High-efficiency power conversion architecture for driving a thermoelectric cooler in energy conscious applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoelectric cooling devices and modules have poor efficiency compared to vapor-compression refrigeration systems, limiting their use in refrigeration applications, and existing power conversion systems for thermoelectric coolers (TECs) struggle to minimize total AC power draw while maintaining high efficiency across varying operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
An AC-DC power conversion system with two AC-DC power conversion subsystems, one for high power and one for low power operation, connected via a switching fabric and controlled by a microcontroller to optimize power levels based on the TEC's Coefficient of Performance (COP) and heat pumping energy, allowing for efficient operation at both high COP and low COP conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single AC-DC power converter is used for TEC operation, then the device complexity is low, but the power conversion efficiency cannot be optimized across varying operating conditions (high COP and low COP modes)
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion system is segmented into two separate AC-DC power converters: a high power AC-DC power converter for high heat pumping mode and a low power AC-DC power converter for high efficiency mode. Each converter is optimized for its specific operating range, allowing the system to achieve high power conversion efficiency across varying operating conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through functional division
2Power
If the TEC operates in high heat pumping mode, then the heat pumping energy is high, but the power conversion efficiency decreases due to mismatched AC-DC converter operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two AC-DC power converters based on the required operating mode. The microcontroller monitors the desired heat pumping level and selectively enables either the high power AC-DC converter for high heat pumping mode or the low power AC-DC converter for high efficiency mode, ensuring optimal power conversion efficiency matches the current power demand
3Loss of energy
If the TEC operates in high efficiency mode, then the power conversion efficiency is high, but the heat pumping energy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operating parameters by switching between two distinct AC-DC power converters with different power ratings. The low power AC-DC converter is specifically designed and optimized for high efficiency operation at lower power levels, while the high power AC-DC converter handles high power demands. This parameter change approach allows the system to achieve peak efficiency when high heat pumping is not required
4Use of energy by moving object
If a single AC-DC power converter is used, then the device complexity is low, but the total AC power draw cannot be minimized across different operating modes
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion system is segmented into two separate AC-DC power converters: a high power AC-DC power converter for high heat pumping mode and a low power AC-DC power converter for high efficiency mode. Each converter is optimized for its specific operating range, allowing the system to achieve high power conversion efficiency across varying operating conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through functional division
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by switching between two distinct AC-DC power converters with different power ratings. The low power AC-DC converter is specifically designed and optimized for high efficiency operation at lower power levels, while the high power AC-DC converter handles high power demands. This parameter change approach allows the system to achieve peak efficiency when high heat pumping is not required
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 system achieves high efficiency in both high COP and low COP modes, reducing total AC power draw and enabling effective thermoelectric refrigeration by maximizing power conversion efficiency across different operating points.
Implementation Method 1
Thermoelectric Coolers (TECs) are solid state semiconductor devices that utilize the Peltier effect to transfer heat from one side of the device to the other, thereby creating a cooling effect on the cold side of the device
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed herein relating to an Alternating Current - Direct Current (AC-DC) power conversion system for supplying power to one or more Thermoelectric Coolers (TECs). In some embodiments, a system comprises one or more TECs and an AC-DC power conversion system configured to supply power to the one or more TECs for a high efficiency mode of operation and a high heat pumping mode of operation. The AC-DC power conversion system comprises a first AC-DC power converter configured to convert an AC input to a DC output at a first output power level for the high efficiency mode of operation of the one or more TECs. The AC-DC power conversion system further comprises a second AC-DC power converter configured to convert the AC input to a DC output at a second output power level for the high heat pumping mode of operation of the one or more TECs.