Thermoelectric Power Generation Device Straddling Flow Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoelectric power-generation devices face challenges in reducing overall thickness and maintaining power generation efficiency due to the addition of thermoelectric conversion modules between flow paths, which leads to increased thickness and heat conduction losses.
Innovation Solution
The proposed thermoelectric power-generation device incorporates a configuration with a first and second flow path, an insulating isolation plate, and thermoelectric conversion units disposed to straddle the flow paths, reducing heat conduction losses and overall thickness by allowing direct contact between the thermoelectric conversion units and the fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the thermoelectric conversion module is disposed between the layered EGR flow paths and the cooling water flow paths, then power generation is enabled, but the overall thickness in the lamination direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric conversion module is merged with the flow path structure by integrating it directly into the layered configuration. The module's electrodes are positioned to serve as both electrical connection points and structural components of the flow path assembly, eliminating the need for separate external mounting structures and reducing overall thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric conversion module is oriented and positioned to utilize the thickness dimension of the flow path structure. By aligning the module's orientation with the flow path geometry, the design achieves compact integration without increasing the lamination direction thickness, effectively using spatial dimensions to resolve the contradiction.
2Power
If the thermoelectric conversion module ends are heated and cooled via upper plates and lower plates, then temperature difference is provided for power generation, but heat conduction loss occurs between high-temperature and low-temperature media and the module
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric conversion module is extracted from the conventional sandwiching configuration between upper and lower plates. Instead, the module is directly integrated with the flow paths, allowing the high-temperature and low-temperature media to contact the module ends directly. This extraction eliminates the intermediate plate structures that caused heat conduction losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow paths themselves serve as the thermal coupling medium between the high-temperature and low-temperature media and the thermoelectric conversion module. By using the flow paths as direct thermal contacts rather than separate plate intermediaries, the design reduces unwanted heat conduction losses while maintaining the necessary temperature difference for power generation.
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 minimizing heat conduction losses and reduces the overall thickness of the device, addressing the space-saving and efficiency concerns of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
A thermoelectric conversion module is a module configured of thermoelectric conversion elements capable of converting a thermal energy into an electric energy using the Seebeck effect
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A thermoelectric power-generation device 1 includes: a first flow path F1 through which a high-temperature medium H flows; a second flow path F2 through which a low-temperature medium C that has a temperature difference with respect to the high-temperature medium M flows; an insulating isolation plate 10 configured to isolate the first flow path F1 from the second flow path F2; insulating outer layer isolation plates 20 provided at outermost portions of layered flow paths including the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2; a plurality of thermoelectric conversion units 30 and 40 configured to generate power using the temperature difference; and electrodes 50 provided at the outer layer isolation plates 20 and configured to connect the thermoelectric conversion units 30 and 40 with mutually different semiconductor polarities in series, and the thermoelectric conversion units 30 and 40 are disposed so as to straddle the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2.