CN116313210A - A long-life thermoelectric isotope battery for power generation based on liquid metal heat transfer - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer, which comprises a first liquid metal runner, a second liquid metal runner, an isotope radiation heat source, a thermoelectric element and a heat insulation layer, wherein the isotope radiation heat source is fixedly arranged in the first liquid metal runner; the heat insulation layer is fixedly sleeved outside the first liquid metal runner, the second liquid metal runner is covered outside the heat insulation layer, and liquid metal media are respectively filled in the first liquid metal runner and the second liquid metal runner; the thermoelectric element is fixedly arranged at the top of the second liquid metal runner, and the lower end of the thermoelectric element penetrates through the second liquid metal runner and the heat insulation layer in sequence and extends into the first liquid metal runner. The invention has the beneficial effects of simple structure and reasonable design, provides the design of the isotope battery without a bearing piece and with good heat dissipation performance, effectively improves the working environment of the thermoelectric element and prolongs the service life of the battery.

Description

A long-life thermoelectric isotope battery for power generation based on liquid metal heat transfer

technical field

The invention relates to the field of energy technology, in particular to a long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer.

Background technique

Human activities are gradually facing outer space, deep sea, polar regions, deserts, etc. These places need power supply devices that can provide power for a long time and stably. Ordinary batteries are no longer able to meet the needs of these activities. Chemical batteries have a limited working life, and photovoltaic cells are strongly dependent on sunlight, and their performance is also affected by cosmic rays in outer space. Compared with ordinary batteries, radioisotope batteries have the characteristics of long working life, high reliability, high energy density, and small size. These characteristics make radioisotope batteries the best power supply in aerospace, deep sea and other fields.

However, the service time of the isotope battery is limited by the life of the thermoelectric element, and the use environment of the thermoelectric element is relatively harsh. It serves as a heat transfer path and needs to be used as a load-bearing component in a high-temperature environment, especially during the launch and landing stages. In a highly accelerated vibration environment, the mechanical properties of the thermoelectric element are greatly considered, especially the welding layer of the transducing material and the insulating material, which may tear or fall off, which is why the life of the isotope battery is not as expected. .

At the same time, in order to ensure power generation efficiency, nuclear batteries require heat to be conducted from the heat source-thermoelectric element-external environment as much as possible. In the heat transfer process of general nuclear batteries, heat radiation + solid heat conduction is required. This conduction path depends on the reliability of the solid heat transfer channel. Once the nuclear battery receives external forces such as vibration and other environments, it may cause distortion or damage to the solid structure, which may cause the heat of the thermoelectric element to fail to transfer, forming heat accumulation inside the nuclear battery. Phenomenon, resulting in reduced component life.

Contents of the invention

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer, which aims to solve the problems in the prior art.

The technical scheme that the present invention solves the problems of the technologies described above is as follows:

A long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer, comprising a first liquid metal flow channel, a second liquid metal flow channel, an isotope radiation heat source, a thermoelectric element and a heat insulation layer, and the isotope radiation heat source is fixedly installed on the The first liquid metal flow channel; the heat insulation layer is fixedly sleeved outside the first liquid metal flow channel, the second liquid metal flow channel is covered outside the heat insulation layer, and the first liquid metal The flow channel and the second liquid metal flow channel are respectively filled with liquid metal medium; the thermoelectric element is fixedly installed on the top of the second liquid metal flow channel, and its lower end passes through the second liquid metal flow channel in sequence. The channel and the heat insulation layer extend into the first liquid metal flow channel.

The beneficial effects of the present invention are: thermoelectric power generation process: the isotope radiation heat source emits decay heat radiation to the first liquid metal flow channel, heats the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel, and makes it merge with the liquid state of the second liquid metal flow channel The metal medium produces a temperature difference; two flow channels with different temperature differences pass through the two ends of the thermoelectric element, so that the thermoelectric element generates electricity due to the temperature difference to form a complete circuit;

Spontaneous operation process: the current generated by the thermoelectric element forms an electromagnetic field, and the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel and the second liquid metal flow channel cuts the magnetic field lines of the electromagnetic field, and is subjected to electromagnetic force to circulate in the respective flow channels ;

Heat exchange process: the first liquid metal flow channel and the second liquid metal flow channel conduct local heat exchange in the thermoelectric element, and conduct heat to the outside;

In addition, the heat insulation layer acts as an interlayer and is closely attached between the first liquid metal flow channel and the second liquid metal flow channel to ensure the temperature difference between the two flow channels.

