Modular Thermoelectric Tempering with Integrated Airflow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoelectric temperature control devices are cumbersome and inefficient for cooling or heating applications, particularly in switch cabinets and housings, due to complex designs and lack of defined air flow conditions.
Innovation Solution
A compact, modular thermoelectric temperature control device with integrated fans on both sides of the heat exchanger body, featuring radial or axial fan configurations and countercurrent/cocurrent air flow options, along with a coupling mechanism for easy expansion and adaptation, and a control unit for efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a separate flow chamber with heat exchanger and radial fan is used before the Peltier element, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the device becomes voluminous and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat exchanger body and fan into a single integrated unit that is directly coupled to the Peltier element. The heat exchanger body has flow channels formed directly in it, eliminating the need for separate flow chambers and intermediate heat exchangers. This merging of components reduces device complexity while maintaining effective heat exchange through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural housing, contains the flow channels for air passage, provides mounting for the fan, and directly interfaces with the Peltier element for heat transfer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
2Power
If multiple temperature control modules are used to achieve desired cooling capacity, then temperature control effectiveness is improved, but the device becomes cumbersome and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional voluminous design with separate flow chambers to a two-dimensional planar design where flow channels are formed directly in the heat exchanger body. This dimensional change allows multiple temperature control modules to be arranged more compactly, reducing the overall volume while maintaining the required temperature control capacity through efficient thermal coupling.
3Speed
If fans are arranged outside the housing on the Peltier unit, then air flow generation is achieved, but the design lacks integration and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The fan is integrated directly into the housing structure and coupled to the heat exchanger body, merging the air movement function with the thermal management system. This integration ensures that the fan generates air flow that directly passes through the heat exchanger channels, improving efficiency while reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall design.
4Loss of energy
If complex flow channel arrangements are used, then heat exchange performance is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channels are segmented into distinct regions: an air inflow opening, flow channels with integrated heat exchange surfaces, and an air outflow opening. This segmentation allows for optimized heat exchange performance in each region while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing, as the channels are formed directly in the heat exchanger body rather than requiring complex assembled structures.
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 provides a high-efficiency, space-saving, and versatile temperature control system that can be easily scaled and adapted to various applications, achieving efficient cooling or heating with minimal electrical power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
several thermoelectrically operating temperature control elements with a cold surface that forms when electric current is supplied on one side and a warm surface on its opposite side
Implementation Method 2
lamellar heat exchanger bodies applied on both sides and combined in a temperature control module
Implementation Method 3
air flow along the same effecting fans, wherein a unit of the temperature control device designed as a temperature control module
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a thermoelectric tempering device having a plurality of thermoelectrically operating tempering elements (10), comprising a cold surface, which forms upon the supply of an electric current, on one side thereof, and a warm surface on the opposite side thereof, comprising air/heat exchange bodies (11, 11') affixed on both sides and accommodated in a respective air flow chamber, and comprising ventilators (13, 13') effecting an air flow along the same. Simple adjustment and expansion possibilities are offered in that a unit of the tempering device configured as a tempering module (1) is constructed such that the air flow chambers are configured as flow channels (15, 15') surrounding the heat exchange bodies (11, 11') parallel to the flow direction laterally and on the cover side facing away from the tempering elements (10), the flow channels having an air intake opening (14, 14') and an air discharge opening (16, 16'), wherein the ventilator (13, 13') of the respective flow channel (15, 15') is disposed on the intake opening (14, 14') or on the discharge opening (16, 16') thereof.