Temperature adjustment apparatus and method of controlling Peltier element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The coefficient of performance (COP) of Peltier elements is reduced when the temperature difference between the exothermic and endothermic surfaces increases, leading to inefficient temperature adjustment of electronic devices like batteries in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A temperature adjustment apparatus that controls the electric power supply to a Peltier element, stopping power when the temperature difference exceeds a predetermined value and restarting when it drops below a second predetermined value, to maintain the temperature of electronic devices within a set range while limiting COP reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electric power is continuously supplied to the Peltier element to maintain temperature, then the temperature adjustment capability is improved, but the COP is reduced due to large temperature difference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by intermittently stopping and restarting the supply of electric power to the Peltier element based on temperature difference thresholds. The control section stops power supply when the temperature difference exceeds a first threshold and restarts when it falls below a second threshold, creating a periodic on-off pattern that maintains temperature adjustment capability while reducing average power consumption and improving COP.
2Productivity
If the temperature difference between exothermic and endothermic surfaces is increased to enhance heat exchange, then the heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the COP is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the temperature difference dynamic rather than maintaining a fixed large difference. The control section dynamically adjusts the Peltier element operation based on real-time temperature monitoring, stopping when the temperature difference exceeds a threshold and restarting when it falls below a threshold. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve necessary heat exchange efficiency while minimizing energy loss and maintaining higher COP.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If electric power is stopped to reduce power consumption, then the power consumption is reduced, but the temperature maintenance capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a closed-loop control system that continuously monitors the temperature difference between the exothermic and endothermic surfaces of the Peltier element. The control section uses this feedback information to make intelligent decisions about when to stop and restart power supply, ensuring that temperature maintenance capability is preserved while reducing power consumption during periods when temperature adjustment is not critically needed.
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
This approach enables efficient temperature adjustment of electronic devices by maintaining the battery temperature within a predetermined range, reducing power consumption, and minimizing COP degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a Peltier element supplied with electric power to allow heat exchange between an electronic device mounted on a vehicle and a heat exchange portion of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature adjustment apparatus has a Peltier element supplied with electric power to allow heat exchange between an electronic device mounted on a vehicle and a heat exchange portion of the vehicle, and a Peltier element control section that controls electric power supplied to the Peltier element. When the temperature difference between a first surface of the Peltier element serving as an exothermic surface and a second surface of the Peltier element serving as an endothermic surface becomes larger than a first predetermined value as a result of supply of electric power to the Peltier element, the Peltier element control section stops supply of electric power to the Peltier element.