Self-Powered Thermoelectric Power Consumption Detector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power plants generate excessive backup power, resulting in inefficiency and extra load, as existing technologies lack effective means to accurately detect and manage power consumption in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered power consumption detecting device utilizing a thermoelectric sensing element, processor, and wireless transmitter to generate and transmit voltage signals based on temperature differences, allowing for precise measurement and reduction of backup power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If backup power is generated to assure sufficient power supply, then power supply reliability is improved, but power plant load and energy waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting device powers itself using the temperature difference between the electric equipment surface and atmosphere, eliminating the need for external power supply. The thermoelectric sensing element converts this temperature gradient directly into electrical energy to operate the processor and wireless transmitter, making the system self-sufficient and avoiding additional energy burden on the power plant.
Solution Approach 2:
The device continuously detects power consumption values and transmits them wirelessly to enable real-time monitoring and feedback to the power control center. This feedback mechanism allows the power plant to adjust power generation to match actual demand, reducing the need for excessive backup power while maintaining supply reliability.
2Measurement precision
If thermoelectric sensing element is used to detect power consumption, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric sensing element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the power source and the temperature sensor. The temperature difference that drives the thermoelectric effect is the same parameter used to infer power consumption, eliminating the need for separate sensing mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity despite enhanced measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power generation function and the sensing function into a single thermoelectric sensing element. This merging of functions reduces the number of components needed while maintaining measurement precision, as the element converts temperature difference (related to power consumption) directly into electrical signals for both powering the device and providing measurement data.
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
The system enables accurate detection and transmission of power consumption data, reducing the need for excessive backup power generation, thereby minimizing energy waste and optimizing power plant operations.
Implementation Method 1
The thermoelectric sensing element generates a voltage signal by the temperature difference between the surface of the electric equipment and atmosphere during the operation of the electric equipment
Data Source
AI summary
The power consumption detecting device is without external power supply. It installed on the electric equipment. This self-powered detecting device comprises at least one thermoelectric element, a processor and a wireless transmitter. As the electric equipment working, the temperature difference on the surface of the electric equipment drives the thermoelectric element to generate a voltage signal. Therefore, a self-powered thermoelectric detecting device will decrease standby power demand. The amplitude of voltage signal is proportion to the temperature difference. In the same time, the power generated by thermoelectric element can be a power source of the wireless transmitter and the chip or processor, so the supply of exterior power is no needed. The wireless transmitter transmits a signal, which is according to the power consumption of electric equipment or electric appliance, to the control center.