Paving Machine Thermoelectric Charging From Hot Asphalt Heat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrically powered heavy machinery, such as paving machines, face rapid power consumption issues that require a solution to extend operational duration.

Innovation Solution

Integration of thermoelectric generators and potential thermal energy conversion devices on the paving machine to convert thermal energy from hot asphalt into electrical energy for charging onboard batteries, thereby extending the machine's operational time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electric power is used to power heavy machinery, then environmental friendliness and operational control are improved, but power consumption increases rapidly reducing operational duration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational controlVSAvoidoperational duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the waste heat generated by hot asphalt during paving operations into useful electrical energy through thermoelectric generators. This transforms a harmful waste product (excess thermal energy) into a beneficial resource (electrical power) that extends the operational duration of electric heavy machinery without compromising environmental friendliness or control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the paving machine to generate its own additional power onboard during operation. The thermoelectric generators are integrated directly into the machine, allowing it to self-charge its battery using the thermal energy naturally present in the hot asphalt it processes, thereby extending operational duration without external intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Duration of action of moving object

If larger batteries are installed to extend operational duration, then operational duration is improved, but machine weight and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational durationVSAvoidmachine weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding more weight through larger batteries, the system converts waste heat into electrical energy. This approach extends operational duration by generating power during operation rather than relying solely on pre-stored energy in larger batteries, thereby avoiding the weight penalty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of adding more battery capacity (which increases weight) with a thermal-to-electrical conversion system. The thermoelectric generators directly convert thermal energy into electrical energy, substituting the need for additional mechanical energy storage mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Duration of action of moving object

If larger batteries are installed to extend operational duration, then operational duration is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational durationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extends operational duration by utilizing an already-present resource (waste heat) rather than adding complex energy storage systems. The thermoelectric generators are relatively simple devices that directly convert thermal energy to electrical energy without requiring complex battery management systems or additional energy storage infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The paving machine performs its own power generation using onboard thermoelectric generators that utilize the heat naturally present during operation. This self-powered approach simplifies the overall system compared to installing and managing larger battery systems, as it requires minimal additional infrastructure beyond the generators and their mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively trickle-charges batteries using thermal energy, reducing the need for frequent recharging and enhancing the operational efficiency of electrically powered paving machines.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of thermoelectric generators electrically connected to the one or more batteries

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric effect: Seebeck Effect

Implementation Method 2

a potential thermal energy conversion device electrically connected to the one or more batteries

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy conversion: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS12359381B2Thermoelectric power generation on a paving machine

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 CATERPILLAR PAVING PROD INC

AI summary

An electrically powered paving machine includes a hopper; a screed assembly; a conveying system; one or more batteries configured to power the electrically powered paving machine; a plurality of thermoelectric generators electrically connected to the one or more batteries; a potential thermal energy conversion device electrically connected to the one or more batteries; and processing circuitry. Additionally, the electrically powered paving machine controls charging the one or more batteries using electrical energy generated by one or more of the plurality of thermoelectric generators and the potential thermal energy conversion device.