JP2000050661A - Power generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a power generator to obtain a large thermoelectromotive force by connecting the end sections of thermoelectric elements to each other by bringing the elements into contact with electrodes fixed to the facing surface sides of at least high temperature-side substrates. SOLUTION: Substrates 2A and 2B of a Seebeck module 1 are formed into square plate-like shapes by using an insulator having a heat resistance and thermal conductivity, and one of the substrates 2A and 2B is maintained at a high temperature through heating, while the other substrate is maintained at a low temperature through having heat radiated. In addition, many electrodes 6 are provided on the internal surface side (facing surface side) of each substrate 2A and 2B, and the end section of an N-type semiconductor 3A is connected to that of the adjacent P-type semiconductor 3B by bringing the end sections of thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B in the length wise direction into contact with the electrodes 6. Since the thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B are not affected by the elongation of the heating-side substrate by thermal expansion, the breakdown of the elements 3A and 3B can be avoided. At the same time, since the elements 3A and 3B can be heated to a high temperatures, a large thermoelectromotive force can be obtained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a power generator utilizing the Seebeck effect.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Two types of conductors (metals) having different electrical properties
Alternatively, when the ends of thermoelectric elements made of a semiconductor are connected to each other to form a closed circuit, and a temperature difference is applied to the two connection portions, a thermoelectromotive force proportional to the temperature difference is generated, and a DC current is generated. The flowing phenomenon is called the Seebeck effect. As a power generation device (Seebeck module) using the Seebeck effect, for example, a horseshoe-shaped Seebeck element is connected,
An arrangement in which rod-shaped semiconductors are arranged between two flat insulators is known.

In the former case, as shown in FIG. 7, one end of two types of thermoelectric elements 21A and 21B are melt-bonded to form a horseshoe-shaped Seebeck element 21 and a number of these elements are connected in series. Constitutes a Seebeck module.
A lead wire 22 is connected to the other end of each of the thermoelectric elements 21A and 21B.
Are connected to each other, and a fusion bonding portion of the Seebeck element 21 is a heating portion 23, and an intermediate portion between one end side and the other end side of the thermoelectric elements 21 </ b> A and 21 </ b> B is a heat radiation portion 24.

In this device, the thermoelectric elements 21A, 21A
Since heat is radiated between one end side and the other end side of the radiator 1B,
The distance of 4 is required to some extent, and there is a disadvantage that the device becomes large. Therefore, the latter is widely used as a Seebeck module because it can be easily miniaturized. This latter Seebeck module 26 is illustrated in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 0, two plate-like substrates 27 made of an insulator are used.
A and 27B are arranged in a vertically opposing manner at an interval, and thermoelectric elements 28A and 28B made of N-type and P-type semiconductors are arranged in a grid pattern between the bases 27A and 27B.
In order that these thermoelectric elements 28A, 28B are in series,
Both ends of the thermoelectric elements 28A, 28B are connected to bases 27A, 27B.
It is joined and fixed to the inner surface side by solder 29. In this device, one base 27A is heated to a high temperature and the other base 27B dissipates heat to a low temperature, so that one end and the other end of the thermoelectric elements 28A and 28B are connected. A temperature difference is given to generate a thermoelectromotive force.

[0005]

In the Seebeck module, an electromotive force is obtained in proportion to the temperature difference.
How large the temperature difference can be given is an important factor that determines the performance. For that purpose, it is necessary to raise the temperature on the heating side (endothermic side), but in the latter case, Since the individual thermoelectric elements 28A and 28B are fixed to the bases 27A and 27B by solder 29, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the thermoelectric elements are expanded by the thermal expansion of the base 27A on the heating side in the direction indicated by the arrow. The heating-side ends (upper ends) of the heating elements 28A and 28B are pulled in a direction along the surface of the base 27A, and there is a defect that the thermoelectric elements 28A and 28B are broken.

