Cylindrical Thermoelectric Module for Flexible Heat Source Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoelectric conversion apparatuses lack flexibility and high-density material arrangement, leading to reduced heat use efficiency when attached to heat sources with various shapes.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric conversion module with a cylindrical configuration featuring a hollow portion for high-density arrangement of thermoelectric materials, allowing flexible attachment to heat sources, comprising a first thermoelectric conversion element with a hollow portion and a second element of a different conductive type fixed inside, coupled in a sequential arrangement for efficient power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a block-like or plate-like thermoelectric conversion apparatus is used, then the structure is simple, but the apparatus cannot be flexibly attached to heat sources having various shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric conversion apparatus is divided into multiple modular units, each containing thermoelectric conversion elements arranged in a specific pattern. These modular units can be independently configured and attached to different sections of heat sources with various shapes, providing flexibility while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional plate-like or block-like configurations to a three-dimensional cylindrical structure with thermoelectric elements arranged radially and axially. This dimensional change enables the apparatus to conform to cylindrical heat sources and provides greater adaptability to various heat source geometries
2Adaptability or versatility
If the thermoelectric conversion apparatus is divided into small blocks and attached to heat sources, then flexibility is improved, but the density of thermoelectric conversion material in contact with the heat source is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs a nested configuration where inner cylindrical electrodes are surrounded by thermoelectric conversion elements, which are in turn surrounded by outer cylindrical electrodes. This nested arrangement maximizes the density of thermoelectric material within the available space while maintaining flexibility through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging thermoelectric conversion elements in both radial and axial dimensions within a cylindrical structure, the patent achieves high material density throughout the volume. This three-dimensional arrangement ensures continuous contact with the heat source surface while maintaining high density, overcoming the limitations of divided small block configurations
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
Enables high-density, flexible attachment of thermoelectric materials to heat sources, enhancing heat use efficiency and power generation performance regardless of the heat source shape.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric conversion apparatus which converts heat into electricity using the Seebeck effect
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoelectric conversion module and a thermoelectric conversion apparatus in which a thermoelectric conversion element can be flexibly attached to heat sources having various shapes in high density are provided. The thermoelectric conversion module includes a first thermoelectric conversion element configured of a cylindrical thermoelectric conversion material having a hollow portion and a second thermoelectric conversion element configured of a thermoelectric conversion material having a different conductive type from that of the first thermoelectric conversion element and fixed in the hollow portion.