Thermoelectric Element Core-Shell Structure for Heat Flow Turbulence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoelectric elements using amorphous materials have limitations in enhancing thermoelectric properties and achieving a large temperature difference between their ends, which is necessary for efficient cooling and heating applications.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric element with a pillar shape featuring a first region and a second region with different thermal conductivities, where the second region has a protrusion that protrudes toward the central axis, causing turbulence in heat flow and inhibiting heat transfer, thereby enhancing thermoelectric properties and increasing the temperature difference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an amorphous material is used for the thermoelectric element, then the thermoelectric properties are improved to some extent, but the temperature difference between the both ends cannot be further enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a core-shell structure where the first region (core) and second region (shell) have different thermal conductivities. The first region contains the central axis and has one thermal conductivity, while the second region arranged at the lateral side has a different thermal conductivity, optimizing heat flow distribution locally to enhance both thermoelectric properties and temperature difference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining two regions with different thermal conductivities in a core-shell configuration. This composite structure allows the element to simultaneously achieve improved thermoelectric properties through the first region and enhanced temperature difference through the thermally insulating second region
2Reliability
If the second region has a protrusion protruding toward the central axis, then heat transfer is suppressed and thermoelectric properties improve, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by giving the second region a protrusion that protrudes toward the central axis rather than a symmetric cylindrical shape. This asymmetric geometry disrupts the heat flow path more effectively, creating turbulence that suppresses heat transfer and improves thermoelectric properties
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion in the second region introduces curvature variations in the heat flow path. This curved geometry causes the heat flow to follow a more complex trajectory, increasing thermal resistance and suppressing heat transfer from the hot end to the cold end
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 design effectively suppresses heat transfer within the thermoelectric element, leading to improved thermoelectric properties and a larger temperature difference between the ends, enhancing its cooling and heating capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
It utilizes the Peltier effect, wherein one end of the thermoelectric element generates heat and the other end absorbs heat when an electric current is passed through the element
Implementation Method 2
the second region has a protrusion which protrudes toward the central axis, causing turbulence in the heat flow which flows between a heating end and another cooling end
Implementation Method 3
by heating one end face and cooling the other end face, a temperature difference is generated between the both ends of the thermoelectric element. Thus, the thermoelectric module may be used as an electric power generation element
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A thermoelectric element, which has higher thermoelectric properties and shows an enlarged temperature difference between the both ends thereof is provided. A Thermoelectric module having such thermoelectric element is also provided. The thermoelectric element having a pillar shape and having one end face and the other end face comprises; a first region containing a central axis; and a second region located at outside of the first region and having a protrusion which protrudes toward the central axis, wherein the first region has a thermal conductivity different from that of the second region.