Thermoelectric Generators in Battery Packs for Heat Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery packs generate heat as a byproduct of energy transfer, leading to heat waste, which is not effectively utilized, reducing their efficiency and runtime.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating thermoelectric generators within the battery pack housing, in thermal communication with rechargeable battery cells, to convert temperature differences into electricity, thereby utilizing heat waste and enhancing energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If battery packs generate heat as a byproduct of energy transfer, then energy is provided to connected devices, but heat waste is generated reducing efficiency and runtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'Blessing in disguise' principle by converting the harmful heat waste generated during battery operation into useful electrical energy through thermoelectric generators. The TEGs are positioned in thermal communication with the battery cells to capture the temperature differences created during charging and discharging cycles, transforming what was previously wasted thermal energy into recoverable electricity that extends runtime and improves overall energy efficiency.
2Duration of action of moving object
If thermoelectric generators are added to convert heat waste into electricity, then energy efficiency and runtime are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'Merging' principle by integrating the thermoelectric generators directly within the battery pack housing, combining the energy storage function of the battery with the energy recovery function of the TEGs. This unified design allows the TEGs to be thermally coupled with the battery cells without requiring separate external heat exchange systems, thereby extending runtime while minimizing the increase in structural complexity.
3Loss of energy
If thermoelectric generators are positioned proximate to battery cells for thermal communication, then heat waste is effectively captured, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'Segmentation' principle by positioning multiple thermoelectric generators at different locations within the battery pack, each strategically placed to capture thermal energy from specific battery cell groups. This segmented approach allows for modular assembly, where TEGs can be independently installed in thermal communication with their respective battery cells, effectively capturing heat waste while simplifying the overall manufacturing and assembly process through standardized modular units.
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 integration of thermoelectric generators increases the battery pack's efficiency and runtime by converting heat waste into usable electricity, improving the performance of battery-powered devices.
Implementation Method 1
converting, using the plurality of thermoelectric generators, a temperature difference provided by the heat waste into electricity
Data Source
AI summary
Battery packs that include a housing, a plurality of rechargeable battery cells within the housing, and a plurality of thermoelectric generators. The plurality of thermoelectric generators are within the housing and are positioned proximate to and in thermal communication with the plurality of rechargeable battery cells.