JP2007116086A - Thermoelectric generator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermoelectric generator in which a contact surface between a heat recovering member and a heat receiver of a thermoelectric generating module is finished as a surface with high flatness, and heat can be extremely efficiently transmitted to the heat receiver of the thermoelectric generating module without pressurizing the contact surface. <P>SOLUTION: When a fin member 2 is heated to a high temperature together with a fin 2B during using the thermoelectric generator, a low melting point metallic body 5 filled in the recess 2C of the fin member 2 is melted and a high melting point metallic film (oxidation inhibiting film) 4 covering the surface of the rising part 5A of the low melting point metallic body 5 is closely stuck to the heat receiving surface 1A1 of the thermoelectric generating module 1 by the flexibility of the melted low melting point metallic body 5. Consequently, heat transmission from the fin member 2 to the heat receiving substrate 1A of the thermoelectric generating module 1 can be extremely efficiently performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermoelectric power generation apparatus including a thermoelectric power generation module that directly converts thermal energy into electric energy.

  In the thermoelectric power generation module, a plurality of n-type thermoelectric power generation elements and p-type thermoelectric power generation elements that generate a thermoelectromotive force according to a temperature difference by the Seebeck effect are installed between a high-temperature side heat receiving part and a low-temperature side heat dissipation part. And can directly convert heat energy into electrical energy. Then, an appropriate heat recovery member, which is a high-temperature heat source, is brought into contact with the heat receiving portion of such a thermoelectric power generation module, and an appropriate heat release member is brought into contact with the heat radiating portion, thereby forming a thermoelectric generator.

  In a thermoelectric generator equipped with this type of thermoelectric power generation module, the heat conductivity from the heat recovery member to the heat receiving part of the thermoelectric power generation module greatly affects the power generation performance. The contact surface with the heat receiving part is finished with high flatness, or pressure is applied to both to bring the contact surface into uniform pressure contact.

As this type of thermoelectric generator, Patent Document 1 discloses an example in which a buffer member is sandwiched between a heat collecting surface of an inner shell as a heat recovery member and an end surface on a high temperature side as a heat receiving portion of a thermoelectric generator module. Has been. And in this patent document 1, it describes that what laminated | stacked or folded the metal woven fabric which woven metal wires, such as stainless steel, in mesh shape, a corrugated metal plate, a metal coil, etc. can be used as a buffer member. ing.
JP-A-10-234194 (paragraph numbers 45 and 46)

  By the way, in the thermoelectric power generation device described in Patent Document 1, high-temperature heat is conducted from the heat collecting surface of the inner shell to the end surface on the high-temperature side of the thermoelectric power generation module through a buffer member made of a metal mesh or the like. For this reason, the thermal conductivity is greatly impaired, and the power generation performance may be reduced.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a very good heat treatment to the heat receiving part of the thermoelectric power generation module without finishing the contact surface between the heat recovery member and the heat receiving part of the thermoelectric power generation module with high flatness or evenly pressing the contact surface. It is an object to provide a thermoelectric generator that can conduct electricity.

  A thermoelectric power generation apparatus according to the present invention includes a thermoelectric power generation module in which a plurality of thermoelectric power generation elements are arranged between a heat receiving portion that contacts the heat recovery means and a heat dissipation portion that contacts the heat release means. The heat receiving part is in contact with the heat recovery means through a low melting point metal body covered with an antioxidant film.

  In the thermoelectric generator according to the present invention, when the heat recovery means becomes high temperature in use, the low-melting point metal body covered with the anti-oxidation film is melted, and the anti-oxidation film is formed by the flexibility of the melted low-melting point metal body. It adheres to the heat receiving part of the thermoelectric generator module with a uniform surface pressure. As a result, heat conduction from the heat recovery means to the heat receiving portion of the thermoelectric power generation module is performed extremely well.

  The thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention has a recess for accommodating a low melting point metal body formed on the opposing surface of the heat recovery means facing the heat receiving surface of the heat receiving portion of the thermoelectric power generation module, and the low melting point metal body filled in the recess. It is possible to have a structure in which the surface and the surrounding opposing surface are covered with an antioxidant film. In the thermoelectric generator having this structure, the low-melting-point metal body is melted well in the recess of the heat recovery means, and the flexibility of the melted low-melting-point metal body is surely imparted to the anti-oxidation film so that the anti-oxidation film is This is preferable because it is firmly adhered to the heat receiving surface of the power generation module with uniform surface pressure.

  Here, when the surface of the low melting point metal body filled in the recess of the heat recovery means rises from the recess, the anti-oxidation film is further applied to the heat receiving surface of the thermoelectric power generation module at a uniform surface pressure by melting of the low melting point metal body. This is preferable because it adheres securely. In addition, when the rising portion of the surface of the low melting point metal body faces the inner region excluding the peripheral portion of the heat receiving surface of the heat receiving portion of the thermoelectric power generation module, the antioxidant film is formed by melting of the low melting point metal body. This is preferable because it is more reliably adhered to the heat receiving surface of the thermoelectric power generation module with a uniform surface pressure.

  Furthermore, when a locking means for restricting the movement of the antioxidant film in the surface direction is provided around the recess of the heat recovery means, the antioxidant film is moved in the surface direction by the contact pressure with the heat receiving surface of the thermoelectric generator module. This is preferable because it is prevented from being displaced and separated. This locking means can be composed of at least one of a groove, a protrusion, a protrusion, a step, and a set screw.

