature difference maintenance, achieving continuous and efficient conversion of thermal energy into electric energy.

Implementation Method 1

a thermoelectric element using the Seebeck effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Implementation Method 2

the thermoelectric element includes a pair of electrodes having work functions different from each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWork function difference:

Data Source

PatentUS20240407264A1Power generation function-equipped secondary battery

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 ILLUMINUS INC

AI summary

A power generation function-equipped secondary battery using a thermoelectric element includes the thermoelectric element, the thermoelectric element being in contact with a heat medium that has a temperature equal to or higher than a temperature of outside air and not requiring a temperature difference between electrodes, and a secondary battery electrically connected to the thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element includes a pair of electrodes having work functions different from each other.