[0006] Further, the conventional latter cannot be heated to a temperature higher than the melting point of the solder 29, and there is a limit to the generated thermoelectromotive force. Further, even when the solder 29 is heated to a temperature lower than the melting point, the shape retaining force of the solder 29 itself decreases (becomes softer) as approaching the melting point. For this reason,
When the heating of one of the bases 27A is stopped and the base 27A undergoes thermal contraction, there is a difference in the thermal contraction rate between the solder 29 and the base 27A. As a result, the solder 29 is extended.

[0007] When this is repeated, the adjacent solders 29 eventually come into contact with each other to cause an electric short, and the thermoelectric elements 28A and 28B may be broken. The effect of thermal expansion increases as the distance from the center of the Seebeck module 26 increases.
8A, 28B easily breaks. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a power generation device utilizing the Seebeck effect, which can prevent a thermoelectric element constituting the power generation device from being destroyed and can obtain a large thermoelectromotive force.

[0008]

The technical measures taken by the present invention to achieve the above object are a pair of bases 2A and 2B.
Are arranged facing each other, two types of thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B are interposed between the bases 2A and 2B, and one base 2A or 2B is set to a high temperature and the other base 2B or 2A is set to a low temperature to give a temperature difference. In the power generating device in which the ends of the two types of thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B are connected to each other, at least a thermoelectric element is fixed to the electrode 6 fixed to the facing surface of the base 2A or 2B on the high temperature side so that a thermoelectromotive force is generated. The end portions of the two types of thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B are connected by bringing the elements 3A and 3B into contact with each other.

A pair of bases 2A and 2B are arranged to face each other, and two types of thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B are interposed between the bases 2A and 2B.
B, the two types of thermoelectric elements 3 are arranged so that one base 2A or 2B has a high temperature and the other base 2B or 2A has a low temperature to give a temperature difference to generate a thermoelectromotive force.
In a power generating apparatus in which ends of A and 3B are connected to each other, an element holder 4 for holding the thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B is provided.

A pair of bases 2A and 2B are arranged to face each other, and two types of thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B are interposed between the bases 2A and 2B.
B, the two types of thermoelectric elements 3 are arranged so that one base 2A or 2B has a high temperature and the other base 2B or 2A has a low temperature to give a temperature difference to generate a thermoelectromotive force.
In the power generating device in which the ends of the bases A and 3B are connected to each other, the thermoelectric element 3
A and 3B are brought into contact with each other to form two types of thermoelectric elements 3.
A and 3B are connected to each other, and an element holder 4 for holding the thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B is provided.

A pair of bases 2A and 2B are arranged to face each other, and two types of thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B are interposed between the bases 2A and 2B.
B, the two types of thermoelectric elements 3 are arranged so that one base 2A or 2B has a high temperature and the other base 2B or 2A has a low temperature to give a temperature difference to generate a thermoelectromotive force.
In the power generating device in which the ends of the thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B are connected to each other, the thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B are brought into contact with the electrode 6 fixed to the facing surface of the base 2A.
A and 3B are connected to each other, and the low-temperature side is made of a conductive material 17.
By fixing the ends of the two types of thermoelectric elements 3A, 3B to the facing surface side of the base 2B, the two types of thermoelectric elements 3A, 3B are fixed.
The end portions of 3B are connected to each other.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment, in which a Seebeck module 1 includes a pair of bases 2A and 2B, and two types of thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B arranged between the bases 2A and 2B. These two types of thermoelectric elements 3
A, 3B, an element holder 4 and the bases 2A, 2
B, and fixing means 5 for holding a state in which the thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B are arranged (assembled state).

The bases 2A and 2B are formed of an insulator having heat resistance and heat conductivity. In the present embodiment, the bases 2A and 2B are formed of ceramics in a square plate shape. This base 2
One of A and 2B is heated and maintained at a high temperature, and the other dissipates heat and maintained at a low temperature. Therefore, the base 2
A heating means is provided integrally or separately on the heating side of A and 2B, and a radiator, a heat exchanger, a radiator plate and the like are provided integrally or separately on the heat radiation side.