  In addition, if the thickness of the antioxidant coating in the portion that contacts the heat receiving surface of the thermoelectric power module is thicker than the surrounding portion, the antioxidant coating is surely applied to the heat receiving surface of the thermoelectric power generation module with a uniform surface pressure. It is preferable because it adheres closely.

  Furthermore, the thermoelectric generator of the present invention may have a structure in which the entire surface of the low-melting-point metal body is covered with an antioxidant film. Further, the antioxidant coating can be formed by means such as plating, vapor deposition, or thermal spraying, and metal plating is preferable because it can be formed into a thick film.

  The thermoelectric generator of the present invention can have a structure in which a low melting point metal body is impregnated in a porous elastic body. Here, the porous elastic body can be composed of, for example, steel wool, metal mesh, carbon fiber woven fabric or non-woven fabric.

  In the thermoelectric generator having such a structure, when the low melting point metal body is melted in use, the porous elastic body exhibits elasticity and presses the antioxidant film with a uniform surface pressure. The module is in close contact with the heat receiving portion of the module with a uniform surface pressure, and heat conduction from the heat recovery means to the heat receiving portion of the thermoelectric power generation module is performed extremely well. At that time, since the porous elastic body receives reaction force from the thermoelectric power generation module, high pressure does not act locally on the antioxidant film from the molten low melting point metal body, and the antioxidant film is damaged in advance. Is prevented.

  Here, the anti-oxidation film is preferably formed with a stretchable structure portion that absorbs a local volume change accompanying melting of the low melting point metal body impregnated in the porous elastic body. In this case, when the porous elastic body is elastically deformed as the low melting point metal body melts and the volume of the low melting point metal body changes locally, the expansion structure part causes a local volume change of the low melting point metal body. Since it absorbs, damage to the antioxidant coating is reliably prevented.

  Such a stretchable structure part can be formed in a continuous form around the antioxidant film covering the low melting point metal body together with the porous elastic body. In this case, when the expansion / contraction structure portion is disposed at a portion on the higher temperature side than the portion where the antioxidant film is disposed in the heat recovery means, the low melting point metal body gradually solidifies as the thermoelectric generator is stopped. In this case, the low melting point metal body in the antioxidant film is solidified first, and the low melting point metal body in the stretch structure part is solidified last, and the stretch function of the stretch structure part is maintained until that point, which is preferable.

  According to the thermoelectric generator according to the present invention, since the anti-oxidation film adheres to the heat receiving portion of the thermoelectric power module with a uniform surface pressure due to the flexibility of the low melting point metal body melted in the use state, Very good heat conduction to the heat receiving part of the module. As a result, high power generation performance can be exhibited.

  In the thermoelectric generator of the present invention, a recess for housing the low melting point metal body is formed on the opposite surface of the heat recovery means facing the heat receiving surface of the outer surface of the heat receiving portion of the thermoelectric power generation module, and the low melting point metal body filled in the recess When the surface of the metal and its surrounding opposing surface are covered with an anti-oxidation film, the low melting point metal body melts well in the recesses of the heat recovery means, and the flexibility of the molten low melting point metal body is an antioxidation film. Therefore, the antioxidant coating can be reliably adhered to the heat receiving surface of the thermoelectric power generation module with a uniform surface pressure.

  Here, when the surface of the low-melting-point metal body filled in the recess of the heat recovery means rises from the recess, the anti-oxidation film is further applied to the heat-receiving surface of the thermoelectric power generation module with a uniform surface pressure by melting the low-melting-point metal body. It is possible to ensure close contact. In addition, when the rising part of the surface of the low melting point metal body faces the inner region excluding the peripheral edge of the heat receiving surface of the heat receiving part of the thermoelectric power generation module, the anti-oxidation film is formed by melting the low melting point metal body. It can be made to adhere more reliably to the heat receiving surface of the thermoelectric power generation module with a uniform surface pressure.

  Further, when there are provided locking means such as grooves, ridges, protrusions, steps, and set screws for restricting the movement of the antioxidant film in the surface direction around the recesses of the heat recovery means, the heat receiving surface of the thermoelectric generator module It is possible to prevent the anti-oxidation film from being displaced in the surface direction and peeled off by the contact pressure.

  In addition, when the thickness of the antioxidant film in contact with the heat receiving surface of the thermoelectric power module is thicker than the surrounding area, ensure that the antioxidant film is applied to the heat receiving surface of the thermoelectric module with a uniform surface pressure. It can be adhered.

  In the thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention, even when the entire surface of the low-melting-point metal body is coated with an anti-oxidation film, the anti-oxidation film is formed by the flexibility of the low-melting-point metal body melted in the use state. Since it adheres to the heat receiving part with a uniform surface pressure, it can conduct heat very well from the heat recovery means to the heat receiving part of the thermoelectric power generation module. As a result, high power generation performance can be exhibited.

  Further, in the thermoelectric generator of the present invention, even when the low melting point metal body is impregnated in the porous elastic body, if the low melting point metal body melts in the use state, the porous elastic body develops elasticity and oxidizes. In order to press the prevention film with a uniform surface pressure, the oxidation prevention film adheres to the heat receiving portion of the thermoelectric power generation module with a uniform surface pressure. Therefore, heat can be conducted very well from the heat recovery means to the heat receiving portion of the thermoelectric power generation module, and as a result, high power generation performance can be exhibited. In this case, since the reaction force from the thermoelectric power generation module is received by the porous elastic body, high pressure does not act locally on the antioxidant film from the molten low melting point metal body, and the antioxidant film is damaged. It can be prevented in advance.

