Thermoelectric generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combustion thermoelectric generators, such as those used in motorhomes, face inefficiencies in heat optimization and electric energy production, with limited improvements over previous designs like Longhi's cogenerator and Barin's thermal management systems.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a thermoelectric generator with a planar design featuring Seebeck cells arranged in a mosaic pattern on converging walls of the combustion chamber, cooled by a circuit and shielded by a V-shaped flange for uniform heat radiation, along with a combustion control system that adjusts air and fuel gas intake based on parameters like altitude and flame presence to optimize energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Seebeck cells are arranged in a mosaic pattern on converging walls to cover the external side uniformly, then the efficiency of electric energy production is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external side of the combustion chamber is divided into multiple converging walls, each covered by Seebeck cells arranged in a mosaic pattern. This segmentation allows uniform heat distribution across multiple surfaces, maximizing the thermoelectric conversion efficiency while maintaining manageable individual cell sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from covering a single flat surface to covering three-dimensional converging walls with a mosaic arrangement of Seebeck cells. This dimensional expansion increases the total surface area for heat-to-electricity conversion, improving overall energy production efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If a V-shaped flange is introduced to shield and direct heat radiation uniformly toward the converging walls, then heat management efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A V-shaped flange is introduced as an intermediary component between the heat source and the converging walls. This flange acts as a heat radiation director, channeling thermal energy uniformly across the Seebeck cell surfaces and reducing heat loss, thereby improving heat management efficiency.
3Productivity
If a cooling circuit is added to cool the external side where Seebeck cells are placed, then the efficiency of seebeck effect electric energy generation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A cooling circuit is implemented to actively control the temperature of the external side where Seebeck cells are mounted. By maintaining an optimal temperature differential between the hot external side and the cooled internal side, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency is enhanced, allowing for greater electric energy generation.
4Extent of automation
If the Seebeck cells and cooling means are arranged to cover upwardly converging walls, then autonomous operation capability is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The combustion chamber is designed with segmented converging walls that can be independently covered with Seebeck cells and cooling channels. This modular segmentation facilitates autonomous thermal management while allowing for simplified manufacturing of individual components that can be assembled together.
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
This configuration enhances the efficiency of electric energy production and heat management, allowing for autonomous operation and increased energy supply beyond just control unit needs, while being economical and easy to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
Thermoelectric generators intended for the generation of electric energy, such as the Peltier cells which provide the well-known seebeck effect, are interposed between the combustion chamber and the path
Implementation Method 2
a circuit placed around the external wall of the combustion chamber thereof crossed by a fluid to be heated
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a thermoelectric generator comprising a combustion chamber (25) which houses internally shielding and radiation means (45) to shield at least one wall of the chamber from the direct heat coming from the combustion flame, on the external side of which a plurality of means for generating seebeck effect electric energy (55, 70) are fixed, and to radiate it with a substantially uniformly distributed heat, where said plurality of generation means comprises a plurality of seebeck effect cells fixed to said wall, one independently of the other, and arranged so as to cover it at least partially with a mosaic tile pattern.