Phononic Crystal Thermoelectric Modules for IC Temperature Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoelectric conversion devices lack flexibility in controlling temperature variations of objects, particularly integrated circuits, which experience irregular heat generation, leading to temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric conversion device comprising multiple modules with phononic crystal layers, where each module is independently controllable through connection electrodes, enhancing thermal insulation and efficiency by reducing thermal conductivity through phononic crystal structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If phononic crystal structure is introduced to reduce thermal conductivity, then thermoelectric conversion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple thermoelectric conversion modules (first module, second module) that can be independently controlled. Each module contains thermoelectric conversion elements arranged in series on an electric path between connection electrodes, allowing independent voltage application and temperature control for each module.
Solution Approach 2:
Phononic crystal structures are introduced specifically in the thermoelectric conversion elements where thermal conductivity reduction is most beneficial. The phononic crystal layer is integrated into the thermoelectric converter structure, creating localized thermal management with different thermal properties in different regions of the device.
2Reliability
If multiple thermoelectric conversion modules are used to improve temperature control flexibility, then ability to maintain temperature within prescribed range is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple thermoelectric conversion modules (first module, second module) that can be independently controlled. Each module contains thermoelectric conversion elements arranged in series on an electric path between connection electrodes, allowing independent voltage application and temperature control for each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables dynamic temperature control by independently adjusting the voltage applied to each thermoelectric conversion module. This allows real-time adaptation to varying heat generation patterns, particularly useful for maintaining temperature stability in objects with irregular heat generation such as integrated circuits.
3Temperature
If phononic crystal layer is integrated into thermoelectric converter, then thermal conductivity is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phononic crystal layer is merged with the thermoelectric converter structure to form an integrated thermoelectric conversion element. The phononic crystal layer is positioned in thermal contact with the thermoelectric conversion material, combining thermal management functions within a single integrated component rather than separate assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric converter is constructed as a composite structure integrating the phononic crystal layer with the thermoelectric conversion material. This composite structure combines the electrical conductivity properties of the thermoelectric material with the thermal insulation properties of the phononic crystal structure.
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 device effectively maintains temperature variations within a prescribed range for objects, particularly integrated circuits, by improving thermoelectric conversion efficiency and flexibility in cooling and heating control.
Implementation Method 1
the phononic crystal layer has a phononic crystal structure including a plurality of regularly arranged through holes
Implementation Method 2
The thermoelectric conversion device can cool and/or heat an object by utilizing the Peltier effect
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoelectric conversion device includes: a first thermoelectric conversion module, a first insulating layer, and a second thermoelectric conversion module. The first (second) thermoelectric conversion module includes one or two or more thermoelectric conversion elements, a first (third) connection electrode, and a second (fourth) connection electrode. The thermoelectric conversion elements of the first (second) thermoelectric conversion module are electrically connected to the first (third) connection electrode and the second (fourth) connection electrode and located on an electric path connecting these connection electrodes. Each of the thermoelectric conversion elements includes a thermoelectric converter. The thermoelectric converter of at least one of the thermoelectric conversion elements has a phononic crystal layer having a phononic crystal structure including a plurality of regularly arranged through holes. A through direction of the plurality of through holes in this crystal structure is substantially parallel to a stacking direction of the first thermoelectric conversion module, the first insulating layer, and the second thermoelectric conversion module.