Coolant Control Valve Thermoelectric Generator Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coolant control valves (CCVs) face challenges in packaging space and reliability due to the use of wax pellet thermostats for fail-safe designs, which are not guaranteed in power failure scenarios and occupy valuable space.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a thermoelectric generator (TEG) within the CCV to generate power from temperature differences, allowing the actuator to actuate the valve body independently or assist the primary power source, thereby ensuring continuous operation and reducing the need for a large thermostat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wax pellet thermostat is incorporated into the CCV for fail-safe design, then reliability is improved, but packaging space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power generation function from the traditional wax pellet thermostat and implements it separately using a thermoelectric generator. This allows the wax pellet thermostat to be reduced in size or eliminated while maintaining fail-safe functionality, thereby reducing packaging space while preserving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric generator serves multiple functions: it generates power for the actuator during normal operation and provides fail-safe power when the primary power source fails. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate dedicated fail-safe mechanism, reducing overall packaging space while maintaining reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If a thermoelectric generator is integrated into the CCV to generate power, then packaging space is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric generator is physically integrated into the CCV housing, merging the power generation function with the existing valve structure. This consolidation reduces packaging space and minimizes the number of separate components, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite adding a new functional element.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric generator automatically generates power from temperature differentials present in the cooling system without requiring external control or additional components. This self-service capability simplifies the control system and reduces complexity while achieving the power generation function.
3Reliability
If the TEG powers the actuator independently or assists the primary power source, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between primary power source and TEG power based on availability and requirements. The actuator can draw power from either source independently or in combination, providing flexible power management that enhances reliability while using standard manufacturing techniques for power switching circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
A power management circuit serves as an intermediary between the TEG, primary power source, and actuator. This intermediary component handles power conversion and switching, isolating the manufacturing complexity to a single manageable module while ensuring reliable power delivery to the actuator.
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 TEG-powered CCV ensures reliable coolant flow management without overheating, even in power failures, by utilizing temperature differentials to power the actuator, thus enhancing packaging efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Thermoelectric devices or generators are known and can be used to generate electrical power from a temperature difference applied to two sides of a semiconductor material
Data Source
AI summary
A coolant control valve (CCV) includes an outer housing, an actuator, a valve body, and one or more thermoelectric generators (TEGs). The outer housing includes at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The TEG is operatively connected to the actuator and can be a lone source of power to the CCV or assist a primary power source. The CCV can utilize a power management device that can receive power input from either the TEG or the primary power source. The TEG has a first surface and a second surface, either of which can be exposed to air or a cooling system fluid or coolant; the coolant can be water, ethylene glycol, a combination thereof, or any other fluid that is utilized in a system that provides temperature management for a component or system.