Thermoelectric Steam Generator Heat Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam generation apparatuses face challenges in maintaining high power generation efficiency due to excessive heat loss and complications in insulating structures, particularly when using high-temperature heating media, leading to reduced energy efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A steam generation apparatus design featuring high-temperature pipes with low-temperature pipes on either side, where thermoelectric modules are interposed to generate power using temperature differences, and a vessel with reduced internal pressure to minimize heat radiation, along with a heat source supply apparatus for solar energy heating, and a level sensor for fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a high-temperature heating medium (200°C or higher) is used to increase steam generation efficiency, then steam production capability is improved, but heat loss to the outside of the pipe member increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested pipe structure where a low-temperature pipe is positioned inside the high-temperature pipe. The high-temperature heating medium flows through the outer pipe while the low-temperature fluid flows through the inner pipe, creating a counter-flow heat exchange system that recovers heat and reduces external heat loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermoelectric element as an intermediary component between the high-temperature and low-temperature pipes. This element converts part of the thermal energy directly into electrical energy, reducing the thermal load and minimizing heat loss to the environment.
2Power
If a thermoelectric element is exposed to water vapor generated in the housing to enable power generation, then electric power can be generated using temperature difference, but complication of insulating structure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the thermoelectric element from the steam-generating environment by positioning it in the space between the high-temperature pipe and low-temperature pipe, where it is exposed to temperature differences but not directly to water vapor. This eliminates the need for complex insulating structures while maintaining power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The low-temperature pipe serves as an intermediary that provides thermal access to the thermoelectric element without exposing it to the harsh steam environment. The element receives heat from the high-temperature pipe through the low-temperature pipe wall, enabling power generation without direct vapor contact.
3Power
If the thermoelectric element is positioned to generate power from temperature difference, then electric power generation is enabled, but heat radiation to the outside of the pipe member increases causing excessive heat loss
Solution Approach 1:
The nested pipe configuration with the thermoelectric element positioned between the high-temperature outer pipe and low-temperature inner pipe creates a thermally efficient structure. The counter-flow arrangement maximizes heat recovery while minimizing external heat radiation by containing all thermal exchange within the double-pipe system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters by introducing a low-temperature fluid flowing in the opposite direction to the heating medium. This counter-flow arrangement optimizes the temperature gradient across the thermoelectric element while reducing the overall heat radiation to the environment by maintaining lower external pipe temperatures.
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 reducing heat loss, maintaining stable power output over time, and facilitating easy maintenance and repair, while also enabling efficient seawater desalination systems.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric module interposed between the high-temperature pipe and each of the low-temperature pipes for generating electrical power using a temperature difference
Implementation Method 2
the supplied low-temperature fluid in a liquid form is turned into steam due to heat exchange with the high-temperature fluid
Implementation Method 3
the supplied low-temperature fluid in a liquid form is turned into steam
Implementation Method 4
a vessel with reduced internal pressure to minimize heat radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A steam generation apparatus 1 including a high-temperature pipe 10 disposed extending horizontally and through which a high-temperature fluid passes; low-temperature pipes 20 disposed on both sides of the high-temperature pipe 10 in a horizontal direction and through which a low-temperature fluid having a temperature lower than that of the high-temperature fluid passes; and a thermoelectric module 30 interposed between the high-temperature pipe 10 and each of the low-temperature pipes 20 for generating electrical power using a temperature difference between the high-temperature pipe 10 and the low-temperature pipes 20, the low-temperature pipes 20 being configured such that the supplied low-temperature fluid in a liquid form is turned into steam due to heat exchange with the high-temperature fluid and is discharged from an upper portion of the low-temperature pipes 20.