Thermoelectric Impeller Heat Exchanger With Inductive Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional thermoelectric fluid heat exchangers face limitations due to the presence of moving electrical connectors, which lead to rotation speed constraints, wear, maintenance issues, and contamination in rotating devices, and are constrained by size and fluid supply availability.
Innovation Solution
An integrated thermoelectric heat exchanger is developed, combining a thermoelectric module, heat sinks, and a fluid mover into a single assembly, utilizing an impeller assembly with thermoelectric modules positioned between impeller bodies and heat sinks, and an induced power system that includes a transmitter coil, receiver coil, rectifier circuit, and oscillator circuit to deliver power to the thermoelectric module without moving electrical connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If moving electrical connectors (commutators or slip rings) are used to supply power to rotating devices, then power can be delivered to rotating components, but rotation speed is limited due to heat from friction and wear occurs requiring maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical commutator or slip ring system with a magnetic coupling system consisting of a transmitter coil on the stationary housing and a receiver coil on the rotating impeller assembly. This electromagnetic induction system eliminates mechanical contact, thereby eliminating friction, wear, and rotation speed limitations while maintaining continuous power delivery to the rotating thermoelectric modules.
2Reliability
If traditional separate configuration with thermoelectric module and heat sinks is used, then heat exchange function is provided, but the device is constrained by size and availability of fluid supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermoelectric module, heat sinks, and fluid mover (impeller) into a single integrated rotating assembly. The thermoelectric modules are positioned between the impeller bodies with heat sinks extending through the impeller, allowing the entire heat exchange and fluid movement function to be contained in one compact unit that rotates to move fluid through the system, eliminating the need for separate stationary heat exchange components.
3Use of energy by moving object
If moving electrical connectors are used in rotating devices, then power can be supplied to rotating components, but contamination is generated due to particles from friction between moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical contact system (commutators or slip rings) that generates friction particles and contamination by implementing a non-contact electromagnetic induction power transfer system. The transmitter coil on the housing and receiver coil on the rotating assembly transfer power through magnetic coupling without physical contact, thereby eliminating the source of contamination particles.
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
This configuration enhances the reliability of fluid heat exchangers by eliminating the need for moving electrical connectors, reducing contamination, and improving heat transfer efficiency through integrated power delivery, while minimizing maintenance and size constraints.
Implementation Method 1
By applying low-voltage DC power to a TE module, heat is transferred through the module from one side to the other. One module face, therefore, is cooled while the opposite face is simultaneously heated.
Implementation Method 2
an induced power system that includes a transmitter coil, receiver coil, rectifier circuit, and oscillator circuit to deliver power to the thermoelectric module without moving electrical connectors
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid heat exchanger has an impeller assembly with first and second impeller bodies mated together, each having a substantially circular shape and at least one opening therethrough. Impeller vanes extend axially from the first impeller body and away from the second impeller body. Impeller vanes extend axially from the second impeller body away from the first impeller body. A thermoelectric module is disposed between the first impeller body and the second impeller body. Heat sinks are connected to each side of the thermoelectric module and extend through at least one opening in the first and second impeller bodies, where the impeller vanes are configured to move a fluid through the heat sinks during rotation of the first and second impeller bodies. Electrically-conductive windings disposed in the impeller assembly are configured to deliver induced electric current to the thermoelectric module(s).