Controller and control method of thermoelectric cooler-heater device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoelectric cooler-heater devices face issues such as complex circuit structures, large chip size, low circuit efficiency, and non-monotonic temperature regulation, which can lead to device damage due to intense heat in heating mode.
Innovation Solution
A controller utilizing a switching power supply for continuous output in cooling mode and a constant-current constant-voltage power supply for pulse output in heating mode, with asymmetric driving schemes to improve monotonicity and efficiency, reducing the number of power transistors and minimizing self-heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional power supply is used to provide driving current to the thermoelectric cooler-heater device, then the device can operate in both cooling and heating modes, but the temperature regulation shows non-monotonic characteristics and self-heating may exceed cooling capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply mode adjustable based on operating conditions. The controller dynamically switches between conventional power supply mode (for cooling) and pulse power supply mode (for heating), optimizing temperature regulation monotonicity and reducing self-heating effects in different operational states
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply parameters by introducing pulse width modulation (PWM) control in heating mode. By adjusting the pulse width duty cycle, the system optimizes the driving current characteristics to reduce self-heating while maintaining effective heating capability, thereby improving temperature regulation monotonicity
2Power
If the thermoelectric cooler-heater device operates in heating mode with high current, then heating capability is improved, but intense heat may damage the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulse power supply mode with PWM control in heating operations. Instead of continuous high current, the system delivers periodic current pulses with controlled duty cycles, achieving effective heating capability while preventing excessive heat accumulation that could damage the device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the controller monitors temperature and adjusts the pulse width duty cycle accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures heating capability is maintained while preventing overheating and device damage through real-time current adjustment
3Adaptability or versatility
If the controller circuit is designed to handle both cooling and heating modes with proper current direction control, then functionality is improved, but the circuit structure becomes complex and chip size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single controller that handles both cooling and heating modes through a unified power management architecture. The controller uses the same basic circuit structure with configurable power supply modes (conventional for cooling, pulse for heating), eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits and reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic mode switching within a single controller to achieve multi-functionality. The controller dynamically adjusts power supply characteristics and current direction based on operational requirements, providing both cooling and heating capabilities through one adaptable circuit rather than multiple fixed-function circuits
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
Simplifies circuit structure, reduces chip size, and prevents device damage by minimizing self-heating through continuous and pulse driving currents, optimizing heating efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A thermoelectric cooler-heater device (sometimes also referring to a thermoelectric cooler or a TEC) is a device that uses Peltier effect to control temperature.
Implementation Method 2
The temperature regulation capability of the thermoelectric cooler-heater device is implemented based on a superimposed effect of Peltier effect and resistance heating effect
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a controller and a control method of a thermoelectric cooler-heater device. The controller includes a switching power supply coupled to the thermoelectric cooler-heater device to provide a first driving current; and a constant-current constant-voltage power supply coupled to the thermoelectric cooler-heater device to provide a second driving current. According to a temperature detection signal, one of the switching power supply and the constant-current constant-voltage power supply operates, the first driving current is a continuous driving current flowing from an anode end to a cathode end of the thermoelectric cooler-heater device, the second driving current is a pulse driving current flowing from the cathode end to the anode end. In cooling mode, the controller uses the switching power supply to provide continuous output to improve monotonicity; in heating mode, the controller uses the constant-current constant-voltage power supply to provide pulse output to improve circuit efficiency and provide protection function.