Thermo-electric heat pump systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a robust, efficient, and self-sufficient thermo-electric device that can maintain a stable thermal environment for sensitive goods during transport and storage without external power for extended periods, capable of withstanding shocks and providing adjustable cooling or heating profiles, while minimizing shipping weight and volume.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric heat pump assembly with multiple thermoelectric unit layers and a capacitance spacer block, configured for high coefficients of performance, using the Peltier effect and Seebeck principles, with a built-in energy storage system and programmable temperature control, to maintain temperature consistency and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a thermo-electric device is designed to be self-sufficient with built-in energy storage for extended periods without external power, then the duration of action is improved, but the weight and volume of the device increase due to the energy storage system
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-charges the battery energy storage system before transport begins, performing the energy accumulation action in advance. This allows the device to operate independently during transport without requiring heavy external power sources or continuous external power connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermo-electric device serves itself by using the built-in battery to power the Peltier elements for active temperature control during transport. The system monitors and regulates its own thermal environment without external intervention, maintaining temperature stability through self-contained energy and control systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple thermoelectric unit layers are used to improve temperature control precision and efficiency, then the manufacturing precision and device performance are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal control system is divided into multiple discrete thermoelectric unit layers, each capable of independent temperature regulation. This segmentation allows precise control of different zones within the transport container, enabling sophisticated temperature profiles while maintaining modular simplicity in the control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The same thermoelectric unit layers serve multiple functions: active cooling when electricity is applied in one direction, active heating when electricity is applied in the opposite direction, and passive insulation when not actively powered. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate heating and cooling systems, simplifying the overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If a robust shock-proof system is designed to withstand abuses and rough handling, then the reliability is improved, but the weight and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system incorporates cushioning elements and shock-absorbing structures positioned to protect the thermo-electric devices during anticipated rough handling. These protective features are integrated into the container design rather than added as separate heavy components, minimizing weight increase while maximizing protection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system is designed to provide adjustable cooling or heating profiles with programmable temperature control, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable controller implements periodic temperature adjustments rather than continuous full-power operation. The system cycles between cooling/heating phases and idle periods, adjusting thermoelectric element operation in discrete steps according to pre-programmed temperature profiles. This periodic action maintains temperature stability while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous 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 solution provides reliable, efficient, and cost-effective temperature regulation for sensitive goods, ensuring their integrity during transport and storage by maintaining temperature consistency within tight tolerances, even in extreme conditions, and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
making streamlined use of the thermo-electric effect (the direct conversion of temperature differences to electric voltage), and conversely, converting electric voltage to temperature differences
Implementation Method 2
making streamlined use of the thermo-electric effect (the direct conversion of temperature differences to electric voltage)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to an energy efficient thermoelectric heat pump assembly. The thermoelectric heat pump assembly preferably comprises two to nine thermoelectric unit layers capable of active use of the Peltier effect; and at least one capacitance spacer block suitable for storing heat and providing a delayed thermal reaction time of the assembly. The capacitance spacer block is thermally connected between the thermoelectric unit layers. The present invention further relates to a thermoelectric transport and storage devices for transporting or storing temperature sensitive goods, for example, vaccines, chemicals, biologicals, and other temperature sensitive goods. Preferably the transport or storage devices are configured and provide on-board energy storage for sustaining, for multiple days, at a constant-temperature, with an acceptable temperature variation band.