Disk Thermoelectric Module Layout for Compact Heater Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heating devices with thermoelectric modules, the competition for installation space and heat transfer efficiency between the thermoelectric module and the primary heat exchanger leads to suboptimal performance, as the thermoelectric module acts as an insulator and requires additional space when spatially separated.
Innovation Solution
A disk-shaped thermoelectric module is positioned at the end of a cylindrical burner opposite the fuel gas supply, connected to a heat sink on the opposite side, which is preferably connected in parallel or series with the primary heat exchanger, allowing efficient operation without high thermal conductivity requirements, and a clamping device ensures secure assembly and heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the thermoelectric module is placed within the combustion chamber to generate electricity, then electrical power is produced for external or internal consumers, but the thermoelectric module acts as an insulator and competes with the primary heat exchanger for installation space and heat transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the thermoelectric module from a horizontal arrangement within the combustion chamber to a vertical arrangement at the end of the burner. This dimensional change allows the module to utilize the vertical space above the burner, an area that would otherwise be unused, thereby eliminating competition for installation space with the primary heat exchanger while maintaining electrical power generation capability
2Loss of energy
If the thermoelectric module is spatially separated from the primary heat exchanger to avoid heat transfer interference, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but construction volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermoelectric module with the burner structure by positioning it at the end of the burner, creating an integrated assembly. This allows the module to be thermally coupled to the burner for efficient heat transfer while being spatially separated from the primary heat exchanger, thus improving heat transfer efficiency without increasing overall construction volume
3Power
If the thermoelectric module is positioned to maximize heat transfer from flue gases, then electrical generation efficiency is improved, but the module requires high thermal conductivity which conflicts with its insulating nature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing thermal insulation only at critical locations where heat loss would occur, such as at the ends of the thermoelectric module, while maintaining direct thermal coupling between the module and the burner in the active generation zone. This localized insulation approach allows high thermal conductivity where needed for efficient heat transfer to the thermoelectric elements, while preventing parasitic heat losses that would reduce electrical generation efficiency
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 configuration enhances the efficiency of the thermoelectric module by optimizing heat transfer and reducing installation space competition, ensuring reliable and efficient heat transfer between the burner, heat exchanger, and thermoelectric module, even at varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
Heating devices with a thermoelectric module are known in principle from patent application DE 44 09 685 A1 or patent specification US Pat. No. 6,019,098. The thermoelectric module is used to generate electricity for external or internal consumers
Implementation Method 2
The primary heat exchanger serves to transfer the heat from the flue gas to a water circuit
Implementation Method 3
The hot exhaust gases flow radially through the primary heat exchanger, designed here as a spiral tube, which is heated by the hot exhaust gases and by thermal radiation and transfers the heat to a heat transfer medium
Implementation Method 4
The thermoelectric module is connected to a heat sink, which is a heat exchanger located on the opposite side of the burner at the back of the thermoelectric module
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a heater with a thermoelectric module 9. The heater comprises a cylindrical burner 2 and a primary heat exchanger 5 radially outside the burner 2, which are provided inside a combustion chamber 1. The thermoelectric module 9 is disk-shaped and is arranged coaxially to the burner 2 at one end of the burner 2 . The thermoelectric module 9 is connected to a heat sink 6 by means of a centrally arranged clamping means 12 .