Solvating Material Thermoelectric Device for Reversible Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoelectric devices using metal compounds have low efficiency and are not suitable as energy sources due to their weight and size, and materials like metal ammonia and metal amine, which show thermoelectric effects, are prone to oxidation and have limited stability, making it difficult to maintain them in a reversible state for efficient energy conversion.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric conversion device with a closed structure containing a metal ammonia or metal amine compound, equipped with a polarization membrane or porous separation membrane and a heating unit to prevent material outflow and maintain the solvating material in a reversible state, allowing for efficient conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional thermoelectric materials (metal compounds) are used, then thermoelectric conversion is achieved, but thermoelectric efficiency is very low compared to weight and size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the thermoelectric material from conventional metal compounds to solvating materials (metal ammonia/metal amine compounds). This material parameter change enables achieving higher thermoelectric efficiency with significantly reduced weight, as solvating materials have much lower density while maintaining or improving thermoelectric performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite solvating materials comprising metal ions, ammonia molecules, and solvated electrons. This composite structure combines the advantages of metallic properties (electrical conductivity) and non-metallic properties (low density), resolving the contradiction between power efficiency and weight.
2Power
If conventional thermoelectric materials are used, then thermoelectric conversion is achieved, but device size is large and not suitable as energy source
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the material parameter to solvating materials with low density and high thermoelectric efficiency, the patent achieves the same power output with significantly reduced device volume, making it suitable for portable energy sources.
3Power
If solvating material (metal ammonia) is used, then thermoelectric efficiency is improved, but material is prone to oxidation and has limited stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inert atmosphere (nitrogen or argon) to surround the solvating material, preventing oxidation by excluding oxygen. This creates a protective environment that maintains material stability while preserving the high thermoelectric efficiency of the solvating material.
Solution Approach 2:
The inert gas acts as an intermediary barrier between the solvating material and oxygen in the air, preventing direct contact and oxidation reactions that would degrade the material.
4Power
If solvating material is used, then thermoelectric conversion is improved, but material outflows and cannot be maintained in reversible state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane to contain the solvating material within the cell. This membrane prevents material outflow while allowing the material to maintain its reversible state for continuous thermoelectric conversion cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane acts as an intermediary barrier that physically confines the solvating material, preventing its escape while allowing the system to maintain reversible thermoelectric operation.
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 effectively converts thermal energy to electrical energy using waste heat, maintaining the solvating material in a reversible state, enabling continuous energy generation and reducing resource waste, with the ability to scale from small to large devices by connecting cells in series.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric conversion device which allows direct generation of electricity from a solid state, eliminates noises and shakes, and generates thus electrical energy only with temperature difference
Implementation Method 2
a heating unit, which prevents the outflow of the solvating material and thus maintains the solvating material in a reversible state
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion device using a solvating material, the device comprising: a cell with a closed structure, comprising a metal ammonia or metal amine compound as a solvating material; a polarization membrane or porous separation membrane; and a heating unit, which prevents the outflow of the solvating material and thus maintains the solvating material in a reversible state.