Thermoelectric Module With Variable Thermal Resistance Heat Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoelectric power generation modules face inefficiencies due to low thermoelectric conversion rates when temperature gradients between heat sources and dissipating bodies are low, leading to reduced power generation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric power generation module is designed with a thermally-responsive body that changes thermal resistance based on temperature, featuring a thermoelectric power generation element and a thermally-responsive body with granular, thin plate-shaped, or double-layer heat conductors, and a thermally-responsive member with high linear expansion coefficients, allowing for adaptive thermal connection and resistance adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a thermoelectric power generation element is used to convert heat to electricity, then heat can be reused and power generation is achieved, but the thermoelectric conversion rate decreases when the temperature gradient between heat source and heat dissipating body is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the thermal resistance of the heat dissipation path dynamic rather than static. The thermally-responsive body changes its thermal resistance according to temperature, allowing the system to adapt to varying temperature gradients. When temperature is high, thermal resistance decreases to enhance heat dissipation; when temperature is low, thermal resistance increases to maintain temperature gradient for power generation, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining conversion rate and dissipating heat effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing materials whose thermal resistance parameter changes with temperature. The thermally-responsive body is constructed from materials (such as phase change materials or materials with negative thermal expansion coefficient) that exhibit significant thermal resistance changes in response to temperature variations. This parameter change allows the system to optimize both power generation efficiency and heat dissipation performance under different operating conditions
2Use of energy by moving object
If a thermally-responsive body with changing thermal resistance is introduced to optimize power generation, then conversion efficiency improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the thermally-responsive body directly into the heat dissipation structure rather than adding it as a separate control system. The thermally-responsive body is positioned between the heat generating element and the heat dissipation fin, merging the heat dissipation function with the thermal resistance modulation function into a single integrated component, thus improving efficiency without proportionally increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The thermally-responsive body acts as an intermediary element between the heat generating element and the heat dissipation fin. This intermediary component mediates the heat flow by dynamically adjusting thermal resistance, allowing the system to achieve optimized power generation efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of a single mediating component rather than multiple active control elements
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 thermoelectric power generation efficiency by optimizing thermal resistance at varying temperatures, effectively suppressing heat-generated semiconductor component temperature rises and improving power generation rates.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally-responsive body 4 that is disposed on an outer peripheral section of a top surface of the heat-dissipating body 3 and whose thermal resistance changes according to temperature
Implementation Method 2
The heat-generating body 2 is disposed on top surfaces of the thermoelectric power generation element 1 and the thermally-responsive body 4
Implementation Method 3
a thermoelectric power generation element 1 disposed at an approximately central section of a top surface of the heat-dissipating body 3
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a thermoelectric power generation module that includes a heat-dissipating body that dissipates heat generated by a heat-generating body, a thermoelectric power generation element disposed at an approximately central section of a top surface of the heat-dissipating body, and a thermally-responsive body that is disposed on an outer peripheral section of the top surface of the heat-dissipating body and whose thermal resistance changes according to temperature. The thermoelectric power generation element and the thermally-responsive body are disposed on a bottom surface of the heat-generating body, and the thermally-responsive body is formed such that the thermal resistance of the thermally-responsive body becomes larger than that for the thermoelectric power generation element when the heat-generating body has a low temperature and that the thermal resistance of the thermally-responsive body becomes equal to or smaller than that for the thermoelectric power generation element when the heat-generating body has a high temperature.