  Here, when the anti-shrinkable film is formed on the anti-oxidation film to absorb the local volume change accompanying the melting of the low melting point metal body impregnated in the porous elastic body, the low melting point metal body is melted. When the porous elastic body is elastically deformed and the volume of the low melting point metal body changes locally, the local volume change of the low melting point metal body can be absorbed by the stretchable structure, Damage can be reliably prevented.

  Also, when the stretchable structure part is formed in a continuous form around the antioxidant film, and the stretchable structure part is arranged at a higher temperature side than the part where the antioxidant film in the heat recovery means is arranged When the low melting point metal body gradually solidifies as the thermoelectric generator is stopped, the low melting point metal body in the antioxidant coating solidifies first, and the low melting point metal body in the stretchable structure part solidifies last. That is, the expansion / contraction function of the expansion / contraction structure part can be maintained up to that point.

  Embodiments of a thermoelectric generator according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings to be referred to, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a thermoelectric power generation module constituting the thermoelectric power generation apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section showing a schematic structure of the thermoelectric power generation apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG.

  The thermoelectric generator according to the first embodiment includes a thermoelectric generator module 1 having a structure as shown in FIG. 1, for example. This thermoelectric power generation module 1 is a heat receiving substrate 1A made of insulating ceramics in which an n-type thermoelectric power generation element N and a p-type thermoelectric power generation element P that generate a thermoelectromotive force according to a temperature difference by the Seebeck effect constitute a high-temperature side heat receiving portion. And a plurality of insulating ceramics radiating substrates 1B constituting the low-temperature side radiating portion, and these n-type thermoelectric power generation elements N and p-type thermoelectric power generation elements P are alternately arranged via electrode plates 1C. It has a basic structure connected in series.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the thermoelectric power generation module 1 having such a structure is disposed between a fin member 2 as heat recovery means and a heat dissipation block 3 as heat release means. Here, the thermoelectric generator module 1 is in contact with the fin member 2 through the low melting point metal body 5 in which the heat receiving surface 1A1 of the outer surface of the heat receiving substrate 1A that is the heat receiving unit is covered with the high melting point metal film 4, The outer surface of a certain heat radiating board 1B is in direct contact with the heat radiating block 3.

  The fin member 2 is made of, for example, an extruded material of an aluminum alloy having high thermal conductivity, and a plurality of fins 2B for heat recovery are integrally formed on the opposite side of the facing surface 2A facing the heat receiving surface 1A1 of the thermoelectric power generation module 1. Protrusion molding. The opposing surface 2A of the fin member 2 is formed with a recess 2C filled with the low melting point metal body 5 and a groove 2D surrounding the periphery of the recess 2C. The recess 2 </ b> C has, for example, a rectangular opening surface larger than the heat receiving surface 1 </ b> A <b> 1 of the thermoelectric power generation module 1. The groove 2D surrounding the recess 2C constitutes a locking means for restricting the movement of the refractory metal film 4 in the surface direction, and is formed as a continuous groove having a V-shaped cross section with a depth of about 0.5 mm, for example. ing.

  The heat dissipating block 3 is a flow path of cooling water inside the main body (not shown) made of aluminum alloy having high thermal conductivity so that heat can be absorbed from the heat dissipating substrate 1B by heat exchange with the heat dissipating substrate 1B of the thermoelectric power generation module 1. Is formed.

  Here, the low melting point metal body 5 is made of a metal material such as tin (Sn), lead (Pb), or zinc (Zn). For example, in the thermoelectric generator of the first embodiment, the fin member 2 is 250 ° C. or higher. Tin (Sn) that melts reliably in a use state exposed to a temperature atmosphere of is used. The low-melting-point metal body 5 is filled in the recess 2C formed on the opposing surface 2A of the fin member 2, and the surface thereof forms a low trapezoid and rises from the opening surface of the recess 2C. The swelled portion 5A faces the inner region excluding the peripheral edge portion of the heat receiving surface 1A1 of the thermoelectric power generation module 1.

  The refractory metal film 4 is an anti-oxidation film formed by an appropriate means such as plating, vapor deposition, or thermal spraying of a refractory metal such as molybdenum (Mo) or nickel (Ni), and has a thickness of about 200 μm by plating, for example. It is formed. The refractory metal film 4 faces the surface of the raised portion 5A of the low melting point metal body 5 and the surrounding fin members 2 so as to seal the low melting point metal body 5 accommodated in the recess 2C of the fin member 2. It is formed on the surface 2A. The refractory metal film 4 is bitten into a groove 2D having a V-shaped cross section whose peripheral edge is continuously formed around the recess 2C so that movement in the surface direction is restricted.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a manufacturing process of the fin member 2 having the cross-sectional structure shown in FIG. First, in the process shown in FIG. 3A, the fin member 2 in which the fins 2 </ b> B are integrally formed is cut into a block shape having a predetermined size corresponding to the size of the thermoelectric power generation module 1. Then, a recess 2C having an opening area larger than the heat receiving surface 1A1 is formed on the opposing surface 2A of the fin member 2 facing the heat receiving surface 1A1 (see FIG. 2) of the thermoelectric power generation module 1 by machining or the like.

  In the step shown in FIG. 3B, the melted low melting point metal body 5 is filled in the recess 2C of the fin member 2 and is cooled and solidified.

