JP2013201873A - Thermoelectric power generation device and thermoelectric power generation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance power generation efficiency.SOLUTION: A thermoelectric power generation system includes a thermoelectric power generation device which has a thermoelectric conversion module generating electric power by a temperature difference between both surfaces, and has a first flow path and a second flow path, through which fluids differing in temperature from each other flow, arranged on both the surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module; a first supply path which supplies the first fluid flowing through the first flow path to the first flow path by utilizing the pressure of the first fluid or a difference of elevation; and a second supply path which supplies the second fluid flowing through the second flow path and having a lower temperature than the first fluid to the second flow path by utilizing a difference of elevation.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a thermoelectric power generation apparatus and a thermoelectric power generation system.

  The thermoelectric generator is an environment-friendly generator using non-fossil fuel that extracts electric power generated by making a temperature difference between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module.

Japanese Patent No. 3564274 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-190073 JP 2009-247050 A JP 2011-181767 A

  Generally, when a high-temperature heat fluid and a low-temperature heat fluid are used as a heat source to be supplied to the thermoelectric generator, power for flowing them is required. If an auxiliary machine such as a pump is provided in the thermoelectric generator for generating power, power is consumed to drive it and power generation efficiency is reduced.

  The problem to be solved by the invention is to provide a thermoelectric power generation apparatus and a thermoelectric power generation system with high power generation efficiency.

  The thermoelectric power generation system according to the embodiment includes a thermoelectric conversion module that generates power based on a temperature difference between both surfaces, and a first flow path and a second flow path that allow fluids having different temperatures to flow on both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module are provided. A first thermoelectric generator and a first fluid that flows through the first flow path are supplied to the first flow path using a pressure or height difference of the first fluid. A supply path; and a second supply path for supplying a second fluid flowing through the second flow path and having a temperature lower than that of the first fluid to the second flow path using a height difference. To do.

The conceptual diagram which shows schematic structure of the thermoelectric power generation system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of arrangement | positioning of the several thermoelectric conversion module provided between a high temperature chamber and a low temperature chamber. The figure which shows an example of schematic structure of the thermoelectric power generation system at the time of installing a thermoelectric power generation apparatus in the hot spring inn vicinity of a hot spring area. The figure which shows another example of schematic structure of the thermoelectric power generation system different from FIG. The figure which shows an example of schematic structure of the installation with which the thermoelectric generator which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is applied. The figure which shows the structural example of the thermoelectric power generator arrange | positioned in the flow path of the exhaust steam of a turbine. The figure which shows the structural example of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus arrange | positioned in a residual heat utilization facility. The figure which shows an example of schematic structure of the installation with which the thermoelectric generator which concerns on 3rd Embodiment is applied.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic configuration of a thermoelectric power generation system according to the first embodiment.

  The thermoelectric power generation system according to the first embodiment is installed in a place where a thermal fluid suitable for thermoelectric power generation can be obtained, such as a hot spring area, and the thermoelectric power generation device 1, the switching device 2, And a control device 3. For example, a television device 4, a lighting device 5, and a display device 6 are connected to the control device 3 as devices that use power output from the thermoelectric power generation system.

  The thermoelectric generator 1 has a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped high-temperature chambers (chamber-type flow paths) 11A that flow high-temperature thermal fluid and rectangular parallelepiped low-temperature chambers (chamber-type flow paths) 11B that flow low-temperature thermal fluid alternately. A thermoelectric conversion module (not shown) housed in a thermoelectric conversion module housing portion (slot) 12 is sandwiched between adjacent chambers. The low temperature chamber 11B is disposed on the outermost side having a large area in contact with the outside air temperature.

  In this example, a plurality of chambers are installed in the horizontal direction, but a plurality of chambers may also be installed in the vertical direction. In that case, the output per installed area and the power generation amount can be increased. In this example, each chamber is installed so that the thermal fluid flows in the horizontal direction, but the thermal fluid may be installed so as to flow in the vertical direction or with a certain gradient. In that case, the installation area can be further reduced.

  The arrows in FIG. 1 indicate the direction of the flow of the thermal fluid flowing in the thermoelectric generator 1. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the direction in which the high temperature thermal fluid flows in the high temperature chamber 11A and the direction in which the low temperature thermal fluid flows in the low temperature chamber 11B form an opposing flow.

