Peltier element module and air conditioner including same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoelectric elements are not suitable for air conditioners due to their small size, which limits cooling and heating capacity, and the difficulty in geometrically separating and fixing multiple elements for efficient air flow and refrigerant circulation.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric element module with a stacked structure of thermoelectric elements and flow path plates, featuring microchannels and geometrically separated flow paths, allowing close contact with cooling/heating surfaces and eliminating the need for a compressor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple thermoelectric elements are used to increase cooling capacity, then the cooling capacity increases, but the geometric design and fixing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The module divides the thermoelectric elements into multiple independent units (first through fourth elements) that can be separately manufactured and then assembled. Each element has standardized dimensions and mounting holes, allowing modular construction that scales capacity without proportionally increasing design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple thermoelectric elements are combined with flow path plates and fastening members into an integrated module assembly. The elements are arranged in a compact configuration where they share common mounting structures and fluid pathways, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate installations.
2Power
If multiple thermoelectric elements are stacked to increase capacity, then the cooling capacity increases, but the fixing reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Mounting holes are pre-formed in each thermoelectric element during manufacturing, and the elements are pre-arranged in their final stacked configuration. The flow path plates are also pre-configured with corresponding mounting features, so that during assembly, the elements can be directly fastened without requiring complex alignment procedures that would compromise reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Fastening members serve as intermediary components that reliably connect the stacked thermoelectric elements to the flow path plates. These dedicated fastening components distribute mechanical loads evenly across the assembly and provide robust mechanical bonding that maintains reliability as the number of elements increases.
3Volume of moving object
If the cooling and heating plates are placed close together to reduce size, then the device size decreases, but the thermal resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric elements are arranged in a vertical stack along the thickness dimension rather than spreading out in the planar dimensions. This allows the cooling and heating plates to be positioned close together in terms of overall device footprint while maintaining adequate thermal pathways through the vertical arrangement, effectively using the third dimension to resolve the contradiction between compact size and thermal performance.
4Power
If a conventional refrigeration cycle is used, then the cooling capacity is sufficient, but the system complexity and size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the compressor, condenser, and expansion valve from the system by using thermoelectric elements for both cooling and heating functions. This leaves only the essential heat exchange components (evaporators and condensers) and a simple circulation pump, dramatically reducing system complexity while maintaining adequate cooling capacity through the stacked element configuration.
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
Enhances thermal conduction efficiency, reduces volume and weight, and enables the integration of thermoelectric elements into air conditioners without a compressor, achieving compact and durable cooling/heating solutions.
Implementation Method 1
When direct current flows through the thermoelectric element, a low-temperature part and a high-temperature part are formed at the two ends, which is called the Peltier effect (thermoelectric effect).
Implementation Method 2
a flow path plate that is at least partially plate-shaped and including a plurality of microchannels formed inside the plate shape, thereby enabling close contact with the cooling or heating surface of the thermoelectric element
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermoelectric element module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements arranged such that their cooling surfaces and heating surfaces face each other; and a plurality of flow path plates, each having a plate shape and including a plurality of microchannels formed inside the plate shape. The plurality of flow path plates are interposed between the plurality of thermoelectric elements, and the plurality of thermoelectric elements and the plurality of flow path plates can be stacked in contact with each other. Other various embodiments are possible.