  In the step shown in FIG. 3C, the surface of the low melting point metal body 5 filled in the concave portion 2C of the fin member 2 is machined to form a low trapezoidal raised portion 5A. And the groove | channel 2D surrounding the circumference | surroundings of the recessed part 2C in the opposing surface 2A of the fin member 2 is machined.

  In the step shown in FIG. 3D, for example, molybdenum (Mo) is plated on the surface 2A of the fin member 2 including the surface of the raised portion 5A of the low-melting-point metal body 5 and the surrounding groove 2D, thereby refractory metal. A film 4 is formed.

  Through the above steps, the fin member 2 is manufactured in which the recess 2C is filled with the low melting point metal body 5 and the surface of the raised portion 5A is covered with the high melting point metal film 4. The fin member 2 sandwiches the thermoelectric power generation module 1 between the heat dissipation block 3 (see FIG. 2), so that the heat receiving surface 1A1 of the thermoelectric power generation module 1 is covered with the refractory metal coating 4. The fin member 2 is in contact with the body 5.

  In the thermoelectric generator of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 having such a structure, for example, the fin 2B of the fin member 2 is provided in an exhaust gas distribution path (not shown) so as to recover heat from the exhaust system of the automobile and generate power. It will be installed. The heat of the exhaust gas collected by the fins 2B is transferred from the fin member 2 to the heat receiving board 1A of the thermoelectric power generation module 1, and is radiated from the heat dissipation board 1B of the thermoelectric power generation module 1 to the heat dissipation block 3, thereby Each n-type thermoelectric power generation element N and p-type thermoelectric power generation element P (see FIG. 1) of the power generation module 1 generates electromotive force to generate power.

  In such a state of use of the thermoelectric generator of the first embodiment, when the fin 2B of the fin member 2 absorbs the heat of the exhaust gas and reaches a high temperature of, for example, 250 ° C. or higher, for example, a low content of tin (Sn) as a component. The melting point metal body 5 is melted well in the recess 2C of the fin member 2, and due to the flexibility of the melted low melting point metal body 4, for example, the high melting point metal film 4 containing molybdenum (Mo) as a component becomes the thermoelectric power generation module 1. The heat receiving substrate 1A is in close contact with the heat receiving surface 1A1.

  In this case, the central portion of the refractory metal coating 4 swells along the raised portion 5A of the low-melting-point metal body 5 facing the inner region excluding the peripheral edge portion of the heat receiving surface 1A1 of the heat receiving substrate 1A. That is, since the central portion of the refractory metal film 4 faces a region slightly inside the outer periphery of the heat receiving surface 1A1, it reliably adheres to the heat receiving surface 1A1 of the heat receiving substrate 1A with a uniform surface pressure. At that time, tension acts on the refractory metal film 4 in the surface direction, but since the peripheral edge of the refractory metal film 4 bites into the grooves 2D formed on the opposing surface 2A of the fin member 2, The melting point metal film 4 is not inadvertently peeled off due to a positional shift in the surface direction.

  As a result, heat conduction from the fin member 2 to the heat receiving substrate 1A of the thermoelectric power generation module 1 is performed extremely well, and the thermoelectric power generation device of the first embodiment exhibits high power generation performance.

  FIG. 4 shows a schematic structure of a thermoelectric generator according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Since this thermoelectric generator is configured in substantially the same manner as the thermoelectric generator of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the same reference numerals are given to the same structural parts, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Here, in the thermoelectric generator of the second embodiment, on the opposing surface 2A of the fin member 2, a continuous protrusion 2E having a chevron-shaped cross section height of about 0.5 mm is formed instead of the groove 2D shown in FIG. Has been. Further, the low melting point metal body 5 is filled in the recess 2 </ b> C so as to be substantially flush with the facing surface 2 </ b> A of the fin member 2. Further, the peripheral edge portion of the refractory metal film 4 covering the surface of the low-melting-point metal body 5 covers the ridge 2E having an angled cross section continuously formed around the recess 2C. A film thickness portion 4 </ b> A is formed at the center of the refractory metal film 4. This film thickness portion 4 </ b> A faces an inner region excluding the peripheral edge portion of the heat receiving surface 1 </ b> A <b> 1 of the thermoelectric power generation module 1.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a manufacturing process of the fin member 2 having the cross-sectional structure shown in FIG. First, in the step shown in FIG. 5A, the fin member 2 in which the fins 2B are integrally formed is cut into blocks having a predetermined size corresponding to the size of the thermoelectric power generation module 1 (see FIG. 4). Then, on the facing surface 2A of the fin member 2 facing the heat receiving surface 1A1 of the thermoelectric power generation module 1, a recess 2C having an opening area larger than the heat receiving surface 1A1 and a ridge 2E surrounding the periphery are formed by machining or the like.

  In the step shown in FIG. 5B, the melted low melting point metal body 5 is filled in the recess 2C of the fin member 2 up to substantially the same surface as the facing surface 2A, and is cooled and solidified.

  In the step shown in FIG. 5 (c), for example, molybdenum (Mo) is plated on the opposing surface 2A of the fin member 2 including the solidified low-melting-point metal body 5 and the surrounding ridges 2E to form a high-melting-point metal film. 4 is formed.

  In the step shown in FIG. 5D, the mold F is set on the upper surface of the peripheral edge of the refractory metal film 4, and molybdenum (Mo) is further overlapped and plated on the center of the refractory metal film 4 inside. Thus, the film thickness portion 4A of the refractory metal film 4 is formed. And the fin member 2 by which the low melting metal body 5 with which the recessed part 2C was filled was covered with the refractory metal membrane | film | coat 4 which has the film thickness part 4A by manufacturing the mold F is manufactured.

