Split Thermoelectric Assembly Layout for Low-Pressure Airflow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Air-to-air thermoelectric cooling assemblies suffer from inefficient airflow due to stagnant zones and increased pressure drops, which reduce the overall flow rate and efficiency of the system.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a split configuration of thermoelectric assemblies with fins separated by gaps, where a fan is centered between the gaps, and optional dividers can be angled or radiused to facilitate airflow, reducing pressure drops and improving airflow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a fan is mounted over the tips of the fins of a heat sink in an impinging orientation, then the heat sink can be compact, but a dead line of stagnant airflow is created at the middle of the sink, reducing efficiency and increasing pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink is divided into multiple sections with gaps between fin sets, allowing airflow to pass through rather than creating a stagnant dead zone. This segmentation eliminates the harmful airflow pattern while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Gaps between fin sets act as intermediaries that facilitate airflow through the heat sink structure. These gaps prevent stagnation by providing pathways for air to move continuously, resolving the contradiction between compactness and airflow efficiency.
2Productivity
If fins are placed in a staggered configuration, then airflow can be improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink is segmented into modular sections with repeating patterns of fin sets and gaps. This segmentation allows for improved airflow through staggered configuration while reducing overall complexity by using standardized, repeatable modules rather than a completely custom complex 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
This configuration enhances airflow, reduces pressure drops, and allows for more efficient use of high-density fins, leading to increased cooling efficiency and reduced noise, with potential for a 12-45% increase in cooling performance in a smaller footprint compared to traditional designs.
Implementation Method 1
Air to air thermoelectric cooling assemblies typically have a fan mounted over the tips of the fins of a heat sink, blowing into the sink
Implementation Method 2
Presently available thermoelectric devices used for cooling typically include an array of thermocouples that operate in accordance with the Peltier effect
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system includes a first thermoelectric assembly that includes a first set of thermoelectric elements and a first plate and a second plate are coupled to the first set of thermoelectric elements. A second thermoelectric assembly is spaced apart from the first thermoelectric assembly. It includes a second set of thermoelectric elements and a third plate and a fourth plate are coupled to the second set of thermoelectric elements. A first set of fins is coupled to the first plate and a second set of fins is coupled to the third plate. A third set of fins is coupled to the second plate and a fourth set of fins is coupled to the fourth plate. A fan is coupled to the first and second sets of fins and is substantially centered with respect to a gap between the first and second sets of fins.