Thermoelectric Generator Discharge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoelectric generators continue to discharge electricity even after the controller has completed its operation, leading to power waste due to the lack of control over the discharge cycle.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric generator system comprising a thermoelectric generation module, a power storage unit, a switching unit, and a determination unit that stops discharge from the power storage unit once the transmission process is completed, ensuring efficient power usage and improved operation frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the power storage unit continues to discharge until fully depleted, then the total energy extracted is maximized, but the operation frequency is reduced and power is wasted after controller completion
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit preliminarily determines when to stop discharge based on predicted operation completion timing, rather than waiting for full depletion. This preliminary action allows the system to stop discharge proactively, preventing power waste while maintaining operation frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit continuously monitors the discharge state and compares it with the predicted operation completion timing. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the discharge stop timing, optimizing both energy efficiency and operation frequency.
2Productivity
If discharge stops before completion of power storage unit depletion, then operation frequency is improved and power waste is reduced, but the total energy extracted is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of discharge stop timing based on predicted operation completion. This allows the system to extract sufficient energy for the intended operation while stopping before complete depletion, thereby improving operation frequency without excessive energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit adjusts the discharge stop criterion from fixed full-depletion to dynamic timing-based on operation completion prediction. This parameter change optimizes the balance between energy extraction and operation frequency.
3Loss of energy
If the discharge cycle is controlled to match controller operation timing, then power waste is reduced, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit autonomously determines discharge stop timing based on the controller's operation completion prediction, without requiring complex external control signals. This self-service approach reduces control system complexity while effectively preventing power waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the controller's operational state to automatically adjust discharge timing. This feedback mechanism simplifies control by using the controller's own operation completion as the discharge stop signal, rather than requiring separate complex control logic.
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 solution enhances the operation frequency by determining when to stop discharge from the power storage unit before it is fully depleted, reducing power waste and shortening the time required to recharge the system, thereby improving overall efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric generation module; a power storage unit configured to store electric charge generated from the thermoelectric generation module
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoelectric generator includes a thermoelectric generation module, a power storage unit configured to store electric charge generated from the thermoelectric generation module, a switching unit configured to switch between supply and stop of discharge to a transceiver (transmission/reception unit) driven by discharge from the power storage unit, and a determination unit configured to determine stop of discharge from the power storage unit, in which the determination unit determines stop of discharge before completion of discharge from the power storage unit.