The bases 2A and 2B do not have to be formed in a flat plate shape, and it is sufficient that at least the inner surface is formed of an insulating material. The two types of thermoelectric elements 3A,
In this embodiment, N-type semiconductor 3A and P
Type semiconductor 3B is adopted, and the material thereof is B
i (bismuth) and Te (tellurium), Pb (lead) and Te,
Combinations of Fe (iron) and Si (silicon), and Fe and Al (aluminum) are widely known, but any thermoelectric material exhibiting the Seebeck effect may be used.

The two types of thermoelectric elements 3A, 3B are formed in a rod shape and provided in a large number.
B is arranged in a direction facing the bases 2A and 2B. Further, these thermoelectric elements 3A, 3B are composed of bases 2A, 2B.
The N-type semiconductors 3A and the P-type semiconductors 3B are arranged in a grid pattern so as to be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which B faces (the direction along the plane) and that the N-type semiconductors 3A and the P-type semiconductors 3B are adjacent to each other.

A large number of electrodes 6 are provided on the inner surface side (opposing surface side) of each of the bases 2A and 2B.
To the ends of the thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B in the longitudinal direction (opposite directions of the bases 2A and 2B) so that the ends of the adjacent N-type semiconductor 3A and P-type semiconductor 3B are connected to each other. Has become. The electrode 6 is made of, for example, a high-melting electric conductor such as gold, silver, or copper, and is fixed to the inner surfaces of the bases 2A and 2B by printing, driving, spraying, or the like. The electrode 6 is formed of two adjacent N-type semiconductors 3A.
And one end of the P-type semiconductor 3B, and the other end of the two adjacent N-type semiconductors 3A and P-type semiconductor 3B
N is connected to other adjacent semiconductors 3A and 3B, and N
The type semiconductors 3A and the P-type semiconductors 3B are provided so as to be connected alternately. Therefore, a large number of the N-type semiconductors 3A and the P-type semiconductors 3B are connected alternately and in series by the electrodes 6. It has become.

The two types of thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B are:
It is sufficient that at least one is provided. One end of a circuit formed by connecting a large number of N-type semiconductors 3A and P-type semiconductors 3B in series is an N-type semiconductor 3A, and the other end is a P-type semiconductor 3B. And the P-type semiconductor 3B are in contact with each other as an end electrode 7 serving as a cathode terminal or an anode terminal, and a lead wire 8 is connected to each of the end electrodes 7.

The element holder 4 is formed of a heat-resistant insulator. In the present embodiment, the element holder 4 is formed in the shape of a square thick plate, and has a thickness direction (a direction in which the bases 2A and 2B face each other).
Are provided in a number corresponding to the number of thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B. And, in this holding hole 9,
The thermoelectric elements 3A, 3B are inserted so that the thermoelectric elements 3A, 3B slightly protrude from both sides in the thickness direction of the element holder 4, and the thermoelectric elements 3A, 3B are held in the inserted state. Has become.

Therefore, by inserting the thermoelectric elements 3A, 3B into the element holder 4, the thermoelectric elements 3A, 3B are inserted.
B is positioned in the set arrangement state, and the thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B are held at the determined arrangement position. Note that the element holder 4 can constitute the Seebeck module 1 without any particular configuration.
After the thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B are fitted into the element holder 4, the thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B
A, 2B, and the thermoelectric element 3
A and 3B are assembled by fixing the bases 2A and 2B so as not to separate from each other, and there is also an advantage that productivity is improved by providing the element holder 4.

The fixing means 5 is formed of a spring material such as a spring plate or spring steel, and has a pair of pressing portions 5a and the pressing portions 5a.
a connecting portion 5b for connecting one end sides of the pressing portion 5a to each other.
The thermoelectric elements 3A, 3B and the bases 2A, 2B are interposed therebetween, so that the thermoelectric elements 3A, 3B are sandwiched and fixed between the bases 2A, 2B by the elastic restoring force of the pressing portion 5a. ing. Thereby, the thermoelectric element 3
A, 3B, the contact state between the electrode 6 and the end electrode 7 is maintained, and the electrode 6 and the end electrode 7 can slide relative to the thermoelectric elements 3A, 3B (the electrode 6 and the end electrode 7). 7 can move while being in contact with the thermoelectric elements 3A, 3B).

