Self-Powered Thermoelectric Temperature Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature detecting devices require external wiring and battery replacement for power supply, limiting their installation locations and increasing costs, and lack detailed descriptions of heat source contact and cooling methods.
Innovation Solution
A temperature detecting device that uses a thermoelectric conversion element to generate power from a temperature difference between two surfaces, eliminating the need for external wiring and battery exchange by integrating a power generation unit, heat transfer units, and a radiator to efficiently transfer heat or cold, providing continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless temperature sensors are used to eliminate wiring, then installation flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but battery replacement costs and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor performs self-powering by utilizing the temperature difference between its sensing element exposed to the target fluid and its backend. The thermoelectric conversion element converts this temperature difference directly into electrical energy, enabling the sensor to generate its own operating power without external batteries or wiring, thus achieving both installation flexibility and continuous reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the energy supply parameter from external battery power to internal thermoelectric power generation. By utilizing the temperature gradient parameter inherent in the measurement environment, the sensor transforms waste thermal energy into useful electrical energy, resolving the contradiction between wireless operation and power supply reliability
2Power
If thermoelectric conversion element is placed in direct contact with heat source, then power generation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and heat management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is segmented into distinct functional zones: a frontend sensing element exposed to the target fluid for temperature detection, a midsection thermoelectric conversion element for power generation, and a backend for heat dissipation. This segmentation allows direct thermal contact for efficient power generation while managing heat through structured thermal pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor body structure acts as an intermediary thermal pathway, conducting heat from the sensing element through the thermoelectric conversion element to the backend. This intermediary structure enables controlled heat transfer that maximizes power generation efficiency while preventing unmanaged thermal accumulation, simplifying the overall heat management system
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple temperature sensors are deployed to form a sensor network, then monitoring coverage is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each temperature sensor in the network is self-powered through thermoelectric conversion, eliminating the need for external power wiring at each sensing location. This self-service capability allows sensors to be deployed independently at multiple locations without complex power distribution infrastructure, reducing installation complexity while expanding monitoring coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor integrates multiple functions into a single device: temperature detection, power generation, and wireless communication. This multi-functionality allows uniform deployment of identical sensor units across the network without requiring different components for power supply or signal transmission, simplifying installation and maintenance while enabling widespread deployment
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 device generates electric power internally, allowing for continuous operation without external power sources or battery replacement, facilitating wireless temperature monitoring and reducing installation restrictions.
Implementation Method 1
a power generation unit spaced from the detecting unit and including a thermoelectric conversion element
Implementation Method 2
a first heat transfer unit that transfers heat or cold of the heat source to the power generation unit
Implementation Method 3
a radiator spaced from the power generation unit for radiating heat or cold to a location external to the temperature detecting device
Implementation Method 4
a second heat transfer unit that receives heat or cold from the power generation unit and that transfers the heat or cold to the radiator
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature detecting device (101) includes: a detecting unit (11) which detects a temperature of a heat source (1); a power generation unit (12) which includes a thermoelectric conversion element (3) and is spaced from the detecting unit (11); a first heat transfer unit (41) that transfers heat or cold of the heat source (1) to the power generation unit (12); a radiator (13) which is remote from the power generation unit (12) so as to radiate heat or cold to outside; a second heat transfer unit (42) that receives heat or cold from the power generation unit (12) and that transfers the heat or cold to the radiating unit (13); and an output unit (14) that outputs a result of the measurement made by the temperature receiving element (2). The thermoelectric conversion element (3) generates electric power by way of a temperature difference between a surface (3a) and a surface (3b) and supplies electric power to the temperature receiving element (2) and the output unit (14).