Thermoelectric Generator Wireless Sensor Powering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle system sensors rely on batteries, piezoelectric harvesters, or conventional DC power, which face issues such as battery replacement needs, low energy density, high cost, weight, and reliability concerns due to wiring and harnesses.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric generator (TEG) is used to harness waste heat and power sensors and wireless transmitters, reducing wiring complexity, eliminating battery replacement, and enhancing efficiency, durability, and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If batteries are used to power vehicle sensors, then sensors can operate continuously, but batteries require periodic replacement and increase maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system harvests waste heat from the vehicle exhaust to generate electricity through thermoelectric generators, enabling self-powered operation. This eliminates the need for external batteries and their periodic replacement, as the system generates its own power from available waste heat resources.
2Loss of time
If piezoelectric harvesters are used to power sensors, then battery replacement is eliminated, but energy density and power supply consistency are low
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from piezoelectric energy harvesting to thermoelectric energy harvesting, changing the fundamental energy conversion mechanism. Thermoelectric generators convert thermal energy directly to electrical energy through the Seebeck effect, providing higher energy density and more consistent power output compared to piezoelectric harvesters that rely on mechanical vibrations.
3Power
If conventional twelve-volt DC power is used, then sensors receive sufficient power, but system cost and weight increase due to wires and wire harnesses
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless sensor system extracts power generation capability from the central electrical system and relocates it to the sensor node itself through thermoelectric generators. This eliminates the need for extensive wiring and wire harnesses that connect sensors to the twelve-volt DC system, thereby reducing system weight and complexity while maintaining adequate power supply.
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 TEG provides a reliable power source, reduces production costs, and minimizes mass by utilizing waste heat to power sensors and transmitters, improving manufacturability and reducing the need for electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
A thermoelectric generator (TEG) is used to harness waste heat and power sensors and wireless transmitters
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a thermal harvesting device that is positioned adjacent a heat-generating vehicle system. The thermal harvesting device generates electricity based on a temperature differential in order to power a sensor and a wireless transmitter.