Thermoelectric Generator with Differential Thermal Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoelectric generators struggle to generate electricity in environments without temperature differences between the heat receiver and radiator, limiting their effectiveness in ordinary living settings and requiring external power sources for sensing devices.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric generator design featuring multiple thermoelectric conversion elements with different materials and thermal response time constants, connected in series, to harness temperature fluctuations in the environment for power generation without a heat source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional thermoelectric generator is used, then electricity can be generated from temperature differences, but it cannot generate electricity in environments without temperature differences (ordinary living environments)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the thermal response time constants of the support members different from each other, allowing the system to dynamically respond to environmental temperature changes. The first support member has a first thermal response time constant and the second support member has a second thermal response time constant that is different from the first, enabling the generator to adapt to varying thermal conditions in ordinary environments without requiring a stable heat source.
2Reliability
If sensing devices use external power sources (batteries or commercial power), then they can operate reliably, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the sensing device to generate its own power through the thermoelectric generator. The generator uses environmental temperature changes to produce electricity, eliminating the need for external batteries or power sources. This self-powered approach reduces device complexity and removes the burden of battery replacement or charging while maintaining operational reliability.
3Productivity
If thermoelectric conversion elements with different materials are used, then electricity generation from environmental temperature changes is enabled, but the device size and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the thermoelectric conversion system into multiple distinct conversion elements, each with different thermal response time constants. The first thermoelectric conversion element is associated with the first support member and the second thermoelectric conversion element is associated with the second support member. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for specific thermal conditions while working together to generate electricity from environmental temperature variations.
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
Enables continuous electricity generation from environmental temperature changes, reducing device size and complexity, and eliminating the need for external power sources, facilitating remote monitoring and power generation in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric conversion element disposed between the first support member and the second support member
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoelectric generation method using a thermoelectric generator includes: placing a thermoelectric generator in a temperature-changing atmosphere; drawing to outside a current that is generated due to a temperature difference between first and second support members when the temperature of the second support member is higher than that of the first support member, and that flows from a second thermoelectric conversion member to a first thermoelectric conversion member, using first and second output sections as a positive terminal and a negative terminal, respectively; and drawing to outside a current that is generated due to a temperature difference between the first and second support members when the temperature of the first support member is higher than that of the second support member, and that flows from a fourth thermoelectric conversion member to a third thermoelectric conversion member, using third and fourth output sections as a positive terminal and a negative terminal, respectively.