  Also in the thermoelectric generator of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4 provided with such a fin member 2, when the fin 2B of the fin member 2 reaches a high temperature of, for example, 250 ° C. or higher, a low melting point containing tin (Sn) as a component. The metal body 5 is melted well in the recess 2C of the fin member 2, and due to the flexibility of the melted low-melting-point metal body 4, the high-melting-point metal film 4 containing molybdenum (Mo) as a component is received by the thermoelectric power generation module 1. The substrate 1A is in close contact with the heat receiving surface 1A1.

  In this case, since the film thickness portion 4A facing the inner region excluding the peripheral edge portion of the heat receiving surface 1A1 of the heat receiving substrate 1A is formed in the central portion of the refractory metal film 4, the film thickness portion 4A is The heat-receiving substrate 1A is securely adhered to the heat-receiving surface 1A1 with a uniform surface pressure. At that time, tension acts on the refractory metal coating 4 in the surface direction, but the peripheral portion of the refractory metal coating 4 covers the ridges 2E formed on the opposing surface 2A of the fin member 2. The melting point metal film 4 is not inadvertently peeled off due to a positional shift in the surface direction.

  As a result, also in the thermoelectric generator of the second embodiment, heat conduction from the fin member 2 to the heat receiving substrate 1A of the thermoelectric generator module 1 is performed extremely well, and high power generation performance is exhibited.

  FIG. 6 shows a schematic structure of a thermoelectric generator according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Since this thermoelectric generator is configured in substantially the same manner as the thermoelectric generator of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the same structural parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted. Here, in the thermoelectric generator of the third embodiment, on the opposing surface 2A of the fin member 2, a continuous step portion 2F that surrounds the periphery of the recess 2C is formed instead of the protrusion 2E shown in FIG. . The step portion 2 </ b> F is covered with the peripheral portion of the refractory metal film 4.

  In the thermoelectric generator of the third embodiment, the step portion 2F surrounding the periphery of the recess 2C of the fin member 2 locks the peripheral portion of the refractory metal coating 4 against the tension in the surface direction of the refractory metal coating 4. Therefore, the refractory metal film 4 is not displaced in the surface direction and is not carelessly peeled off. Therefore, in the thermoelectric generator of the third embodiment, as in the thermoelectric generator of the second embodiment, heat conduction from the fin member 2 to the heat receiving substrate 1A of the thermoelectric generator module 1 is performed extremely well. Demonstrate high power generation performance.

  FIG. 7 shows a schematic structure of a thermoelectric generator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. This thermoelectric generator is provided with a mat-like low-melting-point metal body 5 whose entire surface is covered with a high-melting-point metal film 4. The flat opposed surface 2A from which the groove 2D or the protrusion 2E is omitted is sandwiched between the heat receiving substrate 1A of the thermoelectric power generation module 1. The heat dissipation block 3 is in contact with the heat dissipation board 1 </ b> B of the thermoelectric module 1.

  In the thermoelectric generator of the fourth embodiment, when the fin member 2 reaches a high temperature of, for example, 250 ° C. or higher, the low melting point metal body 5 containing tin (Sn) as a component is uniformly melted inside the high melting point metal film 4. Due to the flexibility of the molten low melting point metal body 4, the high melting point metal film 4 containing molybdenum (Mo) as a component adheres closely to the heat receiving surface 1A1 of the heat receiving substrate 1A of the thermoelectric power generation module 1. Accordingly, also in the thermoelectric generator of the fourth embodiment, heat conduction from the fin member 2 to the heat receiving substrate 1A of the thermoelectric generator module 1 is performed extremely well, and high power generation performance is exhibited.

  FIG. 8 shows a schematic structure of a thermoelectric generator according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. This thermoelectric power generation device includes a thermoelectric power generation module 1, a fin member 2, and a heat dissipation block 3 that are configured in the same manner as the thermoelectric power generation device of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. Here, a mat-like porous elastic body 6 impregnated with a low-melting-point metal body 5 is installed at the center of the flat facing surface 2A of the fin member 2. A refractory metal coating 4 is coated on the surface of the porous elastic body 6 and the opposing surface 2A of the fin member 2 exposed around the surface. The refractory metal film 4 is in pressure contact with the heat receiving substrate 1 </ b> A of the thermoelectric power generation module 1.

  The low melting point metal body 5 includes, for example, tin (Sn) as a component. The refractory metal film 4 is made of, for example, a molybdenum (Mo) plating layer and functions as an antioxidant film. The porous elastic body 6 is made of, for example, steel wool, metal mesh, carbon fiber woven fabric or non-woven fabric. In addition, it is preferable that these materials constituting the porous elastic body 6 are coated with nickel.

  In the thermoelectric generator of the fifth embodiment, when the fin member 2 reaches a high temperature of, for example, 250 ° C. or higher, the low melting point metal body 5 containing tin (Sn) impregnated in the porous elastic body 6 as the high melting point metal film. Melt inside 4 As a result, the porous elastic body 6 exhibits elasticity and presses the refractory metal film 4 with a uniform surface pressure, so that the refractory metal film 4 is in close contact with the heat receiving surface 1A1 of the heat receiving substrate 1A of the thermoelectric power generation module 1. Accordingly, also in the thermoelectric generator of the fifth embodiment, heat conduction from the fin member 2 to the heat receiving substrate 1A of the thermoelectric generator module 1 is performed extremely well, and high power generation performance is exhibited.

