Thermoelectric Module with Phase Transition Heat Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thermoelectric conversion modules face a challenge in increasing power generation without expanding in size, particularly when using multiple heat storage materials with different operating temperatures, as this often results in increased module size and complexity.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a thermoelectric conversion element, a container with a heat storage material, and a first heat transfer member made of a solid-solid phase transition system heat storage material with higher thermal conductivity than the heat storage material, allowing for efficient heat transfer and power generation without increasing the module's size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If two or more heat storage materials having different operating temperatures are used to increase the amount of power generation, then the amount of power generation is increased, but the size of the thermoelectric conversion module increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of power generationVSAvoidsize of the thermoelectric conversion module

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple heat storage materials (first heat storage material and second heat storage material with different operating temperatures) into a single integrated container structure. The thermoelectric conversion element is positioned to thermally couple with both heat storage materials through a heat transfer member, allowing the system to utilize multiple temperature ranges without requiring separate modular units. This integration enables increased power generation across different temperature conditions while maintaining a compact overall module size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermoelectric conversion module is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating heat storage materials with different operating temperatures within the same device. The system can adapt to varying temperature conditions by utilizing either the first heat storage material or the second heat storage material depending on the thermal environment, making the module universally applicable across different thermal scenarios while maximizing power generation potential without proportionally increasing size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If heat storage materials are placed in different containers to transfer heat, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple heat storage materials into a single container rather than using separate containers for each material. The first heat storage material and second heat storage material are positioned within the same container, with the thermoelectric conversion element thermally coupled to both through a heat transfer member. This merging approach maintains effective heat transfer pathways while significantly reducing structural complexity compared to multiple separate container systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a heat transfer member as an intermediary component that facilitates thermal coupling between the thermoelectric conversion element and the heat storage materials. This intermediary structure enables efficient heat transfer from multiple heat storage materials with different operating temperatures to the thermoelectric element without requiring direct contact or complex multi-container arrangements, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining heat transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 power generation efficiency by utilizing the latent heat of multiple heat storage materials with different transition temperatures, maintaining a compact module size while increasing power output.

Implementation Method 1

a first heat transfer material thermally coupled to one side of the thermoelectric conversion element and thermally coupled to the heat storage material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

power generation using a thermoelectric conversion element that generates electricity due to a temperature difference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Implementation Method 3

a first heat transfer member made of a solid-solid phase transition system heat storage material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP3490016B1Thermoelectric conversion module, sensor module, and information processing system

Publication Date: 2020.05.20 FUJITSU LTD

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AI summary

A thermoelectric conversion module includes a thermoelectric conversion element, a container, a heat storage material accommodated in the container, and a first heat transfer member thermally coupled to one side of the thermoelectric conversion element and thermally coupled to the heat storage material, wherein the first heat transfer member includes a portion made of a solid-solid phase transition system heat storage material having a thermal conductivity higher than a thermal conductivity of the heat storage material and having a transition temperature different from a transition temperature of the heat storage material.