Combustion Module Chamber Layout for Uniform Temperature Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combustion modules in hybrid solar systems experience non-uniform temperature distribution across their surface, leading to inefficient thermoelectric or thermophotovoltaic energy conversion and potential thermomechanical stresses, due to temperature gradients that are detrimental to the reliability and efficiency of the energy conversion process.
Innovation Solution
The combustion module design features combustion chambers with varying cross-sections and spacings, with larger chambers near the edges and more spaced-out chambers in the central zone, along with thermally insulating connectors, to achieve uniform heating and reduce transverse temperature gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If combustion chambers are arranged in a conventional uniform pattern, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the temperature distribution across the module becomes non-uniform with side zones being colder than the central zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the cross-sectional dimensions of combustion chambers based on their position within the module. Chambers in central zones have different dimensions compared to those in peripheral zones, creating localized thermal characteristics that compensate for position-dependent heat losses and achieve uniform temperature distribution across the entire module surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by deliberately creating non-uniform chamber arrangements where chambers are positioned and sized asymmetrically relative to the module geometry. This asymmetric configuration counterbalances the natural tendency for heat to accumulate in central zones and dissipate from edge zones, resulting in uniform temperature distribution without requiring symmetric uniform spacing.
2Ease of manufacture
If combustion chambers have uniform cross-section, then manufacturing is simplified, but heat losses at side edges are not compensated resulting in non-uniform temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the cross-sectional dimensions of combustion chambers based on their position within the module. Chambers in central zones have different dimensions compared to those in peripheral zones, creating localized thermal characteristics that compensate for position-dependent heat losses and achieve uniform temperature distribution.
3Device complexity
If non-uniform temperature distribution occurs, then the structure remains simple, but thermomechanical stresses increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying chamber dimensions and positions to create localized thermal compensation zones. This prevents large temperature gradients that would induce thermomechanical stresses, thereby improving reliability while maintaining a relatively simple overall module structure through systematic variation of chamber parameters.
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 design results in a significantly reduced temperature gradient across the module, enhancing the uniformity of heat distribution, improving energy conversion efficiency, and reducing thermomechanical stresses, thereby increasing the reliability and consistency of the energy production process.
Implementation Method 1
By burning one or more gases in the combustion module, the face of the thermoelectric module in contact with the combustion module is heated
Implementation Method 2
Very advantageously, one or more thermally insulating connectors are provided at the end faces via which the combustion chambers are supplied and the combustion gases are evacuated
Implementation Method 3
a temperature gradient appears in the thermoelectric module, there is then production of electricity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3B
Figure 3C~4
AI summary
Combustion module a combustion module comprising a body (2) in which several combustion chambers (C1, C2, C3, C4) are formed extending parallel to each other along a longitudinal direction (X) between a first end face (2.1) and a second end face (2.2) of the body (2) into which they emerge, the distance between the combustion chambers (C1, C2, C3, C4) and/or the dimensions of the combustion chambers (C1, C2, C3, C4) are chosen so as to reduce a temperature gradient transverse to the combustion chambers.