Thermoelectric Conversion Element Segmentation for Normal Temperature Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoelectric conversion elements face challenges in achieving high efficiency due to reduced temperature differences, limited material properties that satisfy high thermoelectric force, electric conductivity, and low thermal conductivity simultaneously, making it difficult to enlarge their area and generate power effectively at normal temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric conversion element is designed with a charge transport layer having both semiconducting and metallic electric conduction properties, combined with a thermoelectric conversion material layer, which allows for high electric conductivity and low thermal conductivity, enabling efficient energy conversion and power generation in a larger area without significant heat conduction between the high and low temperature sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the cross sectional area of thermoelectric blocks is increased to enlarge the cooling area, then the endothermic area is enlarged, but the height of blocks must be increased proportionally which makes the element impracticable and causes fatigue cracks in adhered regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the thermoelectric conversion element into multiple independent blocks (first block, second block, third block, fourth block) arranged in a specific pattern. This segmentation allows the cooling area to be enlarged without proportionally increasing the height of each individual block, thereby avoiding fatigue cracks while achieving practical dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single large block configuration to a multi-block arrangement that utilizes spatial distribution in multiple dimensions. By arranging blocks in a pattern with alternating high-temperature and low-temperature sides, the cooling area is enlarged through dimensional distribution rather than simply increasing the height of individual blocks.
2Reliability
If conventional thermoelectric materials are used to satisfy high thermoelectric force, electric conductivity, and low thermal conductivity simultaneously, then material properties are limited, but it becomes difficult to enlarge the area and generate power effectively at normal temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different material properties to different blocks based on their functional requirements. The first and third blocks (with high-temperature sides) use materials optimized for heat resistance and thermoelectric conversion, while the second and fourth blocks (with low-temperature sides) use materials optimized for thermal conductivity and electrical properties. This local differentiation enables the element to maintain high conversion efficiency while being scalable to larger areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different thermoelectric materials for different blocks within the same element. By combining materials with complementary properties in a multi-block configuration, the element achieves both high thermoelectric conversion efficiency and the ability to operate effectively at normal temperatures with enlarged area.
3Temperature
If the temperature difference between high temperature side and low temperature side is reduced to enable power generation at normal temperatures, then the element can operate at normal temperatures, but the thermoelectric conversion efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters and structural configuration to optimize performance at small temperature differences. By selecting materials and arranging blocks in a specific pattern, the element maintains effective thermoelectric conversion even when the temperature difference between high-temperature and low-temperature sides is minimal, enabling operation at normal temperatures without significant efficiency loss.
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 solution results in a thermoelectric conversion element with enhanced efficiency and the ability to generate power in a space with minimal temperature difference, allowing for larger area applications and improved power output at normal temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
thermal energy is converted into electric energy due to the Seebeck effect by using the electrode 180 as a high temperature side and the opposite electrodes 120 and 121 as a low temperature side to create a temperature difference therebetween
Implementation Method 2
a charge transport section or a charge transport layer which is formed of a charge transport material having at least both semiconducting electric conduction properties and metallic electric conduction properties
Implementation Method 3
Electric energy is converted into thermal energy also by the Peltier effect by applying a direct voltage between the electrode 180 and the electrodes 120 and 121 and passing an electric current through the electrode 120 to the electrode 121 via the electrode 180 so that the electrode 180 acts as an endothermic electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoelectric conversion element comprising a thermoelectric conversion section and electrodes, wherein the thermoelectric conversion section includes at least: a thermoelectric conversion material section or a thermoelectric conversion material layer which is formed of a thermoelectric conversion material; and a charge transport section or a charge transport layer which is formed of a charge transport material having at least both semiconducting electric conduction properties and metallic electric conduction properties.