Parallel TEC Control for Precise Chamber Temperature Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vapor compression based refrigeration systems are inefficient in precisely controlling temperature within a cooling chamber, leading to excessive wear and sub-optimum efficiency due to large current surges and limited capacity variation, which results in inefficient heat extraction and premature component failure.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric refrigeration system with a controller that selectively controls multiple Thermoelectric Coolers (TECs) by activating, deactivating, and adjusting the current and duty cycle of subsets of TECs to maintain a set point temperature, allowing for precise control and efficient heat extraction based on cooling demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If vapor compression based refrigeration systems use duty cycle control with large current surges, then pull down performance is improved, but component wear increases and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is divided into multiple independent TEC modules, each capable of operating independently. This segmentation allows the system to distribute the cooling load across multiple smaller units rather than relying on a single large compressor, thereby reducing current surges and component wear while maintaining effective pull down performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of individual TEC modules based on real-time cooling demands. By selectively activating or deactivating specific TECs rather than using binary on/off duty cycle control, the system achieves smooth transitions without large current surges, improving both reliability and efficiency.
2Temperature
If vapor compression systems activate continuously to maintain temperature, then temperature control is achieved, but energy consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic activation of TEC modules rather than continuous operation. The controller monitors temperature and selectively activates specific TEC modules only when and where cooling is needed, creating a periodic rather than continuous operation pattern that reduces energy consumption while maintaining temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different TEC modules are activated based on local cooling demands within the cooling chamber. Rather than uniformly activating the entire system, the controller applies cooling locally to specific zones that require it, optimizing energy usage while maintaining precise temperature control where needed.
3Loss of energy
If vapor compression systems use throttling or capacity variation, then efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves capacity variation through segmentation into multiple independently controllable TEC modules rather than using complex throttling mechanisms. Each module can be individually activated or deactivated to match cooling demands, providing efficient capacity adjustment without adding mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical throttling devices with electronic control of TEC modules. Instead of using mechanical components to vary capacity, the controller electronically switches between different TEC configurations, achieving the same effect with simpler, more reliable solid-state components.
4Use of energy by moving object
If vapor compression systems operate with large control bands, then energy consumption is reduced, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cooling chamber into multiple zones with independent TEC modules, allowing precise local temperature control. Each module can be independently adjusted to maintain tight temperature control in its specific zone without requiring large overall control bands, achieving both energy efficiency and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller applies different control strategies to different local zones based on their specific thermal conditions. By optimizing control parameters locally rather than using a uniform large control band system-wide, the system maintains precise temperature control while minimizing energy consumption.
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 efficient temperature control and maximizes the efficiency of heat extraction by dynamically managing TEC subsets, reducing wear and improving system performance by matching capacity with cooling demands, thus extending component lifespan and enhancing overall efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a Peltier device disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, the Peltier device configured to transfer heat from the first fluid to the second fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to controlling multiple Thermoelectric Coolers (TECs) to maintain a set point temperature of a chamber. In one embodiment, a controller receives temperature data corresponding to a temperature of the chamber. Based on the temperature data, the controller selectively controls two or more subsets of the TECs to maintain the temperature of the chamber at a desired set point temperature. In this manner, the controller is enabled to control the TECs such that the TECs operate to efficiently maintain the temperature of the chamber at the set point temperature. In another embodiment, the controller selects one or more control schemes enabled by the controller based on temperature data and a desired performance profile. The controller then independently controls one or more subsets of the TECs according to the selected control scheme(s).