Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 11, 2025
09:09
Asymmetric Thermoelectrochemical Cell for Harvesting Low-grade Heat under Isothermal Operation
Published on: February 5, 2020
7.5K
Analysis of Nonlinear Transient Energy Effect on Thermoelectric Energy Storage Structure
Jia Yu1, Hongji Zhu1, Li Kong1
1College of Aerospace and Civil Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 23, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a novel composite structure integrating phase change materials with thermoelectric elements to manage aircraft aerodynamic heating. The enhanced design significantly reduces temperature and thermal stress, improving structural integrity and electrical energy conversion from waste heat.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Materials Science
- Thermal Management
Background:
- Aircraft face extreme thermal challenges from aerodynamic heating during complex flight conditions.
- Existing thermal protection systems struggle with large temperature shocks, impacting structural integrity and lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an innovative composite structure for improved thermal management in aircraft.
- To effectively utilize aerodynamic waste heat by converting it into stable electrical energy.
- To enhance the thermoelectric and mechanical properties of aircraft structures.
Main Methods:
- Integration of phase change energy storage materials with thermoelectric structures.
- Analysis of nonlinear transient energy response.
- Structural optimization for enhanced performance under actual flight conditions.
Main Results:
- Reduced maximum temperature by 180 K and maximum thermal stress by 110 MPa.
- Significant improvement in the mechanical properties and service life of the structure.
- Increased output power by 64.8% while maintaining conversion efficiency.
Conclusions:
- The composite structure effectively mitigates thermal shock and enhances structural durability.
- Phase change materials improve thermoelectric and mechanical performance, prolonging component lifespan.
- Optimized structure efficiently converts waste heat into electrical energy, boosting thermoelectric output.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Joule-Thomson Effect
8.2K
The Joule-Thomson effect, also known as the Joule-Kelvin effect, describes the temperature change of a fluid when it is forced through a valve or porous plug while keeping it in a thermally insulated environment. This experiment is called a throttling process. This is an important effect widely used in refrigeration and the liquefaction of gases.
This experiment forces high-pressure gas through a throttle valve or a porous plug to a lower-pressure region. The gas expands as it passes through to...
This experiment forces high-pressure gas through a throttle valve or a porous plug to a lower-pressure region. The gas expands as it passes through to...
8.2K
01:16Energy Stored in Inductors
781
An inductor is ingeniously crafted to accumulate energy within its magnetic field. This field is a direct result of the current that meanders through its coiled structure. When this current maintains a steady state, there is no detectable voltage across the inductor, prompting it to mimic the behavior of a short circuit when faced with direct current.
In terms of gauging the energy stored within an inductor, it is equivalent to the integral of the power delivered at every individual moment, all...
In terms of gauging the energy stored within an inductor, it is equivalent to the integral of the power delivered at every individual moment, all...
781
02:11Effects of Temperature on Free Energy
27.7K
The spontaneity of a process depends upon the temperature of the system. Phase transitions, for example, will proceed spontaneously in one direction or the other depending upon the temperature of the substance in question. Likewise, some chemical reactions can also exhibit temperature-dependent spontaneities. To illustrate this concept, the equation relating free energy change to the enthalpy and entropy changes for the process is considered:
27.7K
01:27Thermal expansion and Thermal stress: Problem Solving
1.9K
San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is exposed to temperatures ranging from -15 °C to 40 °C. At its coldest, the main span of the bridge is 1275 m long. Assuming that the bridge is made entirely of steel, what is the change in its length between these temperatures?
To solve the problem, first, identify the known and unknown quantities. The initial length (L) of the bridge is 1275 m, the coefficient of linear expansion (α) for steel is 12 x 10-6/°C, and the change in temperature (ΔT) is 55...
To solve the problem, first, identify the known and unknown quantities. The initial length (L) of the bridge is 1275 m, the coefficient of linear expansion (α) for steel is 12 x 10-6/°C, and the change in temperature (ΔT) is 55...
1.9K
01:20Mechanisms of Heat Transfer II
4.0K
In convection, thermal energy is carried by the large-scale flow of matter. Ocean currents and large-scale atmospheric circulation, which result from the buoyancy of warm air and water, transfer hot air from the tropics toward the poles and cold air from the poles toward the tropics. The Earth’s rotation interacts with those flows, causing the observed eastward flow of air in the temperate zones. Convection dominates heat transfer by air, and the amount of available space for the airflow...
4.0K
01:26Thermodynamic Potentials
1.4K
Thermodynamic potentials are state functions that are extremely useful in analyzing a thermodynamic system. They have dimensions of energy. The four important thermodynamic potentials are internal energy, enthalpy, Helmholtz free energy, and Gibbs free energy. These thermodynamic potentials can be expressed using two of the following variables: pressure, volume, temperature, and entropy. These two variables are expressed as the rate of change of the thermodynamic potential with respect to other...
1.4K