Thermoelectric module and adjustment method of thermoelectric module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoelectric modules face inefficiencies in distributing electrical energy to both a motor for cooling and an external load, where excessive energy to the motor reduces energy supplied to the external load, and insufficient motor power decreases thermoelectric energy generation.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric module design with multiple electrodes and terminals connected to both loads allows for efficient energy distribution by optimizing voltage allocation between the motor and external load through a system of terminals and lead wires, ensuring balanced energy supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electrical energy is supplied to the motor to rotate the fan for cooling the thermoelectric module, then the thermoelectric module is cooled and electrical energy generation is maintained, but the electrical energy supplied to the external load is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical energy distribution by providing multiple terminals (at least three terminals connected to different electrodes) that can be selectively connected to different loads. This allows the system to divide the generated electrical energy into separate pathways - one for the motor/fan cooling system and another for external loads - thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining cooling and maximizing external load power supply.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrical energy supplied to the motor is reduced to increase external load power, then more electrical energy is supplied to the external load, but the thermoelectric module is not sufficiently cooled and electrical energy generation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the terminal connections, the system can independently control power distribution to the motor and external loads. The multiple terminals allow selective connection configurations that enable the system to maintain adequate cooling power while maximizing external load power, thus resolving the contradiction between external load power supply and thermoelectric module productivity.
3Device complexity
If the thermoelectric module uses a conventional two-terminal design, then the structure is simple, but the electrical energy cannot be efficiently distributed to both the motor and external load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single output terminal into multiple terminals (at least three terminals connected to different electrodes). This segmentation enables independent connection to different loads, significantly improving electrical energy distribution efficiency to both the motor and external load while accepting increased structural complexity as a necessary trade-off.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple terminals provide multi-functionality by enabling the thermoelectric module to simultaneously serve multiple functions: cooling the module via the motor-fan system and powering external loads. This universal terminal design allows the same device to adapt to different operating conditions and load requirements, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and energy distribution efficiency.
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 enables efficient energy distribution to both the motor and external load, maximizing effective output and maintaining adequate cooling while optimizing energy generation.
Implementation Method 1
A thermoelectric module that converts thermal energy into electrical energy by the Seebeck effect is known
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoelectric module includes a substrate, a plurality of electrodes arranged on a surface of the substrate, a plurality of thermoelectric elements respectively connected to the plurality of electrodes, and at least three terminals respectively connected to the different electrodes and connected to one or both of a first load and a second load.