Thermoelectric Generator Receptacle for HVAC Pipe Heat Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermodynamic refrigeration cycles dissipate heat, which is lost and cannot be reused, leading to high energy consumption in HVAC systems, with existing thermoelectric converters being inefficient at low temperature differences.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a thermoelectric generator receptacle with a conductive body and heat sink to capture and convert heat from refrigeration system pipes into electric power, using a conductive strip or body to conduct heat from the pipe to the thermoelectric generator and a heat sink to maintain a temperature gradient for efficient energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thermoelectric converters are used to convert heat into electric power, then energy recovery is improved, but they require high temperature differences (more than 200 K above room temperature) to be effective
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the heat conversion system into multiple TEG modules, each handling a portion of the heat flow from the pipe. By segmenting the conversion process across multiple units rather than requiring one large high-temperature system, the patent enables effective operation at lower temperature differences typical of HVAC pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat exchanger as an intermediary component between the pipe and the TEG modules. This heat exchanger captures heat from the pipe and transfers it to the TEG, creating an optimized thermal pathway that maintains the necessary temperature gradient for efficient conversion without requiring extremely high pipe temperatures.
2Loss of energy
If heat is dissipated into the environment, then the refrigeration cycle functions properly, but the heat is lost and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful waste heat that would normally be dissipated into the environment into a beneficial resource by using TEG modules to generate electric power from it. The heat exchanger captures this waste heat and directs it through the TEG, transforming an energy loss into useful electrical energy that can offset the HVAC system's power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the HVAC infrastructure to serve itself by generating its own electrical power from its waste heat output. The generated electricity can be used to power the HVAC system's control components, sensors, or even offset a portion of its main compressor and fan power requirements, creating a self-sustaining energy recovery loop.
3Loss of energy
If multiple TEG receptacles and heat sinks are used, then conversion efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple TEG receptacles and heat sinks into an integrated modular assembly that attaches to the pipe as a unified unit. Rather than installing separate scattered components, the design merges them into a coordinated system where heat flows through multiple TEG modules in parallel or series, supported by corresponding heat sinks, creating a compact multi-functional attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point heat conversion approach to a distributed multi-dimensional arrangement by wrapping multiple TEG modules around the pipe circumference. This spatial distribution across different angular positions and thermal zones allows the system to capture heat from various portions of the pipe surface simultaneously, increasing overall efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 apparatus effectively converts heat into electric power, reducing the net energy consumption of refrigeration systems by capturing and utilizing heat that would otherwise be lost, with multiple thermoelectric generators and heat sinks enhancing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive body in thermal contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the pipe and adapted to conduct the heat from the outer surface of the pipe to the hot side of the TEG receptacle
Implementation Method 2
Thermoelectric converters are devices which are, by nature, suitable for directly converting a heat flow into electric power
Implementation Method 3
a heat sink in thermal contact with the cold side the TEG receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
There is described an apparatus for converting heat dissipated from a pipe of a refrigeration cycle into electric power. The pipe has an outer surface from which heat dissipates. The apparatus comprises at least one TEG receptacle for installing a thermoelectric generator therein, the TEG receptacle comprising a cold side and a hot side. The apparatus further comprises at least one conductive body in thermal contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the pipe and adapted to conduct the heat from the outer surface of the pipe to the hot side of at least one TEG receptacle. The apparatus further comprises one heat sink for each one of the at least one TEG receptacle, in thermal contact with the cold side thereof.