  A pipe 31A for taking in high-temperature hot fluid is provided below one end of the high-temperature chamber 11A, and a pipe 41A for discharging high-temperature hot fluid is provided above the other end of the high-temperature chamber 11A. It is done. On the other hand, a pipe 31B for taking in the low temperature thermal fluid is provided below one end of the low temperature chamber 11B, and a pipe 41B for discharging the low temperature thermal fluid is provided above the other end of the low temperature chamber 11B. Is provided.

  If it does in this way, since the thermal fluid in each chamber will always be in a full state, power generation performance can be improved. In addition, since the flow of the thermal fluid in the adjacent chamber constitutes a counter flow, the temperature difference between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module is made as uniform as possible in the longitudinal direction from the supply side to the discharge side of the thermal fluid. Power generation performance can be improved.

  The switching device 2 is a relay circuit for switching the combination of electrically connecting the thermoelectric conversion modules in series and in parallel so that a desired current and voltage can be obtained. By switching the number of thermoelectric conversion modules directly connected and the number of thermoelectric conversion modules connected in parallel, the output current and voltage can be changed.

  The control device 3 is a control panel for storing electric power obtained through the switching device 2 and performing DC / AC conversion. The control device 3 includes a battery as a power storage device, a charge controller that controls charging / discharging of electric power to the battery, an inverter that performs conversion from direct current to alternating current, and the like. The output of the control device 3 is supplied to loads such as the television device 4, the lighting device 5, and the display device 6, for example.

  With such a configuration, the thermoelectric power generation system can be used for applications such as supplying power to on-site lighting and equipment as an independent power source, or storing power to a backup power source in case of a power failure.

  The configuration of the thermoelectric generator 1 according to the first embodiment is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, and may be a configuration illustrated in a second embodiment or a third embodiment described later.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement of a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules provided between the high temperature chamber 11A and the low temperature chamber 11B.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 13 are affixed to the wall surfaces of the high temperature chamber 11A and the low temperature chamber 11B at a predetermined interval.

  The thermoelectric conversion module 13 is electrically connected in series in the longitudinal direction of the chamber, for example, by the wiring 14. The number of thermoelectric conversion modules 13 connected in series is determined in advance so as to obtain a desired voltage. The number of series circuits per stage is determined by the relationship between the number of thermoelectric conversion modules connected in series (occupied length) and the length of the chamber. The four ends of the wiring 14 are connected to respective contacts on the switching device 2 side, and the number of thermoelectric conversion modules directly connected and the number of thermoelectric conversion modules connected in parallel are determined by operating the contacts on the switching device 2 side. The In the example of FIG. 2, there are four ends of the wiring 14 connected to the switching device 2 side, but it may be configured to have a number other than four.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the arrangement of the thermoelectric conversion modules 13 is two, but the number of stages may be one or three or more. In the example of FIG. 2, the upper thermoelectric conversion module 13 and the lower thermoelectric conversion module 13 are electrically separated to form two series connections, but without separating the upper and lower stages. In combination, one series connection may be configured. In the example of FIG. 2, the thermoelectric conversion modules adjacent in the chamber longitudinal direction are connected to each other, but a configuration in which the upper and lower adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules are connected may be included.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a thermoelectric power generation system when the thermoelectric power generation device 1 is installed in the vicinity of a hot spring inn in a hot spring area.

  The thermoelectric generator 1 is installed at a position lower than the hot heat source (source) 50A and the cold heat source (mountain water, river water, dam water storage, etc.) 50B, and higher than the hot spring tank or bathtub 53A or water storage tank 53B of the inn. The That is, in this embodiment, the thermal fluid is generated by gravity by using the spring output (pressure) and the height difference (positional energy difference) of the hot spring without the need for newly installing auxiliary equipment such as a pump. And is discharged from the thermoelectric generator 1.

  Hot spring water, which is a high-temperature thermal fluid, enters the thermoelectric generator 1 from the pipe 31A through the flow path (supply path) 51A from the heat source 50A, and after exchanging heat, exits from the pipe 41A and flows into the flow path (discharge path). It is sent to hot spring tank or bathtub 53A through 52A. On the other hand, from the cold heat source 50B, water, which is a low-temperature thermal fluid, enters the thermoelectric generator 1 from the pipe 31B through the flow path (supply path) 51B and performs heat exchange, and then exits from the pipe 41B and flows through the flow path (discharge path). ) It is sent to the water storage tank 53B through 52B.