Therefore, even if the base 2A or 2B on the heating side expands due to thermal expansion, the thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B are not pulled by the expansion of the base 2A or 2B, and the breakage of the thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B is avoided. be able to. FIG.
1 shows another example of the fixing means 5, and the fixing means 5 includes a fixing screw 10, a pair of screw holes 11A, 1A.
It is composed of a nut body 12 on which 1B is formed, a pressure adjusting screw 13, and a pressure adjusting screw 14. The fixing screw 10 is inserted into the one base 3B from the outer surface side and screwed into the one screw hole 11A of the nut body 12, whereby the one base 3B
The nut body 12 is fixed to the inner surface side of B.

The pressure adjusting screw 13 is inserted into the other base 3A from the outer side, and the other screw hole 11B of the nut body 12 is formed.
A pressure adjusting spring 14 is interposed between the head of the pressure adjusting screw 13 and the other base 3A in a compressed state, whereby the thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B, the electrode 6 and the end are formed. The contact state with the unit electrode 7 is maintained, and the electrode 6 and the end electrode 7 are slidable relative to the thermoelectric elements 3A, 3B.

In the fixing means 5, the spring force of the pressure adjustment spring 14 can be adjusted by advancing and retreating the pressure adjustment screw 13, so that the bases 3A and 3B (the electrode 6 and the end electrode 7) can be adjusted. The pressing force on the thermoelectric elements 3A, 3B can be changed. The nut body 12 is formed of a heat insulating material, so that the transfer of heat from the heating side to the heat radiation side is prevented.

The fixing means 5 is not limited to the above-mentioned one, but can be variously designed. For example, a case is provided in which the thermoelectric elements 3A, 3B and the bases 3A, 3B can be housed in an assembled state. In this case, the thermoelectric element 3
The assembled state of A, 3B and the bases 3A, 3B may be maintained. Alternatively, the electrodes 6 and the end electrodes 7 may be fixed to the bases 2A and 2B as shown in FIGS. That is, the mounting holes 15 are formed in the bases 2A and 2B.
Are formed in the thickness direction, the electrode 6 and the end electrode 7 are made of a metal plate material, and the electrode 6 and the end electrode 7 are provided with a mounting piece 16, and the mounting piece 16 is inserted into the mounting hole 15. By bending the tip side of the mounting piece 16 together,
The electrodes 6 and the end electrodes 7 are fixed to the bases 2A and 2B.

In addition, it may be fixed with screws, rivets, or the like. FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration on the heating side (heat absorption side) is the same as that in the first embodiment, but the configuration on the heat radiation side is different. . That is, the thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B are formed by melting the conductive material 17 such as solder on the inner surface side of the base body 2B on the heat radiation side, thereby solidifying the ends of the two adjacent N-type semiconductors 3A and P-type semiconductors 3B. Is fixed to be connected.

In this case, since the heat radiation side is at a low temperature, there is no problem even if the heating side is heated to a high temperature exceeding the melting point of the conductive material 17. Therefore, in the present invention, it is sufficient that at least the heating side is such that the thermoelectric elements 3A and 3B come into contact with the electrode 6 fixed to the base 2A or 2B. In this embodiment,
Although the element holder 4 is not provided, it may be provided. Also,
The base 2A on the heating side is fixed by the same means as the fixing means 5 or another structure so that the contact state between the thermoelectric elements 3A, 3B, the electrodes 6, and the end electrodes 7 is maintained. You.

In the above configuration, the material of the electrode 6 may be an electric conductor other than those described in the above embodiment. The method for fixing the electrode 6 to the inner surfaces of the bases 2A and 2B is not limited to the method described in the above embodiment, and the electrode 6 may be fixed by other fixing means.

