Thermoelectric Generator in Fluid Dispensing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic water dispensers face challenges in efficient energy management and reliability due to high energy consumption by sensing systems, frequent battery replacement, and instability of capacitive sensors, as well as the need for complex calibration of infrared sensors.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing system incorporating a thermoelectric generator with simple thermal transfer components, a capacitive sensor to trigger an infrared sensor, and adjustable polarizing filters for passive infrared sensors to optimize energy generation and object detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared sensors are used to detect objects, then detection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared transmitter operates periodically rather than continuously, transmitting infrared beams at intervals. This reduces energy consumption while maintaining detection capability, as the system only needs to detect objects when the beam is active rather than maintaining constant illumination and monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation by using a timer to control when the infrared transmitter is active. The transmitter is turned on only when needed for detection cycles, allowing the system to adapt its energy consumption based on detection requirements rather than operating at constant power
2Use of energy by moving object
If capacitive sensors are used to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but sensor stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary approach by combining capacitive sensing with infrared verification. The capacitive sensor serves as a preliminary detector that triggers the more reliable infrared sensor, allowing the system to benefit from low power consumption during normal operation while maintaining detection reliability when needed
3Measurement precision
If infrared sensors are calibrated to detect objects at predefined distances, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by using the timer and periodic transmission to automatically establish detection parameters. The controller manages the calibration process internally without requiring external calibration tools or complex setup procedures, allowing the system to achieve precise detection while maintaining simplicity in installation and operation
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 system achieves efficient energy management with reduced power consumption, longer battery life, and improved reliability in detecting objects, while simplifying the design and installation of thermal transfer components.
Implementation Method 1
A thermoelectric generator comprising a first side and a second side is present in the system. The first side of the thermoelectric generator is in thermal contact with the first pipe, and the second side of the thermoelectric generator is in thermal contact with the second pipe. Temperature gradient is established between the first side and the second side due to difference in temperature in the first pipe and the second pipe, and electric current is generated by the thermoelectric generator as a result of the temperature gradient.
Implementation Method 2
Faucets based on detecting reflected invisible light, such as infrared sensors, transmit a beam of light and measure the intensity of the reflected light in order to detect the presence of an object in the vicinity of the faucet.
Implementation Method 3
If two physical objects are placed in close vicinity, the said objects can be described as one capacitor. Changing the distance of the two objects would change the total capacitance of the said capacitor. If the controller is equipped with a capacitive sensor, the change in the capacitance of the system can be detected and used to trigger an event such as opening an electric valve.
Implementation Method 4
The first polarizing filter and the second polarizing filter are positioned in front of the passive infrared sensor, such that light polarized by the first polarizing filter and the second polarizing filter reach the passive infrared sensor.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A fluid dispensing system comprises a first pipe, a second pipe and a thermoelectric generator. The first pipe is configured to carry fluid to the fluid dispensing system. The second pipe is configured to carry fluid to the fluid dispensing system. Temperature of the fluid carried by the first pipe is higher than temperature of the fluid carried by the second pipe. The thermoelectric generator comprises a first side and a second side. The first side of the thermoelectric generator is in thermal contact with the first pipe. The second side of the thermoelectric generator is in thermal contact with the second pipe. Temperature gradient is established between the first side and the second side due to difference in temperature in the first pipe and the second pipe. Electric current is generated by the thermoelectric generator as a result of the temperature gradient.