Thermoelectric Generating Unit With Integrated Circulation Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermoelectric generators face inefficiencies in heating the hot side due to the distance between the thermoelectric conversion part and the heat source, leading to reduced heat exchange performance and increased size.

Innovation Solution

A thermoelectric generating unit with a plate-like hollow member and a tubular member forming a circulation path, where the tubular member is heated externally by a hot fluid, allowing direct steam ejection onto the heating surface and a reinforcement bridge to prevent deformation, integrated with a modular plate-like structure for efficient heat transfer and compact installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If steam is introduced into the thermoelectric conversion part from a distant heat source, then the thermoelectric generator can be constructed with separate heating and conversion sections, but heat exchange performance deteriorates and device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural arrangementVSAvoidheat exchange performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The tubular member is positioned inside the plate-like hollow member, creating a nested configuration where the heating section is integrated within the conversion section. This allows the heating medium to flow through the tubular cavity while the thermoelectric transducer is housed in the plate-like cavity, eliminating the need for distant steam introduction and improving heat exchange efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the heating section and thermoelectric conversion section into a single integrated unit. The plate-like hollow member and tubular member form a unified structure where heat transfer occurs directly at the location of the thermoelectric transducer, combining functions that were previously separated in conventional designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If steam is introduced into the thermoelectric conversion part from a distant heat source, then the system can separate heating and conversion functions, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional separationVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Loss of energy

If the plate-like hollow member and tubular member are connected to form a circulation path, then heat exchange performance is enhanced, but structural deformation may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat exchange performanceVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A reinforcement bridge is provided at a specific location within the plate-like cavity to strengthen the structure where it is most needed. The bridge connects the plate-like hollow member and tubular member at a position that maintains communication between them while providing localized structural support to prevent deformation under thermal and pressure loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 heat exchange performance, achieves efficient heating of the thermoelectric transducer, and allows for a compact and durable thermoelectric generator with improved power generation output and reduced costs.

Implementation Method 1

The tubular member heated from outside by a hot fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The plate-like cavity and the tubular cavity form a circulation path in which a heating medium charged in the cavities circulates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

generate electric power by a temperature difference between a cold side and a hot side of a thermoelectric module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10557395B2Thermoelectric generating unit, thermoelectric generator using the thermoelectric generating unit, mounting structure of the thermoelectric generator, and exhaust duct and engine including the mounting structure

Publication Date: 2020.02.11 YANMAR POWER TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A thermoelectric generating unit is configured to generate based on a temperature difference between a cold side and a hot side. A heating part includes a plate-like hollow member and tubular member. The hollow member is provided along a hot-side surface of a thermoelectric transducer, and forms a plate-like cavity inside. The tubular member forms a tubular cavity which communicates the plate-like cavity, with two open ends of the tubular member being positioned distantly from each other and connected to the plate-like hollow member. The tubular member is heated from outside by a hot fluid. The plate-like cavity and the tubular cavity form a circulation path in which a heating medium charged in the cavities circulates.