Cutting Machine Thermoelectric Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cutting machines used in continuous casting face challenges in protecting themselves from the high temperature of slabs during cutting and inefficiently utilizing the heat, as existing cooling methods are inadequate and require large-scale water-cooling systems, leading to reduced production efficiency and heat waste.
Innovation Solution
A cutting machine equipped with a water-cooling plate and thermoelectric power generation device that converts the heat of the slab into electric energy, using this energy to power the machine and simplify its movement, while effectively cooling the machine and utilizing the heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a large-scale water-cooling device is installed to protect the cutting machine from high temperature, then the machine can be protected from heat damage, but the device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water-cooling plate with the thermoelectric power generation device into a single integrated structure. The water-cooling plate serves dual functions: cooling the cutting machine components and providing the cold side temperature for thermoelectric power generation. This merging eliminates the need for separate large-scale cooling systems while achieving both heat protection and heat utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful radiant heat from the high-temperature slab into useful electrical energy through thermoelectric power generation. The heat that would otherwise damage the cutting machine is now utilized to generate electricity, which powers the movement device and reduces external power requirements.
2Temperature
If traditional water-cooling methods are used to protect the cutting machine, then heat protection is achieved, but the heat energy is wasted and not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the waste heat from the cutting machine into useful electrical energy through thermoelectric power generation. The thermoelectric elements are positioned between the water-cooling plate and the radiant heat source, converting the temperature difference into electricity that can be used to power the movement device and other system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-cooling plate performs multiple functions simultaneously: it cools the cutting machine components, provides the cold junction for thermoelectric power generation, and enables heat-to-electricity conversion. This multi-functionality eliminates energy waste while achieving effective heat protection.
3Productivity
If the cutting machine moves in synchronization with the high-temperature slab, then cutting can be performed on moving materials, but the machine is exposed to extreme radiant heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful radiant heat exposure into useful electrical energy through thermoelectric power generation. The thermoelectric elements capture the temperature difference between the radiant heat from the slab and the cooled plate, generating electricity that powers the synchronous movement system and reduces external power needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting machine generates its own electrical power through thermoelectric power generation driven by the radiant heat it encounters during synchronous cutting. This self-generated electricity reduces or eliminates the need for external power sources, enabling continuous operation during high-temperature cutting operations.
4Speed
If external power sources are used to move the cutting machine, then the machine can be positioned and moved, but the system requires external infrastructure and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting machine generates its own electrical power through thermoelectric power generation during cutting operations. The electricity generated from the temperature difference between the radiant heat and the cooled plate is used to power the movement device, eliminating or reducing the need for external power sources and associated infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from external electrical power to internal thermoelectric power generation. By utilizing the temperature difference created during cutting operations, the system converts thermal energy into electrical energy, enabling self-powered movement and reducing infrastructure requirements.
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 cutting machine effectively protects itself from high temperatures and utilizes the heat to generate power, enhancing production efficiency and reducing the need for external power sources, allowing for continuous operation without external electric power supply.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric power generation device including a thermoelectric element for converting heat of the object to be cut into electric energy
Implementation Method 2
a water-cooling plate configured to cool the cutting machine
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cutting machine that cuts a high-temperature moving object to be cut while moving in synchronization with the movement of the object to be cut, and that is capable of effectively protecting itself from the heat of the object to be cut and effectively utilizing the heat. A cutting machine for cutting a high-temperature moving object to be cut while moving in synchronization with the movement of the object to be cut, comprising: a cutter configured to cut the object to be cut; a movement device configured to move the cutting machine in synchronization with the object to be cut; a water-cooling plate configured to cool the cutting machine; and a thermoelectric power generation device including a thermoelectric element for converting the heat of the object to be cut into electric energy, wherein the water-cooling plate also serves to cool a low-temperature side of the thermoelectric element.