  Here, in the thermoelectric generator of the fifth embodiment, since the porous elastic body 6 sandwiched between the thermoelectric generator module 1 and the fin member 2 receives the reaction force from the thermoelectric generator module 1, High pressure does not act locally on the refractory metal film 4 from the refractory metal body 5, so that the refractory metal film 4 is prevented from being damaged.

  At that time, since the porous elastic body 6 is slightly crushed by receiving the reaction force from the thermoelectric power generation module 1, a part of the molten low melting point metal body 5 oozes out from the porous elastic body 6 and flows to the peripheral side thereof. However, the increase in volume due to the flow is absorbed by the bulging deformation of the shoulder portion 4B of the refractory metal film 4, as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows a schematic structure of a thermoelectric generator according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. This thermoelectric power generator is provided with an anti-oxidation film 7 in place of the refractory metal film 4 shown in FIG. 8, and the other parts are substantially the same as those of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. Since they are configured, the same structural parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Here, in the thermoelectric generator of the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the low melting point metal body 5 impregnated in the porous elastic body 6 is in direct pressure contact with the heat receiving substrate 1 </ b> A of the thermoelectric generator module 1. The periphery of the low-melting-point metal body 5 is shaped so as to protrude obliquely from the peripheral side surface of the thermoelectric power generation module 1. The periphery of the low-melting-point metal body 5 is sealed by a strip-shaped antioxidant film 7 having a thickness of about 0.1 to 2 mm formed from the facing surface 2A of the fin member 2 to the peripheral side surface of the thermoelectric power generation module 1. Has been.

  The antioxidant film 7 is made of a self-supporting clay oriented film that exhibits excellent gas barrier properties at a high temperature of, for example, 250 ° C. or higher, and oxidizes the surface of the low-melting-point metal body 5 sealed by the antioxidant film 7. To prevent. This clay oriented film is a film in which the lamination of clay particles is highly oriented, for example, after leaving a uniform clay dispersion and depositing clay particles, the liquid as a dispersion medium is centrifuged, It is produced by separation by filtration, vacuum drying, freeze vacuum drying, heat evaporation or the like, and drying at a high temperature of 110 to 300 ° C.

  In the thermoelectric generator of the sixth embodiment, when the fin member 2 reaches a high temperature of, for example, 250 ° C. or higher, the low-melting-point metal body 5 containing tin (Sn) impregnated in the porous elastic body 6 is melted and the thermoelectric power is generated. The power generation module 1 is in direct contact with the heat receiving surface 1A1 of the heat receiving substrate 1A. Therefore, also in the thermoelectric power generation device of the sixth embodiment, heat conduction from the fin member 2 to the heat receiving substrate 1A of the thermoelectric power generation module 1 is performed extremely well, and high power generation performance is exhibited.

  FIG. 11 shows a schematic structure of a thermoelectric generator according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In this thermoelectric generator, the refractory metal film (antioxidation film) 4 shown in FIG. 8 is provided with a stretchable structure described later, and other parts are the thermoelectric generator of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. Since the configuration is substantially the same as that of the power generation device, the same structural parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Here, in the thermoelectric generator of the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 11, a zigzag is formed on the peripheral wall portion of the four circumferences of the refractory metal coating (antioxidation coating) 4 exposed between the thermoelectric generation module 1 and the fin member 2. A telescopic structure portion 4C having a cross-sectional shape is formed. This stretchable structure portion 4 </ b> C is formed in a bellows shape and can absorb a local volume change accompanying melting of the low melting point metal body 5.

  In the thermoelectric generator of the seventh embodiment, when the fin member 2 reaches a high temperature of, for example, 250 ° C. or higher, the low melting point metal body 5 impregnated in the porous elastic body 6 melts and the porous elastic body 6 exhibits elasticity. Therefore, the refractory metal film (antioxidation film) 4 adheres to the heat receiving surface 1A1 of the thermoelectric power generation module 1 with a uniform surface pressure. Therefore, also in the thermoelectric power generation device of the seventh embodiment, heat conduction from the fin member 2 to the heat receiving substrate 1A of the thermoelectric power generation module 1 is performed extremely well, and high power generation performance is exhibited.

  Here, as described above, when the porous elastic body 6 develops elasticity and is crushed, a part of the melted low-melting-point metal body 5 oozes out from the periphery of the porous elastic body 6. In the surroundings, the volume of the low melting point metal body 5 locally increases. On the other hand, when the elastic body 6 is restored from the collapsed state, the volume of the low melting point metal body 5 is locally reduced around the porous elastic body 6. At that time, the bellows-like stretchable structure portion 4 </ b> C formed on the high melting point metal film (antioxidation film) 4 expands and contracts to reliably absorb the volume change of the low melting point metal body 5 around the porous elastic body 6. Therefore, according to the thermoelectric generator of the seventh embodiment, it is possible to reliably prevent the refractory metal film (antioxidation film) 4 from being damaged.

  FIG. 12 shows a modification of the thermoelectric power generation device according to the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 11, and is an elastic structure separately made of a refractory metal similar to the refractory metal coating (antioxidation coating) 4. A bellows 8 is continuously provided around the high melting point metal film (antioxidation film) 4. The bellows 8 protrudes from the facing surface 2A of the fin member 2 at a position where it can easily receive the heat of the exhaust gas. The bellows 8 expands and contracts in response to the inflow and outflow of the molten low melting point metal body 5 so that the local volume change of the low melting point metal body 5 around the porous elastic body 6 can be absorbed. It has become.

