Thermoelectric module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoelectric modules require alternating arrangements of N-type and P-type thermoelectric components, which complicates manufacturing and can lead to inconsistent performance due to different semiconductor materials.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric module composed of thermoelectric components made from the same type of semiconductor material, connected in parallel and serial configurations through electrodes with buffering structures to maintain stability across temperature changes, simplifying manufacturing and ensuring consistent performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alternating N-type and P-type thermoelectric components are used, then thermoelectric performance is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses only N-type thermoelectric components instead of alternating N-type and P-type components. This homogenization of material type simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining thermoelectric functionality through parallel electrical connection of multiple N-type components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the thermoelectric components into functional groups connected in parallel between the first and second electrodes. This segmentation allows multiple identical N-type components to work together, achieving the required thermoelectric performance without the complexity of alternating material arrangements.
2Reliability
If alternating N-type and P-type thermoelectric components are used, then thermoelectric functionality is achieved, but manufacturing consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By using only N-type thermoelectric components throughout the module, the patent eliminates the need to manage two different material types during manufacturing. This ensures consistent material properties and performance across all components, improving manufacturing consistency while maintaining thermoelectric functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If thermoelectric components are separated apart, then manufacturing ease is improved, but electrical connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple N-type thermoelectric components in parallel between the first and second electrodes. This combining approach allows separated components to be easily manufactured and positioned, while the parallel electrical connection simplifies the overall electrical architecture compared to alternating material arrangements.
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 design simplifies the manufacturing process and achieves consistent thermoelectric performance by eliminating the need for alternating material arrangements, allowing for efficient electrical connections and effective temperature buffering.
Implementation Method 1
In another type of thermoelectric module, when two ends of its thermoelectric component have a temperature difference, these two ends generate direct current
Implementation Method 2
In one type of the thermoelectric modules, two ends of its thermoelectric component are connected with direct current (DC), and then a temperature difference occurs between these two ends
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoelectric module includes a plurality of thermoelectric components, a first electrode and a second electrode. The thermoelectric components have the same type of semiconductor material. The first electrode includes a first parallel connection part and a first serial connection part. The plurality of thermoelectric components is electrically connected to the first parallel connection part and each of the plurality of thermoelectric components is separated from one another. The first serial connection part is configured for being electrically connected to other electrical components. The plurality of thermoelectric components is electrically connected to the second electrode and located between the first parallel connection part and the second electrode.