Radiation Shield for Electronics Module Thermal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoelectric energy harvesting systems face challenges in minimizing the heating of electronic components, which can lead to reduced performance and potential damage when operating near or exceeding their maximum rated temperature.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric energy harvesting system is designed with a housing that includes a cavity for an electronics module, a radiation shield to block radiative heating, and a compliant thermally-insulative layer and thermal transfer pad for effective heat management, ensuring the electronics module operates within a safe temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the electronics module is placed in direct contact with the housing to improve thermal coupling, then heat dissipation is enhanced, but radiative heating from the housing increases the temperature of the electronics module
Solution Approach 1:
A radiation shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the housing and the electronics module. The shield is mounted to the housing and extends into the cavity to block radiative heat transfer to the electronics module, while allowing thermal conduction paths to remain effective for heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation shield is nested within the housing cavity structure, positioned between the housing walls and the electronics module. This nested arrangement allows the shield to block radiative heating while maintaining the compact integrated design of the housing and electronics module assembly.
2Loss of energy
If the housing is made thermally conductive to improve heat dissipation, then cooling efficiency increases, but radiative heating of the electronics module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management function is segmented into two separate mechanisms: thermal conduction paths are maintained through the housing for efficient heat dissipation, while a radiation shield is added to specifically block radiative heating. This segmentation allows independent optimization of both heat removal and radiation blocking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation shield acts as a selective intermediary that blocks radiative heat transfer while allowing conductive heat transfer paths to remain effective. This enables the housing to maintain its thermally conductive properties for heat dissipation without suffering from radiative heating effects.
3Reliability
If the cavity is enclosed to protect the electronics module, then environmental protection is improved, but heat accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shield serves as an intermediary thermal management component within the enclosed cavity. It blocks radiative heating from the housing walls while allowing the cavity to remain enclosed for environmental protection, thus preventing heat accumulation from radiation without compromising sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation shield provides localized thermal protection to the electronics module by blocking radiative heat transfer in the specific region where the module is positioned, while maintaining the overall enclosed structure for environmental protection. This local quality approach addresses heat accumulation without requiring changes to the entire cavity 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 solution effectively minimizes radiative heating and enhances thermal coupling, maintaining the electronics module below its maximum rated temperature, thereby improving the system's efficiency and extending the operational life of the thermoelectric generator and electronics components.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation shield may prevent or reduce radiative heating of the cavity from the heat in the housing
Implementation Method 2
Thermoelectric generators are energy sources that convert thermal energy into electrical energy over an essentially unlimited lifetime. A thermoelectric generator produces a voltage in response to a thermal gradient across the thermoelectric generator
Implementation Method 3
Heat from the heat source may flow through the thermoelectric generator prior to entering the heat sink where the heat may be rejected to the environment
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoelectric energy harvesting system may include a thermoelectric generator and an electronics module. The thermoelectric generator may produce a voltage in response to a temperature difference across the thermoelectric generator and generate power when coupled to a load. The system may include a housing mounted on top of the thermoelectric generator. The housing may include a cavity containing the electronics module. The electronics module may condition the power generated by the thermoelectric generator. The cavity may be enclosed by an inner surface of the housing. A radiation shield may cover at least a portion of the inner surface and may block radiative heating of the cavity from the housing.