  In the thermoelectric generator shown in FIG. 12, when the volume of the molten low melting point metal body 5 locally changes around the porous elastic body 6, the stretchable structure portion 4 </ b> C of the high melting point metal film (antioxidation film) 4 is formed. The bellows 8 expands and contracts as well as expands and contracts, and reliably absorbs a large volume change of the low melting point metal body 5. Therefore, according to the thermoelectric power generator shown in FIG. 12, damage to the refractory metal film (antioxidation film) 4 can be more reliably prevented.

  In addition, since the bellows 8 is installed at a position where the heat of the exhaust gas can be easily received, when the low melting point metal body 5 is gradually solidified as the thermoelectric generator is stopped, the low melting point metal body in the bellows 8 is used. 5 is solidified last, and the expansion / contraction function of the bellows 8 is maintained until that time.

  FIG. 13 shows a thermoelectric generator according to the eighth embodiment. In this thermoelectric generator, the refractory metal film (antioxidation film) 4 shown in FIG. 8 is provided with a stretchable structure described later, and other parts are the thermoelectric generator of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. Since the configuration is substantially the same as that of the power generation device, the same structural parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Here, in the thermoelectric power generation device of the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 13, a single stretch structure portion 4 </ b> D continuous on one side of the periphery of the refractory metal film (antioxidation film) 4 has a refractory metal film (antioxidation). Film) 4 is formed integrally. The stretchable structure portion 4D is formed in a bellows shape having a substantially square planar shape, and is disposed at a position where the heat of the exhaust gas can be easily received on the facing surface 2A of the fin member 2. And this expansion-contraction structure part 4D can absorb the local volume change of the low melting metal body 5 around the porous elastic body 6 by expanding and contracting according to the inflow and outflow of the molten low melting metal body 5. It is like that.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of a process of forming the refractory metal film (antioxidation film) 4 having the cross-sectional structure shown in FIG. First, in the step shown in FIG. 14A, after setting the mat-like porous elastic body 6 on the facing surface 2A of the fin member 2, the mold M is set on the facing surface 2A and the low melting point metal body. 5 is cast into the mold M.

  In the step shown in FIG. 14B, the low melting point metal body 5 is cooled and solidified, and then the mold M is removed from the facing surface 2 </ b> A of the fin member 2.

  In the step shown in FIG. 14C, the surface of the solidified low-melting-point metal body 5 and the opposing surface 2A of the surrounding fin member 2 are plated with, for example, molybdenum (Mo) and have a stretchable structure portion 4D. A film (antioxidation film) 4 is formed.

  In the thermoelectric generator of the eighth embodiment (see FIG. 13) having the refractory metal film (antioxidation film) 4 formed by such a process, when the fin member 2 reaches a high temperature of, for example, 250 ° C. or higher, the porous member 2 becomes porous. Since the low melting point metal body 5 impregnated in the elastic body 6 melts and the porous elastic body 6 exhibits elasticity, the high melting point metal film (antioxidation film) 4 receives heat from the thermoelectric module 1 with a uniform surface pressure. Adheres to the surface 1A1. Therefore, also in the thermoelectric generator of the eighth embodiment, heat conduction from the fin member 2 to the heat receiving substrate 1A of the thermoelectric generator module 1 is performed extremely well, and high power generation performance is exhibited.

  Here, as described above, when the porous elastic body 6 develops elasticity and is crushed, a part of the melted low-melting-point metal body 5 oozes out from the periphery of the porous elastic body 6. In the surroundings, the volume of the low melting point metal body 5 locally increases. On the other hand, when the elastic body 6 is restored from the collapsed state, the volume of the low melting point metal body 5 is locally reduced around the porous elastic body 6. At that time, the bellows-like stretchable structure portion 4D formed on the high melting point metal film (antioxidation film) 4 expands and contracts to reliably absorb the volume change of the low melting point metal body 5 around the porous elastic body 6. Therefore, according to the thermoelectric generator of the eighth embodiment, it is possible to reliably prevent the refractory metal film (antioxidation film) 4 from being damaged.

  In addition, since the expansion / contraction structure 4D is installed at a position where the heat of the exhaust gas can be easily received, when the low melting point metal body 5 is gradually solidified as the thermoelectric generator is stopped, the expansion / contraction structure 4D The low melting point metal body 5 is solidified last, and the expansion / contraction function of the expansion / contraction structure portion 4D is maintained until that point.

  FIG. 15 shows a modification of the thermoelectric generator according to the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 13, and the direction of each fin 2B of the fin member 2 as the heat recovery means is the fin 2B shown in FIG. It is orthogonal to the direction. And the bellows-like expansion-contraction structure part 4D is arrange | positioned in the site | part of the high temperature side of the fin member 2 of the side into which hot exhaust gas flows in between each fin 2B like a dotted line arrow. On the other hand, the high melting point metal film (antioxidation film) 4 covering the low melting point metal body 5 together with the porous elastic body 6 is disposed on the low temperature side portion of the fin member 2 on the side from which the high temperature exhaust gas flows out between the fins 2B. Has been placed.

  According to the thermoelectric generator shown in FIG. 15, the heat conduction from the fin member 2 to the heat receiving substrate 1 </ b> A of the thermoelectric generator module 1 is extremely good as in the thermoelectric generator according to the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 13. Since it is performed, high power generation performance can be exhibited. In addition, since the bellows-like stretchable structure 4D stretches and contracts to absorb the volume change of the low melting point metal body 5 around the porous elastic body 6, the high melting point metal film (antioxidation film) 4 is surely damaged. Can be prevented.

