Sample Holder Annealing Apparatus for Thermoelectric Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing annealing technologies for thermoelectric materials lack effective control over temperature and current density, leading to inconsistent microstructure precipitation and thermoelectric characteristics, particularly in achieving high ZT values through nanoscale microstructures.
Innovation Solution
A sample holder with a heat conductive shell, high thermal conductive and electrical insulation blocks, and electrodes for electrically assisted annealing, which allows precise control of temperature and current density within a sealed cavity, promoting specific nanophase precipitation and improving thermoelectric characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional annealing methods are used, then the annealing process is simple, but temperature and current density control are inconsistent leading to poor manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The annealing apparatus is divided into functionally independent modules: a sample holder assembly with heating elements, a separate cooling system with heat sinks, and independent electrical connection components. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system precision for temperature and current density control.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample holder acts as an intermediary component that simultaneously provides mechanical support, thermal management (through integrated heating and cooling), and electrical connection. This intermediary structure enables precise control of multiple parameters (temperature, current density) without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
2Manufacturing precision
If high temperature annealing is used, then nanophase precipitation can be achieved, but energy consumption increases and material damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables precise control and adjustment of annealing parameters including temperature, current density, and holding time. By optimizing these parameters rather than relying on high temperature alone, the system achieves effective nanophase precipitation with reduced energy consumption and minimized material damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated heating and cooling system maintains continuous thermal control during the annealing process, ensuring optimal conditions for nanophase precipitation throughout the treatment duration while avoiding energy waste from excessive temperature excursions or prolonged heating cycles.
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 enables stable and controlled annealing conditions, resulting in fine and even nanophase precipitation at lower temperatures and enhanced thermoelectric properties, addressing the limitations of conventional annealing methods.
Implementation Method 1
high thermal conductive and electrical insulation blocks are respectively disposed adjacent to the top of the base frame and the bottom of the top cover
Implementation Method 2
The power supplier supplies a current to the sample pallet
Implementation Method 3
The thermocouple external female connector is connected to the thermocouple of the sample holder for annealing apparatus and the first data extractor and the temperature controller
Data Source
AI summary
A sample holder for annealing apparatus and electrically assisted annealing apparatus using the same are provided. The sample holder includes a heat conductive shell, high thermal conductive and electrical insulation blocks, first and second electrodes. The heat conductive shell includes a base frame and a top cover. The high thermal conductive and electrical insulation blocks are adjacent to the base frame and the top cover, respectively, and a sample pallet is sandwiched therebetween. Length and width of the sample pallet is smaller than that of the high thermal conductive and electrical insulation blocks. The first and the second electrodes are fixed to two sides of the sample pallet, and are connected to electrifying wire respectively. Thickness of the first and the second electrodes is smaller than that of the sample pallet, while the width of the first and the second electrodes is longer than that of the sample pallet.