Integrated Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting on Curved Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy harvesting devices that generate electrical energy from thermal gradients often require separate components and additional materials for installation, leading to increased complexity, size, and cost, particularly when dealing with curved heat sources.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a structure having a first portion and a second portion, where the energy harvesting device is integrated into the structure, utilizing thermopiles with dissimilar metal sections to generate electrical current from temperature differences, and optionally incorporating flexible or rigid elements for enhanced heat transfer, allowing for direct integration onto curved surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If energy harvesting devices are used as separate components, then electrical energy can be generated from thermal gradients, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy harvesting device is merged with the structure itself, where the structure serves dual purposes: providing mechanical support and enabling thermal energy harvesting. The structure includes first and second portions with different temperatures, and the energy harvesting device is integrated directly into these portions, eliminating the need for separate mounting components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support and simultaneously serves as the thermal management system and energy harvesting platform. The first and second portions of the structure create the temperature gradient needed for energy harvesting while maintaining structural integrity, making the structure universal in its functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If energy harvesting devices are used as separate components, then electrical energy can be generated from thermal gradients, but installation complexity and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy harvesting device is combined with the structure during manufacturing, eliminating separate installation steps. The device is formed as an integral part of the structure, which simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces the materials needed for mounting and connection.
3Power
If thermopiles with dissimilar metal sections are used, then electrical current can be generated from temperature differences, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Dissimilar metal sections are placed only at specific locations where temperature differences exist (at the first and second portions of the structure), rather than throughout the entire device. This localized placement of thermopiles generates electrical current where needed while minimizing the overall complexity of the device.
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 solution enables efficient electrical current generation from temperature gradients with reduced complexity and size, effectively addressing the challenges of curved heat sources by integrating the energy harvesting device directly into the structure, thereby simplifying installation and reducing material requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The energy harvesting device is configured to generate an electrical current when a difference in temperature occurs between the first portion and the second portion
Implementation Method 2
an electrically conductive segment in the electrically conductive segments comprises a first metal section and a second metal section in which a first metal in the first metal section is different from a second metal in the second metal section and a junction at which the first metal section is associated with the second metal section
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus comprising a structure and an energy harvesting device. The structure is configured to have a first portion and a second. The energy harvesting device is formed as part of the structure. The energy harvesting device is configured to generate an electrical current when a difference in temperature occurs between the first portion and the second portion.