  Here, in the thermoelectric generator shown in FIG. 15, the high-melting-point metal film in which the bellows-like stretchable structure 4 </ b> D is disposed at the high temperature side portion of the fin member 2 and covers the low-melting-point metal body 5 together with the porous elastic body 6. Since the (antioxidation coating) 4 is disposed at the low temperature side portion of the fin member 2, when the low melting point metal body 5 is gradually solidified as the thermoelectric generator is stopped, the high melting point metal coating (oxidation) The low melting point metal body 5 in the prevention film 4 is solidified first, and the low melting point metal body 5 in the stretchable structure part 4D is solidified last, and the stretchable function of the stretchable structure part 4D is maintained until that point. . Therefore, according to the thermoelectric generator shown in FIG. 15, the refractory metal film (antioxidation film) 4 can be more reliably prevented from being damaged.

  The thermoelectric generator according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, as locking means for locking the peripheral portion of the refractory metal film (antioxidation film) 4 to the facing surface 2A of the fin member 2, the groove 2D shown in FIG. 2, the protrusion 2E shown in FIG. A set screw in place of the stepped portion 2F shown in FIG. 6 may be adopted, and the peripheral portion of the refractory metal film (antioxidation film) 4 may be fixed to the facing surface 2A of the fin member 2 by this set screw.

  Further, in order to ensure the fluidity of the melted low melting point metal body 5 inside the bellows 8 shown in FIG. 12 and the elastic structure 4D shown in FIG. 13, the surface of the bellows 8 and the elastic structure 4D is insulated. It is preferable to shield the cool air from the heat radiating block 3 side by performing an appropriate heat treatment such as covering with a material.

It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the thermoelectric power generation module which comprises the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal section showing a schematic structure of a thermoelectric power generator concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the manufacturing process of the fin member shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows schematic structure of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the manufacturing process of the fin member shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows schematic structure of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows schematic structure of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal section showing a schematic structure of a thermoelectric generator concerning a 5th embodiment of the present invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the effect | action of the thermoelectric power generator which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows schematic structure of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows schematic structure of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows schematic structure of the modification of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on 7th Embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows schematic structure of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the formation process of the high melting-point metal membrane | film | coat (antioxidation membrane | film | coat) shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the modification of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on 8th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Thermoelectric power generation module 1A Heat receiving board 1A1 Heat receiving surface 1B Heat radiation board 2 Fin member 2A Opposing surface 2B Fin 2C Recessed part 2D Groove 2E Projection 2F Step part 3 Heat radiation block 4 High melting point metal film (antioxidation film)
4A Film thickness part 4B Shoulder part 4C Elastic structure part 4D Elastic structure part 5 Low melting point metal body 5A Swelling part 6 Porous elastic body 7 Antioxidation film 8 Bellows F Formwork M Mold

Claims (12)

  A thermoelectric generator module in which a plurality of thermoelectric power generation elements are arranged between a heat receiving portion that contacts the heat recovery means and a heat dissipation portion that contacts the heat release means is provided, and the heat receiving portion of the thermoelectric power generation module is covered with an antioxidant coating. A thermoelectric generator that is in contact with the heat recovery means through a low-melting-point metal body.   The opposing surface of the heat recovery means facing the heat receiving surface on the outer surface of the heat receiving portion of the thermoelectric power generation module is formed with a recess for accommodating the low melting metal body, and the surface of the low melting metal body filled in the recess The thermoelectric power generator according to claim 1, wherein an opposing surface of the thermoelectric generator is covered with the antioxidant film.   The thermoelectric power generator according to claim 2, wherein a surface of the low melting point metal body is raised from the recess.   4. The thermoelectric device according to claim 3, wherein the rising portion of the surface of the low-melting-point metal body faces an inner region excluding the peripheral portion of the heat receiving surface of the heat receiving portion outer surface of the thermoelectric power generation module. Power generation device.   The locking means for restricting the movement of the antioxidant film in the surface direction is provided around the concave portion on the facing surface of the heat recovery means. The thermoelectric generator as described.   6. The thermoelectric generator according to claim 5, wherein the locking means includes at least one of a groove, a protrusion, a protrusion, a step, and a set screw.   The thermoelectric power generation according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the antioxidant film is formed such that a portion of the thermoelectric power module that contacts the heat receiving surface of the outer surface of the heat receiving portion is thicker than the surrounding portion. apparatus.   The thermoelectric power generator according to claim 1, wherein the entire surface of the low-melting-point metal body is covered with the antioxidant film.   The thermoelectric generator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the antioxidant film is formed of a metal plating layer.   The thermoelectric power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the low-melting-point metal body is impregnated in a porous elastic body.   11. The thermoelectric device according to claim 10, wherein a stretchable structure portion that absorbs a local volume change accompanying melting of the low melting point metal body impregnated in the porous elastic body is formed on the antioxidant film. Power generation device.   The stretchable structure portion is formed in a form continuous to the periphery of the antioxidant coating covering the low melting point metal body together with the porous elastic body, and the stretchable structure portion is arranged with the antioxidant coating in the heat recovery means. The thermoelectric generator according to claim 11, wherein the thermoelectric generator is disposed at a portion on a higher temperature side than the portion to be formed.

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