Flexible Thermoelectric Generator Polymer Matrix Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoelectric generators face a tradeoff between high output power, long working time, and flexibility due to their rigid and bulky design, with increased reliability and power output compromised by the addition of more thermoelectric elements.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric generator design featuring p-type and n-type semiconductor legs embedded in flexible polymer matrices, with electrodes on both surfaces, allowing for improved thermal conductivity and mechanical stability, enabling flexibility and maintaining output power even after multiple bending cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rigid ceramic plate designs are used, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid ceramic plates with flexible polymer matrices (such as polyimide or PDMS) that can bend and deform without breaking. These flexible substrates maintain structural integrity while enabling the thermoelectric generator to be bent into various shapes, directly resolving the contradiction between structural stability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite structures combining flexible polymers with thermoelectric materials (semiconductor legs). The flexible polymer matrix provides mechanical stability and flexibility, while the embedded thermoelectric legs maintain electrical and thermal functionality, achieving both structural stability and adaptability.
2Power
If more thermoelectric elements are added to increase output power, then power output is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible polymer matrix provides a compliant mechanical environment for thermoelectric elements, reducing stress and strain during bending operations. This protects the electrical connections between multiple thermoelectric elements, maintaining reliability even when many elements are connected in series to increase power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the flexibility parameters of the polymer matrix (such as glass transition temperature, elastic modulus) to match the mechanical requirements of the thermoelectric elements. This ensures that the matrix provides adequate support and protection without introducing excessive rigidity that would cause connection failures during bending.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible polymer matrices are used, then flexibility is improved, but thermal conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite polymer matrices by incorporating thermally conductive fillers (such as aluminum oxide, boron nitride, or carbon nanotubes) into the flexible polymer base. This composite structure maintains the flexibility of the polymer while significantly improving thermal conductivity to enable effective heat transfer from the thermoelectric elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different thermal conductivity requirements to different regions of the device. The polymer matrix in direct contact with thermoelectric elements is formulated with higher thermal conductivity fillers for efficient heat extraction, while other regions maintain lower thermal conductivity to preserve flexibility and reduce heat loss to the environment.
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 solution enhances the flexibility and reliability of thermoelectric generators while maintaining output power, reducing semiconductor leg and electrode degradation by preventing oxidation and optimizing heat conduction within the device.
Implementation Method 1
a first flexible polymer matrix having a first thermal conductivity... a second flexible polymer matrix having a second thermal conductivity... a third flexible polymer matrix having a third thermal conductivity
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of p-type semiconductor legs and a plurality of n-type semiconductor legs define a plurality of thermoelectric couples
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a thermoelectric generator and methods for fabricating the same. The semiconductor legs and electrodes of the thermoelectric generator are embedded in one or more flexible polymer matrices providing protection to the semiconductor legs and electrodes to maintain good electric contacts among them during bending. Thus, the output power of the thermoelectric generator can be substantially retained even after a large number of bending cycles.