SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POWER EFFICIENCY USING THERMOELECTRIC MODULES (TEM) AND WIRELESS SENSOR NETWOR

Abstract

This invention pertains to an embedded system specifically designed for the efficient management of thermoelectric modules (TEM) within a thermoelectric generation (TEG) system. Embedded systems are crucial for optimizing performance, size, and cost while adhering to real-time computing constraints. The proposed system enhances energy productivity by enabling effective in-field detection and real-time management of malfunctioning TEMs. Utilizing measurement criteria for faulty TEMs tailored for series-parallel-connected TEM arrays, this study introduces autonomous, distributed sensor nodes capable of wireless TEM management. These nodes implement a control scheme based on TEM-oriented switches, ensuring reliable operation and maintenance of the TEG system. This innovation not only improves the reliability and performance of thermoelectric energy generation but also reduces the overall cost by streamlining the management of individual TEMs within the array. The outcome is a more efficient and dependable system for maximizing energy output in thermoelectric applications.

Specification

This invention relates to a system and method for reducing power consumption in embedded systems by utilizing thermoelectric modules (TEM) and wireless sensor networks. It aims to enhance energy efficiency while maintaining optimal system performance for various applications

4. DESCRIPTION
4.1 BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
In modern embedded systems, power consumption is a critical challenge, particularly in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) used for applications like environmental monitoring, industrial automation, and IoT devices. These systems often operate in remote or inaccessible locations, requiring long-lasting, energy-efficient solutions to extend their operational lifespan. Traditional methods of power management, such as optimizing communication protocols or using energy-efficient components, have their limitations, especially in power-constrained environments.


The invention addresses this challenge by incorporating thermoelectric modules (TEM) into embedded systems, harnessing ambient temperature differences to generate supplemental electrical energy. This energy is used to power wireless sensor nodes, reducing reliance on battery power and enhancing the overall system's energy efficiency. By integrating TEM technology with WSNs, the invention minimizes power consumption while maintaining reliable data collection and communication. The embedded system further employs intelligent power management algorithms to optimize energy usage, ensuring sustained performance even in low-power conditions.
This approach provides a sustainable solution for reducing power consumption in embedded systems, enabling longer operational periods, reducing maintenance, and improving the overall efficiency of wireless sensor networks.
4.2 FIELD OF INVENTION
The invention relates to energy-efficient embedded systems, utilizing thermoelectric modules (TEM) and wireless sensor networks (WSNs) to minimize power consumption.
It is applicable to low-power, long-term operations in remote or constrained environments.
4.3 DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART
The hardware setup of the gadget in its early phases, as illustrated in Fig. 1, demonstrates the integration of an LCD with other components to create an efficient, energy-saving display system. The LCD consists of a layer of liquid crystal material placed between two transparent electrodes and two polarizing filters. These filters are aligned perpendicularly to each other, ensuring controlled light transmission.
The liquid crystal material exhibits properties of both liquids and crystals, with its molecular alignment being adjustable through the application of an electric field. When an electric field is applied to the electrodes, it alters the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules, either permitting or blocking the passage of light through the polarizing filters. By controlling this alignment, the LCD displays different patterns of light and dark areas, forming images.
In conjunction with the LCD's functionality, the system is designed to explore the thermoelectric properties of the setup. Using thermoelectric modules (TEM), the

hardware converts ambient heat energy into electrical energy. The research on various thermoelectric materials and generator designs, as highlighted in Fig. 4, allows for accurate forecasting of heat fluxes within the device, with a margin of error of only 5%.
This predictive capability enables more efficient design and energy management Further demonstrates the output generated by the modules when they absorb heat from the environment. The introduction of external heat or voltage between the electrodes generates torque, aligning the liquid crystal molecules parallel to the electric field. This torque distorts the helical structure of the liquid crystals, achieving the desired alignment and enhancing display performance.
The combined use of liquid crystal technology and thermoelectric modules offers a system that is both energy-efficient and capable of adapting to environmental conditions, ensuring optimal performance across various applications. 4.4 SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The invention integrates liquid crystal display (LCD) technology with thermoelectric modules (TEM) to develop an energy-efficient system for embedded applications. The LCD consists of a layer of liquid crystal material sandwiched between two transparent electrodes and two polarizing filters, which are perpendicular to each other. The liquid crystal molecules exhibit dual properties of both liquids and crystals, and their alignment is controlled by an applied electric field. When the electric field is introduced, the alignment of the molecules changes, regulating light passage through the polarizing filters to display images by forming distinct light and dark patterns.
This system is further enhanced by incorporating thermoelectric modules that harvest ambient heat energy and convert it into electrical.power. The invention explores a wide range of thermoelectric materials and generator designs, resulting in accurate forecasting of internal heat fluxes with a precision of ±5%. This high level of accuracy ensures, the efficient conversion of heat energy, improving the system's energy management and reducing its reliance on external power sources.
The hardware setup of the device, demonstrating the integration of LCD and TEM components and the output generated when the TEM absorbs heat from the environment. External heat or voltage applied between the electrodes generates torque, aligning the liquid crystal molecules parallel to the electric field. This realignment

distorts the liquid crystal's helical structure, ensuring optimal display performance. The invention achieves significant power efficiency by utilizing thermoelectric energy harvesting while maintaining the display's functionality. This approach is ideal for embedded systems and applications, that require minimal power consumption, long ­term sustainability, and operation in remote or low-energy environments.



Claim 1: An embedded system for managing Thermoelectric Modules (TEM), comprising autonomous and dispersed sensor nodes configured to perform real-time detection and management of faulty TEMs within a thermoelectric production system.
Claim 2: The embedded system of Claim 1, wherein the sensor nodes utilize a control scheme based on TEM-oriented switches to facilitate wireless management of TEMs in series-parallel configurations.
Claim 3: A method for optimizing energy productivity in thermoelectric generation systems, comprising the steps of monitoring TEM performance through autonomous sensor nodes and implementing corrective actions based on measurement criteria for faulty TEMs.
Claim 4: The method of Claim 3, wherein the measurement criteria for detecting faulty TEMs are specifically developed for arrays of series-parallel-connected TEMs, allowing for enhanced reliability and performance.
Claim 5: The embedded system of Claim 1, wherein the sensor nodes are designed to communicate wirelessly, providing real-time data on TEM functionality and enabling immediate response to detected malfunctions.

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