Thermoelectric Power Generation Device With Heat Medium Pressure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional thermoelectric power generation devices do not effectively maximize power generation due to limitations in temperature difference utilization and pressure control of the heat medium, leading to potential damage and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a heat medium adjusting unit that controls the pressure and temperature of the heat medium within the thermoelectric power generation device, utilizing latent heat transfer and preventing excessive pressure increases or decreases to maintain a stable temperature difference across the thermoelectric element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the heat medium flows through the heat medium passage without pressure control, then the device structure remains simple, but the power generation amount is insufficient and the device may be damaged due to excessive pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation amountVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a heat medium adjusting unit that actively controls pressure and temperature parameters of the heat medium. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes the temperature difference across the thermoelectric element, thereby maximizing power generation while preventing pressure-related damage to the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The heat medium adjusting unit implements a feedback control mechanism that monitors the state of the heat medium and adjusts pressure and temperature accordingly. This feedback system ensures the heat medium operates within safe pressure limits while maintaining optimal conditions for power generation, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and effective power generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Power

If the heat medium pressure is not controlled, then the device structure remains simple, but the temperature difference stability is poor leading to reduced power generation efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoidpressure control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a heat medium adjusting unit that actively modifies pressure and temperature parameters to maintain optimal operating conditions. By controlling these parameters, the system stabilizes the temperature difference across the thermoelectric element, thereby improving power generation efficiency while accepting the necessary addition of pressure control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the heat medium undergoes large pressure fluctuations, then the device structure remains simple, but the thermoelectric element may be damaged and power generation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice durabilityVSAvoidpressure regulation system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat medium adjusting unit serves as a protective mechanism that prevents excessive pressure fluctuations before they can damage the thermoelectric element. By regulating pressure in advance, the system cushions against potential damage and ensures reliable operation, justifying the addition of pressure regulation components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback control mechanism in the heat medium adjusting unit continuously monitors pressure conditions and makes real-time adjustments to prevent damaging pressure fluctuations. This feedback system protects the thermoelectric element while maintaining relatively simple overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 maintaining a consistent temperature difference and preventing damage to the device, thereby improving overall power output while ensuring the heat medium operates within safe pressure limits.

Implementation Method 1

a thermoelectric element configured to generate power by utilizing a temperature difference between a condensation temperature of a heat medium that undergoes latent heat transfer in the heat medium passage and a temperature of the cooling liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLatent heat transfer: Latent Heat

Implementation Method 2

a thermoelectric element configured to generate power by utilizing a temperature difference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10950776B2Thermoelectric power generation device

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 YANMAR POWER TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A thermoelectric power generation device including: a heating unit having a heat medium passage in which a heat medium flows, a cooling unit having a cooling liquid passage in which a cooling liquid flows, a thermoelectric element having the heating unit on one side and the cooling unit on another side, the thermoelectric element configured to generate power by utilizing a temperature difference between a condensation temperature of the heat medium that undergoes latent heat transfer in the heat medium passage and a temperature of the cooling liquid; and the thermoelectric power generation device further including a heat medium adjusting unit configured to adjust the pressure or the temperature of the heat medium.