The invention has a simple structure and a reasonable design, provides a design of an isotope battery with no load-bearing parts and good heat dissipation performance, effectively improves the working environment of the thermoelectric element, and prolongs the battery life.

On the basis of the above technical solutions, the present invention can also be improved as follows.

Furthermore, the first liquid metal flow channel and/or the second liquid metal flow channel and/or the heat insulation layer respectively have a cylindrical structure.

The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that the structure is simple, the design is reasonable, neat and beautiful, and the occupied space is small.

Further, a plurality of heat dissipation fins are fixedly installed on the outer wall of the second liquid metal flow channel at uniform intervals along its circumference.

The beneficial effect of adopting the above further scheme is that the structure is simple and the design is reasonable, and the cooling effect is further improved by assisting the second liquid metal flow channel to dissipate heat through a plurality of cooling fins.

Further, the isotope radiation heat source is an alpha radiation source or a beta radiation source with a decay heat effect.

The beneficial effect of adopting the above further solution is that the design is reasonable, the α radiation source and the β radiation source are highly radioactive, and sufficient heat is ensured to heat the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel.

Further, the isotope radiation heat source is Pu238 or Po210.

The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that the design is reasonable, and the radioactivity of Pu238 and Po210 is strong, ensuring sufficient heat to heat the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel.

Further, the thermoelectric element adopts an aluminum nitride electrically insulating and heat-conducting ceramic substrate.

The beneficial effect of adopting the above further scheme is that the structure is simple, the design is reasonable, and the aluminum nitride electrical insulation and heat conduction ceramic substrate is used, which no longer bears any structural force, and is only fixed on the surface of the two flow channels through the design of pipe clamps, etc., in which the temperature difference generates electricity The hot end of the element is fixed on the first liquid metal flow channel, and the cold end is fixed on the second liquid metal flow channel, so that the entire thermoelectric element occupies a small area.

Further, the first liquid metal flow channel and/or the second liquid metal flow channel are made of Nb-1Zr material, and the liquid metal medium is Li or Na-K.

The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that the structure is simple, the design is reasonable, the heating and heat exchange are fast, and the cutting of the magnetic field lines is not affected so that the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel and the second liquid metal flow channel circulates. .

Further, the heat insulation layer is made of microporous heat insulation material, and its thermal conductivity is ≤0.025W/m.

The beneficial effect of adopting the above further solution is that the selection is reasonable, and the temperature difference between the first liquid metal flow channel and the second liquid metal flow channel can be ensured through the heat insulation layer, so that the thermoelectric element can generate electricity.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the top view of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view of the present invention.

In the accompanying drawings, the list of parts represented by each label is as follows:

1. Isotope radiation heat source; 2. First liquid metal flow channel; 3. Heat insulation layer; 4. Radiating fins; 5. Second liquid metal flow channel; 6. Thermoelectric element.

Detailed ways

It should be noted that, in the case of no conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

In describing the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", " The orientations or positional relationships indicated by "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner" and "outer" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and Simplified descriptions, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operate in a particular orientation, and thus should not be construed as limiting the invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only, and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first", "second", etc. may expressly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection or a detachable connection. Connected, or integrally connected; it may be mechanically connected or electrically connected; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediary, and it may be the internal communication of two components. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific situations.

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

Example 1

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, this embodiment provides a long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer, including a first liquid metal flow channel 2, a second liquid metal flow channel 5, an isotope radiation heat source 1, The thermoelectric element 6 and the heat insulation layer 3, the isotope radiation heat source 1 is fixedly installed in the first liquid metal flow channel 2; the heat insulation layer 3 is fixedly sleeved outside the first liquid metal flow channel 2, and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 is covered Outside the heat insulation layer 3, the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 are respectively filled with liquid metal medium; the thermoelectric element 6 is fixedly installed on the top of the second liquid metal flow channel 5, and its lower end wears It passes through the second liquid metal flow channel 5 and the heat insulation layer 3 in turn and extends into the first liquid metal flow channel 2 .

