Phononic Crystal Thermoelectric Module for Flexible Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermoelectric conversion devices lack flexibility in controlling temperature variations of objects and have limited thermal insulation performance, which affects their efficiency in cooling and heating applications.

Innovation Solution

A thermoelectric conversion device with a phononic crystal structure, featuring regularly arranged through holes in the thermoelectric conversion elements, enhances thermal insulation by reducing thermal conductivity and allows independent control of multiple thermoelectric conversion regions, improving flexibility in temperature management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If phononic crystal structure with regularly arranged through holes is used, then thermal conductivity of the base material is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal conductivityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The phononic crystal structure incorporates regularly arranged through holes creating a porous configuration within the thermoelectric conversion elements. This porous structure reduces thermal conductivity by introducing phonon scattering paths while maintaining electrical conductivity, directly addressing the thermal insulation requirement without compromising the thermoelectric conversion function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines multiple materials with different thermal and electrical conductivity properties within the phononic crystal structure. The composite construction allows optimization of thermal insulation in certain directions while preserving electrical conductivity pathways, resolving the contradiction between reducing thermal conductivity and maintaining device functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple thermoelectric conversion regions are used, then flexibility in temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control flexibilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thermoelectric conversion device is divided into multiple independent thermoelectric conversion regions, each capable of being controlled separately. This segmentation allows different regions to operate at different temperature levels or conversion modes, providing flexibility in temperature control while maintaining a modular structure that simplifies overall device management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates dynamic control capabilities where the operation mode of each thermoelectric conversion region can be adjusted in real-time based on temperature requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to switch between heating and cooling modes or adjust conversion efficiency levels, enhancing versatility without requiring completely separate devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 achieves high flexibility in cooling and heating, maintaining temperature variations within a prescribed range and enhancing thermoelectric conversion efficiency through improved thermal insulation and independent region control.

Implementation Method 1

the thermoelectric converter of at least one of the thermoelectric conversion elements includes a phononic crystal layer having a phononic crystal structure including a plurality of regularly arranged through holes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhononic crystal structure: Phononic Crystal

Implementation Method 2

The thermoelectric conversion device can cool and/or heat an object by utilizing the Peltier effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12167692B2Thermoelectric conversion device, method for controlling thermoelectric conversion device, method for cooling and/or heating object by using thermoelectric conversion device, and electronic device

Publication Date: 2024.12.10 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A thermoelectric conversion device includes: an insulating layer; and a thermoelectric conversion module disposed on the insulating layer. The thermoelectric conversion module has a first thermoelectric conversion region and a second thermoelectric conversion region. The first(second) thermoelectric conversion region 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 region 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 direction perpendicular to a principal surface of the insulating layer.