Thermoelectric power generation device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoelectric power generation devices face inefficiencies due to increased heat transfer resistance caused by condensed heat media retained in the heating unit, which inhibits power generation.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric power generation device design featuring a heat transfer pipe with a circulation path where the heat medium is vaporized and condensed, with the outlet positioned higher than the inlet, and a slope at the bottom of the heating unit to facilitate discharge of condensed media, reducing retention and resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the heating unit retains condensed heat medium, then the heat medium can be circulated and reused, but heat transfer resistance increases and power generation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the condensed heat medium from the heating unit through a dedicated discharge path. The heating unit is designed with a discharge port and external discharge path that leads outside the heating unit, allowing condensed heat medium to be removed separately from the circulation system, thereby eliminating the harmful accumulation of condensed medium while preserving the circulation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the heating unit into distinct functional zones: a circulation path for heat medium flow and a discharge path for condensed medium removal. The circulation path includes inlet and outlet ports for continuous heat medium circulation, while the discharge path provides a separate route for condensed medium extraction, preventing mixing of functions and reducing heat transfer resistance.
2Loss of energy
If the heat medium circulates continuously through vaporization and condensation, then energy efficiency improves, but condensed heat medium accumulates and inhibits thermoelectric element operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the heating unit automatically discharges condensed heat medium through gravity-driven flow. The discharge port is positioned at the lowest point of the heating unit, and the external discharge path allows condensed medium to drain naturally without requiring external pumps or complex control systems, maintaining energy efficiency while preventing accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary discharge path that mediates between the circulation system and the external environment. This separate discharge pathway allows condensed heat medium to be removed from the system without disrupting the vaporization-condensation circulation cycle, enabling continuous energy-efficient operation while preventing harmful accumulation.
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 enhances power generation efficiency by minimizing heat transfer resistance and allowing the thermoelectric element to operate without inhibition from condensed heat media, achieving improved power output.
Implementation Method 1
the heat transfer pipe vaporizes the heat medium flowing in the circulation path by using heat of the high temperature fluid
Implementation Method 2
the heating unit condenses the heat medium vaporized
Implementation Method 3
a thermoelectric element having a first side provided to a heating unit and a second side provided to a cooling unit
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoelectric power generation device including a thermoelectric element having a first side provided to a heating unit and a second side provided to a cooling unit, and a heat transfer pipe arranged in a passage in which a high temperature fluid flows. The heating unit and the heat transfer pipe have internal spaces communicating with each other. The internal space of the heating unit and the internal space of the heat transfer pipe form a circulation path in which a heat medium is circulated. An outlet of the heat transfer pipe from which the heat medium is discharged is provided in a position higher than an inlet of the heat transfer pipe into which the heat medium flows. The heat transfer pipe vaporizes the heat medium flowing in the circulation path by using heat of the high temperature fluid. The heating unit condenses the heat medium vaporized.