Thermoelectric Cooler Control for Precise Chamber Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vapor compression based refrigeration systems are inefficient in precisely controlling temperature within a cooling chamber, leading to excessive wear and sub-optimal energy consumption due to their dynamic limitations and inability to adapt to varying cooling demands.

Innovation Solution

A thermoelectric refrigeration system with a controller that selectively controls multiple Thermoelectric Coolers (TECs) by activating, deactivating, and adjusting the current and duty cycle of subsets of TECs to maintain a set point temperature, allowing for precise control and efficient heat extraction based on cooling demands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If vapor compression based refrigeration systems use duty cycle control to manage cooling capacity, then the system can handle transient cooling demands, but large current surges occur during start-up and components experience excessive wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransient cooling demand responseVSAvoidcomponent wear and premature failure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigeration system is divided into multiple independent TEC modules, each capable of being controlled separately. This segmentation allows the system to distribute cooling capacity across multiple smaller units rather than relying on a single large compressor, eliminating current surges and reducing component wear while maintaining the ability to respond to transient cooling demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical vapor compression system with an electrically controlled thermoelectric system. Instead of using a mechanical compressor with duty cycle control that causes current surges and component wear, the system uses solid-state TEC modules controlled by electrical signals, eliminating the harmful mechanical and electrical stress while maintaining cooling effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Temperature

If vapor compression based refrigeration systems activate continuously to maintain temperature below a certain value, then cooling capacity is ensured, but energy consumption increases and control precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operating state of each TEC module based on real-time temperature feedback and cooling demand. Rather than continuous activation with fixed capacity, the controller can selectively activate or deactivate individual TEC modules and adjust their current levels, achieving precise temperature control while minimizing energy consumption by matching cooling capacity to actual demand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the TEC modules by adjusting the electrical current supplied to each module independently. This allows continuous variation of cooling capacity without the on/off duty cycle of traditional systems, enabling precise temperature control and optimal energy efficiency by matching cooling output to the exact heat load at any given moment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If vapor compression based refrigeration systems allow large internal temperature stratification to minimize energy consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but temperature control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different cooling capacities to different locations within the cooling chamber by controlling individual TEC modules independently. Each TEC can be adjusted to provide the exact cooling needed at its specific location, eliminating temperature stratification and achieving uniform temperature distribution throughout the chamber while maintaining energy efficiency through localized cooling rather than over-cooling entire spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 system achieves efficient temperature control and maximizes the efficiency of components by dynamically adjusting TEC subsets, reducing wear and energy consumption while adapting to both steady-state and transient cooling demands.

Implementation Method 1

controlling multiple Thermoelectric Coolers (TECs) to maintain a set point temperature of a chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10012417B2Thermoelectric refrigeration system control scheme for high efficiency performance

Publication Date: 2018.07.03 PHONONIC INC

AI summary

A method of controlling a heat exchanger including thermoelectric coolers to maintain set point temperature of a chamber. The method includes receiving temperature data indicative of a temperature of the chamber and selectively controlling two or more subsets of thermoelectric coolers based on the temperature of the chamber. Selectively controlling the two or more subsets includes operating each thermoelectric cooler in a first subset at or near the point where the coefficient of performance is maximized (QCOPmax) by providing a current or voltage with amplitude corresponding to QCOPmax (ICOPmax, VCOPmax) when the temperature of the chamber is within a predefined steady state range including the set point temperature.