Portable power supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoelectric power generation systems require costly element structures and separate heating sources or containers, making them complex and expensive, especially in military applications where miniaturization and simplicity are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A portable power supply incorporating a combustion device and a heating container with a magnetic metal plate that generates electromotive force through the anomalous Nernst effect, allowing for integrated and cost-effective power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional thermoelectric conversion modules are used, then power generation function is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function and power generation function into a single integrated container. The container body itself serves as both the heating chamber and the thermoelectric power generation device, eliminating the need for separate heating containers and complex element structures. This merging approach directly reduces device complexity while maintaining power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the heating chamber, the thermoelectric module housing, and the power generation device simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and reduces overall system complexity while achieving both heating and power generation objectives.
2Temperature
If separate heating container and combustion device are used, then heating function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the combustion device and heating container into a single integrated unit. The combustion chamber is positioned directly within the container structure, and the thermoelectric modules are embedded in the container walls, creating a unified device that performs both combustion/heating and power generation without requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is divided into functional zones: a combustion chamber section, a thermoelectric module section, and a working substance container section. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while being part of an integrated whole, reducing the need for separate external devices.
3Power
If large temperature difference is created for power generation, then power generation efficiency improves, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric modules are nested within the container walls, with the combustion chamber positioned inside or adjacent to them. This nested arrangement allows the hot side of the thermoelectric modules to be directly exposed to combustion heat while the cold side contacts the working substance container, creating a compact structure that maintains large temperature differences without increasing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the wall thickness dimension of the container to house thermoelectric modules, rather than adding external components. By placing thermoelectric elements in the radial direction (hot side facing combustion chamber, cold side facing working substance), the design achieves efficient heat transfer and power generation within the existing container footprint, avoiding volume increase.
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 solution provides a simple, cost-effective, and compact power supply capable of generating electricity while heating, suitable for outdoor or military use, with uniform heating and reduced noise and size, eliminating the need for separate heating containers and devices.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic metal plate having spontaneous magnetization and generating electromotive force by producing an anomalous Nemst effect by being heated
Data Source
AI summary
A portable power supply according to one or more embodiments includes a combustion device (20) and a heating container (30) that retains an object to be heated, wherein at least a part of a portion of the heating container, the portion being directly heated by the combustion device, is provided with a magnetic metal plate (32) that has spontaneous magnetization and that generates electromotive force due to an anomalous Nernst effect induced by the heating, and wherein electrodes (33a, 33b) for drawing power are provided. Thus, the heating container for generating electricity has a simple configuration, and furthermore the portable power supply is provided with both the heating container and the combustion device.