Thermoelectric Module Layout for Wider Temperature Gradients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermoelectric conversion elements face limitations in enhancing thermoelectric conversion efficiency, particularly in effectively utilizing temperature differences for power generation from geothermal heat and exhaust heat.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric conversion element design featuring a pair of sheet members sandwiching thermoelectric conversion modules, with specific thermal conductivity portions and electrode arrangements, optimized to maximize temperature gradients and heat transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If uniform thermal conduction is used across the entire sheet member, then heat distribution is simplified, but thermoelectric conversion efficiency decreases due to insufficient temperature gradient
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet member is designed with different thermal conduction properties in different regions: a first sheet member with high thermal conduction for heat input and a second sheet member with low thermal conduction for heat output. This local differentiation creates the necessary temperature gradient across the thermoelectric conversion element while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through region-specific material selection or structure design.
2Loss of energy
If high thermal conduction material is used throughout the sheet member, then heat transfer is improved, but temperature difference between thermoelectric layers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thermal conduction characteristics to different parts of the heat transfer path. The first sheet member contacting the high-temperature thermoelectric layer uses high thermal conduction material to efficiently receive heat, while the second sheet member contacting the low-temperature layer uses low thermal conduction material to maintain the temperature gradient, thereby preserving both heat transfer efficiency and temperature difference.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet members are constructed using composite material structures with varying thermal conduction properties. By combining materials with different thermal conductivities in specific configurations, the system achieves optimized heat transfer at the hot interface while maintaining thermal insulation at the cold interface, thus preserving the temperature gradient necessary for thermoelectric conversion.
3Productivity
If complex thermal management structure is implemented, then thermoelectric conversion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than implementing a complex overall thermal management system, the patent achieves improved thermoelectric conversion efficiency through a simple local differentiation: using two distinct sheet members with different thermal conduction properties positioned at opposite ends of the thermoelectric conversion element. This localized approach simplifies the overall structure while maintaining high conversion 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 significantly improves thermoelectric conversion efficiency by widening temperature differences between thermoelectric layers, enhancing power generation capabilities and allowing for flexible placement, such as on cylindrical pipes.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the pair of sheet members includes a first high thermal conduction portion, a second high thermal conduction portion, and a low thermal conduction portion
Implementation Method 2
a first contact portion between the first n-type thermoelectric conversion layer and the first p-type thermoelectric conversion layer is overlapped with the low thermal conduction portion
Implementation Method 3
a first n-type thermoelectric conversion layer electrically connected to the first electrode, a first p-type thermoelectric conversion layer in contact with the first n-type thermoelectric conversion layer
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermoelectric conversion element includes a first thermoelectric conversion module and a first substrate including a first main face and a second main face, a first electrode provided on the first main face, a first n-type thermoelectric conversion layer, a first p-type thermoelectric conversion layer in contact with the first n-type thermoelectric conversion layer, and a second electrode, and a sealing layer provided on the first main face. Each of the pair of sheet members of the thermoelectric conversion element includes a first high thermal conduction portion, a second high thermal conduction portion, and a low thermal conduction portion. The first electrode, the first n-type thermoelectric conversion layer, the first p-type thermoelectric conversion layer, and the second electrode are arranged in order along the alignment direction. The first electrode is overlapped with the first high thermal conduction portion of the sheet member, the second electrode is overlapped with the second high thermal conduction portion of the sheet member, and the first contact portion of the first n-type thermoelectric conversion layer and the first p-type thermoelectric conversion layer is overlapped with the low thermal conduction portion of the sheet member.