Locker Temperature Control Using Peltier Elements and Pre-tempering Circuit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locker systems lack the capability to maintain specific temperature ranges required for storing perishable goods like frozen products and foodstuffs, leading to inefficiencies and energy wastage due to limited temperature control and high energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

The integration of Peltier elements connected to a common pre-tempering circuit with a heating device and refrigeration machine, allowing for precise temperature control within a wide range (-30°C to +40°C) by supplying a temperature-controlled fluid to the Peltier elements, and the use of insulating layers and cooling fins for efficient heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a cooling system is added to lockers to store temperature-sensitive goods, then the versatility of the locker system is improved, but the energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to store temperature-sensitive goodsVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the locker system into individually controllable temperature zones, where each locker can be independently cooled or heated based on its specific requirements. This segmentation allows only necessary lockers to consume energy, rather than cooling the entire system, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different lockers are assigned different temperature characteristics (cooling, freezing, or ambient) based on local needs. The system applies temperature control only where required, with each locker having its own Peltier element for localized temperature management, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If all lockers are kept at controlled temperatures, then the reliability of storing perishable goods is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature stability for perishable goodsVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts temperature control based on real-time conditions. Lockers are switched between active temperature control and ambient mode depending on whether they contain temperature-sensitive goods, allowing the system to maintain reliability when needed while minimizing energy consumption when not required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically determines which lockers require temperature control based on the stored goods' requirements, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring. The control system self-adjusts temperature settings and activates/deactivates Peltier elements as needed, maintaining reliability while optimizing energy usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If Peltier elements are used for temperature control, then the manufacturing precision of temperature maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the temperature control function from traditional complex refrigeration systems and implements it using solid-state Peltier elements. This removes moving parts, compressors, and refrigerants, simplifying the device while maintaining or improving temperature control precision through direct electrical-to-thermal energy conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables the storage of goods at specific temperatures, reduces energy consumption by switching off unoccupied lockers, and ensures a consistent cold chain, effectively maintaining desired temperatures for frozen and refrigerated items.

Implementation Method 1

The Peltier elements are arranged in or on a wall of the respective locker and each have an inside and an outside, with the inside facing towards the interior of the locker and the outside facing outwards

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

the temperature control devices are each equipped with cooling fins. This enables heat or cold to be dissipated from one side wall of the respective Peltier element to the other side wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

a common pre-tempering circuit, which is designed to supply the Peltier elements with a temperature-controlled fluid, with the common pre-tempering circuit having a heating device and a refrigeration machine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor compression refrigeration: Brayton Cycle