Thermoelectric Power System with Dynamic Cell Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoelectric power generating systems face inefficiencies due to thermoelectric cells acting as both generators and consumers, with varying output voltages and currents based on thermal gradients, leading to suboptimal connectivity arrangements and energy loss.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric power generating system with a microprocessor-based controller and modulation-controlled DC/DC converters adjusts output voltages to ensure all cells act as generators, using PWM modulation to stabilize and combine individual electrical potentials, preventing cells from reversing operation modes and avoiding energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If thermoelectric cells are connected in serial or parallel arrangements to unify output voltage, then the system can generate electrical power, but some cells may act as power consumers and absorb energy generated by other cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the electrical connection arrangement reconfigurable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically switch between serial, parallel, and isolated cell configurations based on real-time monitoring of cell operating modes. This dynamic reconfiguration ensures that cells acting as consumers are electrically isolated from the power-generating cells, preventing energy absorption and maximizing overall system power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical connection parameter (serial/parallel/isolated) based on the operating conditions of thermoelectric cells. By monitoring whether cells are operating as generators or consumers and adjusting the connectivity configuration accordingly, the system optimizes power generation while preventing energy loss to consumer cells.
2Loss of energy
If switch arrangements and associated switching circuitry are added to reconfigure electrical connections, then cells acting as consumers can be isolated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermoelectric cell array into independently controllable groups that can be configured in different electrical connections (serial, parallel, or isolated). Each segment can be independently managed by the control unit, allowing consumer cells to be isolated without affecting the operation of generator cells. This segmentation approach minimizes the switching circuitry required compared to a fully reconfigurable system.
3Productivity
If the electrical connection arrangement is reconfigured based on thermal gradient variations, then power generation efficiency is improved, but the system requires continuous monitoring and control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the operating mode of each thermoelectric cell and using this information to control the electrical connection configuration. The control unit receives feedback about which cells are generating power and which are consuming power, and automatically adjusts the connectivity to maximize overall system efficiency. This closed-loop control ensures optimal performance without requiring manual intervention.
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 significantly improves efficiency by ensuring all cells contribute power without consuming it, achieving stable global output voltage and current, with simulations showing a 36% to 70% improvement in overall performance compared to classical parallel arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
each converter being a modulation controlled converter, the microprocessor-based controller being configured for controlling the operation of the DC/DC converters by controlling the modulation thereof
Implementation Method 2
Peltier cells, which can work as generators when submitted to a thermal gradient (Seebeck effect)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The system comprises: a power generator arrangement comprising thermoelectric power generator units (M1...MN) connected to provide a global output voltage (Vo), each power generator unit (M1...MN) generating an individual output voltage; and electronic stabilization means comprising: - DC/DC converters (R1...RN) connected to one or more of the power generator units (M1...MN); - electrical variable detection means comprising voltage (p1, p2, p3, p4) and/or current detectors, each for automatically measuring the individual voltage or current existing at a middle or intermediate point of the DC/DC converter (R1...RN) connected to at least one of the power generator units (M1...MN); and - a microprocessor-based controller (S) connected to the voltage (p1, p2, p3, p4) and/or current detectors to receive the measured voltages and/or currents, and controlling the operation of the DC/DC converters (R1...RN) to obtain desired DC/DC converter output voltages and/or currents.