[0028]

According to the present invention, the ends of the thermoelectric element on the heating side are connected to each other on the electrode fixed on the opposing surface of the base instead of being fixed to the base by soldering. Since the portions are brought into contact with each other, the thermoelectric element is not affected by elongation due to the thermal expansion of the base on the heating side, and the breakage of the thermoelectric element can be avoided.

Further, since it is not necessary to use solder, a material having a high melting point can be used for the electrode, and it can be heated to a much higher temperature than solder, and a large thermoelectromotive force can be obtained. Further, by providing the element holder for holding the thermoelectric element, the positioning of the thermoelectric element can be easily performed, and the productivity is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a power generator according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a power generator.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the power generation device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing another method of fixing an electrode.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a fixed portion of an electrode.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a power transmission device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing a Seebeck element of a conventional power generation device.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a conventional power generator.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a conventional power generation device.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a conventional power generator.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a conventional power generation device.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a conventional power generation device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2A Base 2B Base 3A Thermoelectric element (N-type semiconductor) 3B Thermoelectric element (P-type semiconductor) 4 Element holder 6 Electrode 17 Conductive material

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A pair of bases (2A, 2B) are arranged facing each other, and two types of thermoelectric elements (3) are interposed between the bases (2A, 2B).
A, 3B) so that one base (2A or 2B) is heated to a high temperature and the other base (2B or 2A) is cooled to give a temperature difference, thereby generating a thermoelectromotive force. In the power generator in which the ends of the thermoelectric elements (3A, 3B) are connected to each other, the thermoelectric elements (3A, 3B) are connected at least to the electrode (6) fixed to the facing surface side of the high-temperature side base (2A or 2B). A power generator characterized in that end portions of two types of thermoelectric elements (3A, 3B) are connected to each other by contact. 2. A pair of bases (2A, 2B) are arranged to face each other, and two types of thermoelectric elements (3) are interposed between the bases (2A, 2B).
A, 3B) so that one base (2A or 2B) is heated to a high temperature and the other base (2B or 2A) is cooled to give a temperature difference, thereby generating a thermoelectromotive force. A power generator in which the ends of the thermoelectric elements (3A, 3B) are connected to each other, wherein an element holder (4) for holding the thermoelectric elements (3A, 3B) is provided. 3. A pair of bases (2A, 2B) are arranged to face each other, and two types of thermoelectric elements (3) are interposed between the bases (2A, 2B).
A, 3B) so that one base (2A or 2B) is heated to a high temperature and the other base (2B or 2A) is cooled to give a temperature difference, thereby generating a thermoelectromotive force. In the power generator in which the ends of the thermoelectric elements (3A, 3B) are connected to each other, the electrode (6) fixed to the facing surface side of each base (2A, 2B)
By contacting thermoelectric elements (3A, 3B) with
A power generator, wherein end portions of thermoelectric elements (3A, 3B) are connected to each other, and an element holder (4) for holding the thermoelectric elements (3A, 3B) is provided. 4. A pair of bases (2A, 2B) are arranged to face each other, and two types of thermoelectric elements (3) are interposed between the bases (2A, 2B).
A, 3B) so that one base (2A or 2B) is heated to a high temperature and the other base (2B or 2A) is cooled to give a temperature difference, thereby generating a thermoelectromotive force. In the power generator in which the ends of the thermoelectric elements (3A, 3B) are connected to each other, the high-temperature side brings the thermoelectric elements (3A, 3B) into contact with the electrode (6) fixed to the facing surface of the base (2A). In this way, the ends of the two types of thermoelectric elements (3A, 3B) are connected to each other. On the low-temperature side, the ends of the two types of thermoelectric elements (3A, 3B) are opposed to the base (2B) by the conductive material (17). A power generator characterized in that ends of two kinds of thermoelectric elements (3A, 3B) are connected to each other by being fixed to a surface side.