Thermoelectric thermal management system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoelectric technologies for thermal management are limited in efficiency and versatility, particularly in integrating multiple modes of operation and energy conversion for advanced applications.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system incorporating thermoelectric elements that operate in multiple modes (electricity generation, heat pumping, heat flow blocking, and heat flow transferring) with an integrated electricity transport medium and controller, allowing for energy transfer to light emitting sources for efficient heat dissipation and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thermoelectric elements are used for thermal management, then cooling or heating can be achieved, but the efficiency is limited compared to other techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling thermoelectric elements to operate in multiple modes including electricity generation mode, heat pumping mode, heat flow blocking mode, and heat flow transferring mode. This allows a single thermoelectric device to perform various thermal management functions depending on the applied electrical current, thereby improving versatility without sacrificing efficiency through specialized design for each mode
2Loss of energy
If thermoelectric elements operate in multiple modes with controller and electricity transport medium, then thermal management efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by allowing the thermoelectric elements to automatically switch between different operational modes based on the direction and magnitude of applied electrical current. The controller manages the complexity by coordinating pre-programmed mode transitions, reducing the need for complex real-time decision-making hardware while maintaining efficient thermal management through automated mode selection
3Adaptability or versatility
If light emitting sources are integrated for heat dissipation, then new heat management capability is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple heat dissipation mechanisms by integrating light emitting sources with thermoelectric elements in a unified thermal management system. The light emitting sources convert electrical energy to light energy which is then emitted to the environment, creating an additional heat dissipation pathway that works in conjunction with the thermoelectric cooling/heating functions, thereby enhancing versatility through component integration rather than separate systems
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
Enhances thermal management by efficiently converting heat energy into electrical energy, which is then used to emit light, providing a controlled and efficient means of heat dissipation and temperature regulation across various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The thermoelectric effect is the ability to convert heat flow energy directly to electricity. It was discovered by a Germen physicist, Seebeck, in 1821.
Implementation Method 2
The reverse effect on the same device, i.e., use of an electrical energy for heat pumping (enable heating but more important also enable cooling of an object) was discovered by a French physicist, Peltier, in 1834.
Implementation Method 3
the electrical energy is transferred to the light emitting sources which converts the electrical energy to light energy and emits the light energy to the environment
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal management system for an object comprising: one or more thermoelectric elements, one or more light emitting sources, electricity transport medium; electrical energy storage, and a controller. Heat energy that is generated or absorbed by the object is converted by said thermoelectric element to electrical energy. This energy is transferred to light emitting source to emit the energy to the environment or delivered to the electrical energy storage or back to the thermoelectric elements using the electricity transport medium and the controller to achieve the thermal goal of the thermal management system.