Thermoelectric Element Layout Without a Temperature Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoelectric conversion elements face challenges such as high costs, limited operating temperature range, low conversion efficiency, physical durability issues, and inefficient heat utilization due to the requirement of a temperature gradient for power generation.
Innovation Solution
A thermal power generation element is developed without the need for a temperature gradient, comprising a semiconductor that generates thermally excited electrons and holes, an electrolyte where charge transport ion pairs can move, and an electrode, with a valance band potential of the semiconductor positive relative to the redox potential of the ion pair, and an optimized ion diffusion thickness (L/IDT) ratio of 1-20, allowing for improved battery characteristics like higher discharge capacity and longer discharge time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a temperature gradient is applied to a conventional thermoelectric conversion element, then electrical energy can be generated through the Seebeck effect, but the operating temperature range is limited and cooling devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the temperature gradient requirement from the thermoelectric conversion system. By removing the need for active cooling devices and temperature control mechanisms, the system gains flexibility in installation locations and can operate in broader temperature environments while maintaining power generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring external temperature gradient application, the invention inverts the approach by utilizing the semiconductor material's intrinsic ability to generate thermally excited carriers through thermal energy alone, converting heat directly to electrical energy without needing a controlled temperature difference
2Power
If conventional semiconductors are used in thermoelectric conversion elements, then power generation is achieved, but the cost is high and physical durability is weak
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameters by substituting conventional semiconductors with organic semiconductor materials that exhibit different physical and chemical properties. This parameter change results in improved flexibility, reduced cost, and enhanced durability while maintaining the essential power generation function through thermally excited carrier generation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite material structures combining organic semiconductor materials with appropriate electrodes and encapsulation layers. This composite approach enhances the overall reliability and physical durability of the conversion element while maintaining cost-effectiveness and power generation capability
3Power
If a one-dimensional thermoelectric conversion module is used for temperature gradient, then power generation occurs, but three-dimensional heat utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional thermoelectric conversion to multi-dimensional thermal energy utilization. By enabling the semiconductor material to respond to thermal energy from any direction without requiring a specific temperature gradient orientation, the system can efficiently capture heat from multiple dimensions, significantly improving overall heat utilization efficiency
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 enhances battery characteristics by enabling efficient power generation across a broader temperature range with improved short-circuit current, discharge capacity, and extended discharge time, while eliminating the need for a temperature gradient, thus improving heat utilization efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first part comprising a semiconductor which produce thermally excited electron and hole
Implementation Method 2
a second part comprising an electrolyte in which a charge transport ion pair can be moved therein
Implementation Method 3
a voltage is generated when a temperature gradient is provided on a metal or a semiconductor. Specifically, in a thermoelectric generation system, thermal energy is converted into electrical energy by applying a temperature gradient to a thermoelectric conversion element
Data Source
AI summary
The object of the present invention is to provide a thermal power generation battery with excellent battery characteristics. The above problem can be solved by a thermal power generation element that does not require a temperature gradient, wherein a first part comprising a semiconductor which produce thermally excited electron and hole, a second part comprising an electrolyte in which an charge transport ion pair can be moved therein, and a third part comprising a substance that is an electrode, are in contact with each other in this order, and wherein a valance band potential of the semiconductor of the first part is positive with respect to a redox potential of a charge transport ion pair; and an ion which is more susceptible to oxidation among the two ions is oxidized at an interface between the first part and the second part; and an ion which is more susceptible to reduction among the two ions is reduced at an interface between the third part and the second part; and wherein the thermal power generation element satisfies the following formula (I): L/IDT=1-20 (I) wherein L is a “shortest distance between the first part and the third part”, and IDT is “ion diffusion thickness.”