Thermoelectric power generation process: the isotope radiation heat source 1 emits decay heat radiation to the first liquid metal flow channel 2, heats the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel 2, and makes it contact with the liquid metal medium in the second liquid metal flow channel 5 A temperature difference is generated; two flow channels with different temperature differences pass through both ends of the thermoelectric element 6, so that the thermoelectric element 6 generates electricity due to the temperature difference to form a complete circuit;

Spontaneous operation process: the electric current generated by the thermoelectric element 6 forms an electromagnetic field, and the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 cuts the magnetic field lines of the electromagnetic field, and is acted on by the electromagnetic force on the respective Circulating flow in the flow channel;

Heat exchange process: the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 perform local heat exchange in the thermoelectric element 6, and conduct heat to the outside;

In addition, the heat insulation layer 3 acts as an interlayer and is closely attached between the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 to ensure the temperature difference between the two flow channels.

This embodiment has a simple structure and a reasonable design, and provides a design of an isotope battery with no load-bearing parts and good heat dissipation performance, which effectively improves the working environment of the thermoelectric element and prolongs the battery life.

Example 2

On the basis of Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and/or the second liquid metal flow channel 5 and/or the heat insulation layer 3 respectively have a cylindrical structure.

The scheme is simple in structure, reasonable in design, neat and beautiful, and takes up little space.

In addition to the above embodiments, the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 and the heat insulation layer 3 may also adopt other suitable shapes, such as a rectangular structure.

Example 3

On the basis of Embodiment 2, in this embodiment, a plurality of cooling fins 4 are fixedly installed on the outer wall of the second liquid metal flow channel 5 at uniform intervals along its circumferential direction.

The solution is simple in structure and reasonable in design, and the heat dissipation effect is further improved by assisting the second liquid metal flow channel 5 to dissipate heat through a plurality of cooling fins 4 .

The above-mentioned second liquid metal flow channel 5 directly exchanges heat with the external environment through the cooling fins 4 to discharge the remaining heat and ensure the temperature of the low temperature side.

Preferably, in this embodiment, the number of heat dissipation fins 4 is preferably eight, and the eight heat dissipation fins 4 are evenly spaced and fixedly installed on the second liquid metal flow channel 5 .

In addition, each cooling fin 4 extends along the axial direction of the second liquid metal flow channel 5, one side of which is fixedly connected with the outer wall of the second liquid metal flow channel 5, and the other side extends along the outer wall of the second liquid metal flow channel 5. radial extension.

Example 4

On the basis of the above embodiments, in this embodiment, the isotope radiation heat source 1 is an α radiation source or a β radiation source with a decay heat effect.

The design of the scheme is reasonable, and the α radiation source and the β radiation source are highly radioactive, ensuring sufficient heat to heat the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel 2 .

Example 5

On the basis of Example 4, in this example, the isotope radiation heat source 1 is Pu238 or Po210.

The design of this scheme is reasonable, and the radioactivity of Pu238 and Po210 is strong, which ensures that there is enough heat to heat the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel 2, so that the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow The liquid metal medium in channel 5 produces a temperature difference.

Example 6

On the basis of the above-mentioned embodiments, in this embodiment, the thermoelectric element 6 adopts an aluminum nitride electrically insulating and heat-conducting ceramic substrate.

The scheme is simple in structure and reasonable in design. It adopts aluminum nitride electrical insulation and heat conduction ceramic substrate, which no longer bears any structural force, and is only fixed on the surface of the two flow channels through the design of pipe clamps, among which the hot end of the thermoelectric power generation element 6 is fixed on the On the first liquid metal flow channel 2, the cold end is fixed on the second liquid metal flow channel 5, and the entire thermoelectric element occupies a small area.

Preferably, in this embodiment, the thermoelectric element 6 adopts different materials according to the temperature of the heat transfer from the isotope radiation heat source 1 to the first liquid metal flow channel 2, such as

When the thermoelectric element 6 is made of bismuth telluride material at low temperature (≤300°C), the thermoelectric element 6 is made of filled skutterudite material or lead telluride material at medium temperature (300°C-600°C), and the thermoelectric element 6 is made of filled skutterudite material at high temperature State (> 600 ℃) using SiGe material.

In addition, the area of the thermoelectric element 6 is ≤40mm×40mm.

Example 7

On the basis of the above-mentioned embodiments, in this embodiment, the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and/or the second liquid metal flow channel 5 are made of Nb-1Zr material, and the liquid metal medium is Li or Na-K.

The solution is simple in structure, reasonable in design, fast in heating and heat exchange, and does not affect the cutting of the magnetic induction lines so that the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 circulates.

Based on the above scheme, the above-mentioned Na-K refers to a sodium-potassium alloy, wherein K78% and Na22% or K56% and Na44% are in two different proportions.

