Segmented Waste Heat Exchanger for Thermoelectric Module Temperature Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaust pipe waste heat exchangers experience a large temperature difference between the upstream and downstream sides when thermoelectric modules are mounted, leading to inefficient heat transfer and potential power loss.
Innovation Solution
A waste heat exchanger design featuring an inner tube with inlet and outlet channels connected by holes, an outer tube with a conductive assembly, and optional thermoelectric modules, which facilitates efficient heat transfer through natural convection or thermoelectric conversion, reducing temperature differences and enhancing energy recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If waste heat gas flows through parallel fins in a cuboid structure, then heat transfer area is increased, but temperature difference between upstream and downstream sides becomes too large (up to 100°C)
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust pipe is divided into multiple sections with fins arranged in segments along the length of the pipe. This segmentation allows heat transfer to occur at multiple locations simultaneously, distributing the temperature gradient and preventing excessive temperature difference between upstream and downstream sides while maintaining adequate heat transfer area.
Solution Approach 2:
The fin structure transitions from a traditional two-dimensional plate arrangement to a three-dimensional segmented configuration along the exhaust pipe length. This dimensional change enables heat transfer in multiple spatial directions, increasing effective heat transfer area without creating large axial temperature differences.
2Power
If thermoelectric modules are mounted on the exhaust pipe surface, then electric energy generation is enabled, but large temperature difference causes inefficient heat transfer and power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The fin structure and thermoelectric module arrangement are optimized at different locations along the exhaust pipe. Fins are positioned to maximize heat transfer to thermoelectric modules while maintaining appropriate temperature gradients. This local optimization ensures efficient heat transfer to each module, maximizing electric energy generation and minimizing power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The fin structure serves as an intermediary between the hot exhaust gas and the thermoelectric modules. It enhances heat transfer from the gas to the modules by providing a large surface area for thermal exchange, ensuring that heat is efficiently delivered to the thermoelectric conversion elements without excessive temperature differences.
3Productivity
If fins are added to increase contact area, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fin structure is integrated directly into the exhaust pipe wall, merging the heat transfer surface with the structural component. This integration achieves high heat transfer efficiency through the fin surfaces while avoiding the complexity of separate attached fin components, as the fins are formed as part of the pipe structure itself.
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 design achieves a smaller temperature difference of less than 30°C across the surface of the pipe, improving the performance of thermoelectric modules in generating electric energy and reducing power loss.
Implementation Method 1
The conductive assembly positioned between the inner tube and the outer tube. The conductive assembly is disposed on an outside surface of the inner tube and an inside surface of the outer tube.
Implementation Method 2
Waste heat gas through the fins transmits the waste heat to the surface of the outer tube by serial flow type from the inlet to outlet.
Implementation Method 3
The temperature difference may achieve 100° C. on the surface of the outer tube of the exhaust pipe waste heat exchanger when disposed thermoelectric modules are mounted.
Data Source
AI summary
A waste heat exchanger may include an inner tube, an outer tube, a fin assembly and a plurality of heat electric modules The inner tube has a plurality of holes. Disposed inside the inner tube is a plurality of inlet channels and a plurality of outlet channels. The plurality of inlet channels and the plurality of outlet channels are disposed to correspond to each other. The plurality of inlet channels and the plurality of outlet channels are connected to the plurality of holes. A fluid flows through the plurality of inlets and the plurality of holes to get into the outlet channels. The outer tube is disposed outside the inner tube. The conductive assembly is positioned between the inner tube and the outer tube. The conductive assembly is disposed on an outside surface of the inner tube and an inside surface of the outer tube.