Peltier Device Modulates Voltage Regulator Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulators in electronic systems require cumbersome hardware modifications or firmware updates to adjust output voltages dynamically, especially in response to temperature changes, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential system failures due to overheating or performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a Peltier device to modulate the control input of a voltage regulator, leveraging the temperature-dependent output of the Peltier device to adjust the voltage regulator's output voltage through a differential amplifier and driver device, allowing for rapid and automated adjustments without manual intervention or hardware changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage regulator output voltage is adjusted dynamically in response to temperature changes, then system performance and reliability are improved, but hardware complexity and modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A Peltier device is introduced as an intermediary component between the heat-producing electronic device and the voltage regulator. The Peltier device converts temperature differences directly into voltage signals through the Seebeck effect, which then modulates the voltage regulator's control input. This intermediary approach enables dynamic temperature-based voltage adjustment without requiring complex control circuitry or firmware modifications in the voltage regulator itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or software-based voltage adjustment mechanisms with a thermoelectric approach. Instead of using complex control systems, microprocessors, or manual hardware modifications to adjust voltage based on temperature, the system uses the Peltier device's inherent Seebeck effect to generate control voltages directly from temperature differences, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Ease of operation
If traditional voltage adjustment methods are used, then hardware modifications are required, but this leads to cumbersome implementation and potential system failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service voltage regulation by using the Peltier device to automatically generate control signals based on the temperature differential across the heat-producing electronic device. The Peltier device self-regulates the voltage regulator's control input without requiring external sensors, microcontrollers, or manual intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining system reliability through automated fail-safe behavior.
3Productivity
If Peltier device is used to modulate control input, then rapid automated adjustments are enabled, but additional components are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the voltage regulator by using the Peltier device to directly modulate the control input voltage. The Peltier device responds rapidly to temperature changes by generating corresponding voltage signals, enabling fast voltage adjustments. Although additional components are introduced, the Peltier device's solid-state nature and direct voltage generation capability provide rapid response times that outweigh the added component count.
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
Enables dynamic and efficient adjustment of voltage regulator output voltages in response to temperature changes, enhancing system performance, reducing power consumption, and providing a fail-safe mode by automatically adjusting voltages to prevent overheating, thus improving operational reliability and reducing the need for invasive modifications.
Implementation Method 1
This conversion of heat directly into a voltage difference at the junction(s) of different types of conductive materials, e.g., wires and/or semiconductors, is known as the 'Seebeck effect.' This generated voltage difference is proportional to the temperature difference between the two sides
Implementation Method 2
A Peltier device is a solid-state active heat pump that can function as a either a thermoelectric cooler or heater. A Peltier device functions by transferring heat from one surface of the device to an opposing surface. The heat transfer is accomplished by providing a voltage across a series of electrically interconnected N-type and P-type semiconductor elements within the Peltier device
Data Source
AI summary
A system can control, with a positive temperature-voltage correlation, an output of a voltage regulator with a Peltier device. The Peltier device can receive heat from a heat-producing electronic device, and can have a positive terminal and a negative terminal. A voltage regulator circuit can include a driver device electrically coupled to an input voltage and an output terminal electrically coupled to one of the Peltier device terminals. The voltage regulator circuit can also include a differential amplifier electrically coupled to a reference voltage, an input electrically coupled to another Peltier device terminal and an output electrically coupled to the driver device. The differential amplifier can, in response to a voltage produced by the Peltier device, modulate, with a positive temperature-voltage correlation, an output voltage on the output terminal of the driver device.