Thermoelectric Generator Module Sealing with Fluororesin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoelectric generator modules face issues with water and dust intrusion due to low heat resistance of sealing members, leading to short-circuits and loss of insulation properties in high-temperature environments.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric generator module design featuring a first and second base material with thermoplastic layers, thermoelectric conversion elements, and electrodes, sealed by a joint formed through heating of thermoplastic layers, eliminating the need for adhesives and enhancing sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a sealing member with low heat resistance is used, then the sealing member can be easily manufactured and installed, but the sealing member thermally decomposes in high temperature environments, leading to reduced sealing performance and water/dust intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the sealing member from low heat resistance to high heat resistance, specifically using a fluororesin-based material that can withstand temperatures of 200°C or higher. This parameter change allows the sealing member to maintain its sealing performance in high-temperature incineration environments while still being manufacturable and installable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction where the sealing member is made from a fluororesin base material with specific compositional ratios (polytetrafluoroethylene: 30-70 wt%, polyvinylidene fluoride: 10-40 wt%, and other fluororesins: 10-40 wt%). This composite formulation achieves both high heat resistance and adequate sealing performance without compromising ease of manufacture.
2Device complexity
If the sealing member has low molecular weight after thermal decomposition, then the material structure becomes simpler, but the sealing performance is reduced allowing water and dust to invade the module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses molecular stability by selecting fluororesin materials with high thermal stability that resist decomposition even at incineration temperatures. The specific compositional ratios ensure the sealing member maintains its molecular integrity and sealing performance without degrading into simpler structures that would compromise functionality.
3Device complexity
If a conventional sealing member is used, then the module structure is simpler, but water and dust invasion causes short-circuits and loss of insulation properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the heat resistance parameter of the sealing member to withstand incineration environments, preventing water and dust intrusion that would cause short-circuits. The fluororesin material maintains its physical and chemical properties at high temperatures, ensuring continuous protection of the insulating member and electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent avoids using conventional sealing members that degrade over time in high-temperature environments. By selecting a fluororesin material with exceptional thermal stability, the sealing member becomes a long-lasting component that maintains its protective function throughout the operational lifetime of the thermoelectric generator in incineration plants.
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 solution provides long-term sealing and insulation, preventing water and dust intrusion, and maintaining efficient thermoelectric power generation in harsh environments without degrading over time.
Implementation Method 1
a first base material that is formed into a sheet and that has a thermoplastic layer, a second base material that is formed into a sheet and that has a thermoplastic layer
Implementation Method 2
The thermoelectric conversion elements, the plurality of first electrodes, and the plurality of second electrodes are sealed by the joint
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoelectric generator module includes a first base material that is formed into a sheet and that has a thermoplastic layer, a second base material that is formed into a sheet and that has a thermoplastic layer, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements arranged between the first base material and the second base material, a plurality of first electrodes arranged between the first base material and the thermoelectric conversion elements, a plurality of second electrodes arranged between the second base material and the thermoelectric conversion elements, and a joint that joins the first base material to the second base material. The thermoelectric conversion elements, the plurality of first electrodes, and the plurality of second electrodes are sealed by the joint.