Thermoelectric Generator Heat Recovery via Segmented Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermoelectric devices fail to efficiently recover heat from electronic components without causing them to overheat, as they require a high temperature difference and often dissipate heat insufficiently, leading to low efficiency and component failure.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a thermoelectric generator with a heat dissipation device and a heat transfer device made of high thermal conductivity materials like copper or aluminum, along with thermal paste or adhesive, to effectively transfer and dissipate heat from electronic components, preventing overheating by actively cooling the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a thermoelectric generator is used to recover heat from electronic components, then electrical energy is generated, but the electronic component overheats because heat is not dissipated fast enough

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy generationVSAvoidelectronic component temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The heat dissipation function is segmented from the thermoelectric generator into a separate heat dissipation device. The TEG focuses on converting heat to electricity while the dedicated heat dissipation device handles thermal management, allowing each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A heat transfer device with high thermal conductivity material acts as an intermediary between the electronic component and the heat dissipation device. This intermediary efficiently channels heat away from the electronic component to the heat dissipation device, preventing overheating while maintaining the temperature gradient needed for TEG operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If heat is channeled to the thermoelectric generator for efficient conversion, then electrical energy generation improves, but heat dissipation becomes insufficient leading to low efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy generation efficiencyVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments heat flow paths into two distinct channels: one through the TEG for electricity generation and another through the heat transfer device to the heat dissipation device for thermal management. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of both energy conversion and heat dissipation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heat transfer device is designed to divert a portion of the heat away from the TEG hot side to prevent excessive temperature buildup. This partial heat diversion maintains the temperature gradient necessary for TEG operation while preventing heat accumulation that would reduce conversion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 enhances heat extraction and electrical energy generation while maintaining the electronic component at a safe temperature, improving the overall efficiency and functionality of the system by directing a portion of waste heat away from the thermoelectric generator to a heat dissipation device via a heat transfer device.

Implementation Method 1

a thermoelectric generator having a cold side and a hot side, the hot side in thermal communication with the electronic component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Implementation Method 2

a heat transfer device comprising a material with a thermal conductivity greater than 200 W(m·K) for directly transferring the heat from the electronic component to the heat dissipation device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a heat dissipation device in thermal communication with the cold side of the thermoelectric generator to dissipate heat it receives

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

a heat dissipation device in thermal communication with the cold side of the thermoelectric generator to dissipate heat it receives

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS10424709B2Apparatus for thermoelectric recovery of electronic waste heat

Publication Date: 2019.09.24 HYPERTECH CIARA INC

AI summary

The present document describes an apparatus for recovering heat from an electronic component to generate electric energy. The apparatus comprises a thermoelectric generator having a cold side and a hot side, the hot side being in thermal communication with the electronic component. The apparatus further comprises a heat dissipation device in thermal communication with the cold side of the thermoelectric generator for dissipate heat it receives, and a heat transfer device with a thermal conductivity greater than 200 W(m·K) for directly transferring the heat from the electronic component to the heat dissipation device.