Thermoelectric Generator Temperature Equalizer for Thermal Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
In thermoelectric generators, the peripheral ends of the thermoelectric generation module experience excessive heating due to the size mismatch between the heat-receiving plate and the module, leading to thermal stress and solder joint disconnection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a temperature equalizer on the heat-receiving plate, which controls radiant heat absorption by using a black coating on the central region and a lower absorption material like anodized aluminum on the peripheral region, ensuring a temperature difference of 10 degrees C or less between the two areas, thereby preventing overheating and maintaining module integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thermoelectric generation module is made smaller than the heat-receiving plate to provide sealing structure, then the sealing structure is improved, but the peripheral ends of the thermoelectric generation module are overheated causing thermal stress and solder joint disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-receiving plate is divided into a central region and a peripheral region with different black coating areas. The central region has a larger black coating area for higher radiant heat absorption, while the peripheral region has a smaller black coating area to reduce heat absorption. This local differentiation allows the central region to provide sufficient heat for thermoelectric generation while the peripheral region maintains lower temperatures to prevent thermal stress and solder joint damage.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the entire heat-receiving surface is covered with black coating to improve radiant heat absorption rate, then the heat absorption rate is improved, but the peripheral ends are excessively heated causing thermal stress
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the heat-receiving plate are assigned different black coating areas to create local quality differences. The central region uses a larger black coating area (higher absorption rate) to maximize heat absorption for thermoelectric generation, while the peripheral region uses a smaller black coating area (lower absorption rate) to control temperature and prevent excessive heating. This resolves the contradiction between overall heat absorption efficiency and peripheral temperature control.
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 prevents damage to the thermoelectric elements by reducing thermal stress and increases the average temperature of the heat-receiving plate, enhancing the power output of the thermoelectric generation module by maintaining a larger temperature difference between the heat-receiving and cooling plates.
Implementation Method 1
An entire heat-receiving surface of a typical heat-receiving plate is covered with a black coating or the like in order to improve an absorption rate of the radiant heat
Implementation Method 2
a thermoelectric generation module interposed between the heat-receiving plate and the cooling plate... generating a temperature difference between the heat-receiving plate and the cooling plate, leading to power generation by the thermoelectric generation module due to the temperature difference
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoelectric generator includes: a heat-receiving plate having a heat-receiving surface configured to receive radiant heat; a thermoelectric generation module provided to a surface of the heat-receiving plate opposite from the heat-receiving surface and having an area smaller than an area of the heat-receiving plate; a cooling plate provided to a surface of the thermoelectric generation module opposite from a surface where the heat-receiving plate is provided; and a temperature equalizer provided to the heat-receiving plate and configured to equalize a temperature of the heat-receiving surface.