Example 8

On the basis of the above-mentioned embodiments, in this embodiment, the thermal insulation layer 3 is made of microporous thermal insulation material, and its thermal conductivity is ≤0.025W/m.

This solution is chosen reasonably, and the thermal insulation layer 3 can ensure that there is a temperature difference between the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5, so that the thermoelectric element can generate electricity.

The working principle of the present invention is as follows:

Thermoelectric power generation process: the isotope radiation heat source 1 emits decay heat radiation to the first liquid metal flow channel 2, heats the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel 2, and makes it contact with the liquid metal medium in the second liquid metal flow channel 5 A temperature difference is generated; two flow channels with different temperature differences pass through both ends of the thermoelectric element 6, so that the thermoelectric element 6 generates electricity due to the temperature difference to form a complete circuit;

Spontaneous operation process: the electric current generated by the thermoelectric element 6 forms an electromagnetic field, and the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 cuts the magnetic field lines of the electromagnetic field, and is acted on by the electromagnetic force on the respective Circulating flow in the flow channel;

Heat exchange process: the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 perform local heat exchange in the thermoelectric element 6, and conduct heat to the outside;

In addition, the heat insulation layer 3 acts as an interlayer and is closely attached between the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 to ensure the temperature difference between the two flow channels.

The advantages of the present invention are:

(1) Good heat dissipation performance. The use of liquid metal heat conduction replaces the previous internal radiation heat dissipation and external solid heat conduction, avoiding the heat accumulation phenomenon that may be caused by the external environment in the heat transfer channel.

(2) Good seismic performance. There are no welding parts and other structures between the internal parts, and there are no load-bearing parts, which avoids damage to parts in vibration environments.

(3) Long life. Vulnerable parts such as thermoelectric elements are no longer used as load-bearing parts, which reduces the failure rate of the device and increases the service life of the battery.

It should be noted that each electronic component involved in the present invention adopts the prior art, and its specific structure and principle will not be repeated here.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments should be regarded in all points of view as exemplary and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and it is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes within the meaning and range of equivalents of the elements are embraced in the present invention. Any reference sign in a claim should not be construed as limiting the claim concerned.

In addition, it should be understood that although this specification is described according to implementation modes, not each implementation mode only includes an independent technical solution, and this description in the specification is only for clarity, and those skilled in the art should take the specification as a whole , the technical solutions in the various embodiments can also be properly combined to form other implementations that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

The above descriptions are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included in the protection of the present invention. within range.

Claims (8)

1. The utility model provides a long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer which characterized in that: the device comprises a first liquid metal runner (2), a second liquid metal runner (5), an isotope radiation heat source (1), a thermoelectric element (6) and a heat insulation layer (3), wherein the isotope radiation heat source (1) is fixedly arranged in the first liquid metal runner (2); the heat insulation layer (3) is fixedly sleeved outside the first liquid metal runner (2), the second liquid metal runner (5) is covered outside the heat insulation layer (3), and liquid metal media are respectively filled in the first liquid metal runner (2) and the second liquid metal runner (5); the thermoelectric element (6) is fixedly arranged at the top of the second liquid metal runner (5), and the lower end of the thermoelectric element penetrates through the second liquid metal runner (5) and the heat insulation layer (3) in sequence and extends into the first liquid metal runner (2).

2. The long life thermoelectric isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer of claim 1 wherein: the first liquid metal runner (2) and/or the second liquid metal runner (5) and/or the heat insulation layer (3) are/is in a cylindrical structure respectively.

3. The long life thermoelectric isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer of claim 2 wherein: and a plurality of radiating fins (4) are fixedly arranged on the outer side wall of the second liquid metal runner (5) at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the second liquid metal runner.

4. A long life thermoelectric generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: the isotope radioactive heat source (1) is an alpha radioactive source or a beta radioactive source with decay heat effect.

5. The long life thermoelectric isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer of claim 4 wherein: the isotope radioactive heat source (1) is Pu238 or Po210.

6. A long life thermoelectric generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: the thermoelectric element (6) adopts an aluminum nitride electric insulation heat conduction ceramic substrate.

7. A long life thermoelectric generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: the first liquid metal runner (2) and/or the second liquid metal runner (5) are made of Nb-1Zr materials, and the liquid metal medium is Li or Na-K.

8. A long life thermoelectric generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: the heat insulation layer (3) is made of microporous heat insulation materials, and the heat conductivity of the heat insulation layer is less than or equal to 0.025W/m.

Images