Stacked Flexible Thermoelectric Module for Non-Flat Heat Sources
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat-utilizing power generation systems struggle to efficiently receive heat from non-flat heat sources due to structural limitations, which hinders optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric module with a flexible base and stacked thermoelectric elements, including current collectors and electrolyte layers, allows for efficient heat absorption by conforming to non-flat surfaces, and includes electron transmission layers to direct electron flow and prevent oxidation reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid structure is used for the power generator, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to non-flat heat sources deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power generator employs a flexible base made of thin film material that can conform to non-flat heat source surfaces such as heat exhausting ducts. This flexible base maintains structural integrity while adapting to various surface geometries, enabling efficient heat reception without requiring rigid precision mounting structures.
2Power
If multiple thermoelectric elements are stacked to increase output, then power generation capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple thermoelectric elements are stacked and integrated onto a single flexible base with shared current collectors. This merging approach increases power generation capacity while maintaining a compact, unified structure that reduces overall device complexity compared to separate element configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar to three-dimensional stacking of thermoelectric elements vertically along the stacked direction. This vertical arrangement increases power output without expanding the horizontal footprint, and the integrated current collector design simplifies the overall structure despite the increased number of elements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If thermoelectric elements are placed closer to maximize heat reception, then heat reception efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible base allows thermoelectric elements to be positioned in close proximity to the heat source surface while accommodating variations in surface geometry. The inherent flexibility compensates for placement tolerances, maintaining efficient heat reception without requiring extremely precise manufacturing and positioning.
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 module efficiently receives heat from non-flat surfaces, enhances electromotive force, and increases output current while maintaining a compact size, with improved durability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric conversion layer and an electrolyte layer stacked in the stacked direction, wherein the thermoelectric conversion layer includes an electron thermal excitation layer and an electron transport layer stacked in the stacked direction
Implementation Method 2
an electron transmission layer located between the first thermoelectric element and the second current collector in the stacked direction
Data Source
AI summary
The thermoelectric module includes a flexible base, a first current collector located on the flexible base, a first thermoelectric element located on the first current collector, the first thermoelectric element including a first thermoelectric conversion layer and a first electrolyte layer stacked in order along a stacked direction of the flexible base and the first current collector, and a second current collector located on the first thermoelectric element.