Thermoelectric Generator Circuit for Battery Life Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power systems struggle to extend the operational life of energy sources like batteries and fuel cells due to increased power consumption in high-performance electronic devices, and existing solutions like the Estes patent are inefficient and require complex circuitry, especially when heat generated is not optimally converted into electrical energy.
Innovation Solution
A power generating circuit coupled in parallel with a main energy source, utilizing a thermoelectric generator (TEG) to convert thermal energy into electrical energy, which is stored in a capacitor and used to supply power directly to the load, reducing the power drawn from the main source without complex circuitry, and can be implemented with disposable or rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, or hybrid power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If heat generated by electrical components is converted into electrical energy to recharge the main battery, then battery life is extended, but the system requires complex battery charging, conditioning and maintenance system circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat-to-electricity conversion function into a separate power generating circuit that operates independently from the main battery charging system. The TEG module converts heat directly to electrical energy that can be used to power the load without requiring complex battery charging circuitry, thus extending battery life while avoiding increased system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a capacitor as an intermediary energy storage element between the TEG power generating circuit and the load. The capacitor stores electrical energy generated from heat conversion and provides it directly to the load, eliminating the need for complex battery charging, conditioning and maintenance circuitry while still extending operational life
2Duration of action of moving object
If electrical energy is used to directly recharge the main battery while the system is in use, then battery life is extended, but the charging efficiency decreases because the system must continue to draw power from the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous useful action by having the TEG power generating circuit operate simultaneously with the system in use. Heat generated during system operation is continuously converted to electrical energy and stored in the capacitor, which then supplies power to the load, maintaining system operation while extending battery life without interrupting the charging process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by having the system's own heat generation during normal operation serve as the energy source for extending battery life. The TEG module converts waste heat from electrical components directly into useful electrical energy that powers the load, eliminating the need for external charging sources and maintaining charging efficiency during system use
3Duration of action of moving object
If rechargeable batteries are used to enable heat-to-electricity conversion, then battery life can be extended, but the system cannot be implemented with disposable batteries or fuel cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a power generating circuit using a TEG module and capacitor that can be integrated with multiple types of power sources including disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries, fuel cells, and hybrid power sources. The circuit functions as a universal heat-to-electricity converter that extends operational life regardless of the specific power source type, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining battery life extension capabilities
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 solution effectively extends the operational life of energy sources by reducing power drawn from the main source, improving power efficiency, and allowing for more efficient use of heat-generated energy, applicable to various electronic systems and devices.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a second energy/power source whose energy is obtained by converting heat into electrical power... heat (which would be otherwise wasted) is converted into electrical energy or power by using a thermoelectric generator (TEG)
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit which extends the operational life of a main power source, said circuit comprising a pair of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) for converting thermal energy from a heat source into electrical energy; a pair of capacitors arranged in parallel, each coupled to one of the TEGs for storing the electrical energy generated by said TEG; a power converter; a first switching element coupled between a first capacitor in the pair of capacitors and the power converter; a second switching element coupled between a second capacitor in the pair of capacitors and the power converter; and a monitor/controller coupled to said first and second switching elements and each of said capacitors for selectively and alternatively switching the first and second switching elements in order to selectively provide power from one of the capacitors to a load, thereby reducing the amount of power drawn from the main power source.