  By configuring in this way, even without installing auxiliary equipment such as pumps, the hot spring water and mountain water can be continuously generated by the hot spring water (pressure) and elevation difference (positional energy difference). 1 and can be discharged from the thermoelectric generator 1. Moreover, even when a commercial power source cannot be used due to a power outage at a ryokan, the electric power generated from the thermoelectric generator 1 can always be used.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another example of a schematic configuration of a thermoelectric power generation system different from that in FIG. 3.

  The thermoelectric power generation system shown in FIG. 4 is different from the thermoelectric power generation system shown in FIG. In the thermoelectric power generation system of FIG. 4, hot spring gas ejected from a thermal source (for example, a steam spring of 100 ° C. or higher) 54A is sent to the heat exchanger 55A to perform heat conversion, and a new thermal source (hot spring water, etc.) 56A. Is supplied to the flow path 51A. The hot heat source 56A may be hot spring water obtained by condensing the hot spring gas from the hot heat source 54A, or may be other water that exchanges heat with the hot spring gas and obtains heat.

  On the other hand, the hot spring gas itself ejected from a heat source (for example, a steam spring of 100 ° C. or higher) 54A is also supplied to the flow path 51A through the flow path 57A using the jet power and mixed with hot spring water or the like. The channel 51A supplies the thermoelectric generator 1 with a mixture of hot spring gas and hot spring water or heat exchange water.

  By configuring in this manner, even if there is no source from which hot spring water comes out, if there is a steam spring, the same effect as the thermoelectric power generation system of FIG. 3 can be obtained. Moreover, by mixing the hot spring gas with the hot spring water, the volume of the thermal fluid increases, the pressure of the thermal fluid flowing through the flow path 51A increases, and the flow rate increases, so that the power generation efficiency can be further improved.

  In the example of FIG. 4, the case where the hot spring gas mixed with the hot spring water or heat exchange water is supplied to the thermoelectric generator 1, but the heat exchanger 55 </ b> A and the heat source (hot spring water, etc.) 56 </ b> A are connected. You may make it supply only the hot spring gas which ejects from the thermal-heat source (for example, 100 degreeC or more steam spring) 54A to the thermoelectric generator 1 through the flow path 51A using the jet power, without using.

  Further, as the heat exchanger 55A, another thermoelectric generator similar to the thermoelectric generator 1 may be provided. In this case, electric power can also be obtained from the thermoelectric generator, and the energy efficiency of the entire system can be increased.

  Further, the cold heat source 50B is a main water tank that first stores mountain water, and the water tank 53B is a plurality of intermediate water tanks that receive and store water flowing from the main water tank at a position lower than the main water tank. You may comprise as one of these. In this case, the path of the flow path 51B-thermoelectric generator 1-flow path 52B is configured using a part of the flow path connecting the main water storage tank and the intermediate water storage tank. As long as the thermoelectric generator 1 is provided between the flow paths connecting the main water storage tank and the intermediate water storage tank, the thermoelectric power generation apparatus 1 is connected to the thermoelectric power generation due to potential energy even if it is installed at a position lower than the intermediate water storage tank. It reaches without difficulty from the device 1 to the intermediate water tank.

  According to the first embodiment, a hot spring can be obtained by utilizing the spring output of hot spring water, the jet output of hot spring gas, the height difference (difference in potential energy), etc. without newly installing auxiliary equipment such as a pump. Water or mountain water can be continuously supplied to the thermoelectric generator 1 and discharged from the thermoelectric generator 1, thereby improving the power generation efficiency. Moreover, even when a commercial power source cannot be used due to a power outage at a ryokan, the electric power generated from the thermoelectric generator 1 can always be used.

(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of equipment to which the thermoelectric power generation device according to the second embodiment is applied.

  The thermoelectric generator 1 according to the second embodiment is provided in a place where a thermal fluid suitable for thermoelectric generation can be obtained, for example, in a cleaning factory. In addition, the structure of the thermoelectric generator 1 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is not restricted to the structure shown in FIG. 1, The another structure mentioned later may be sufficient.

  In the example of FIG. 5, when an appropriate amount of waste is carried from the waste pit 60 </ b> A into the incinerator 60 </ b> B and incinerated, steam is generated from the water in the boiler 61, and the generated steam is supplied to the steam header 62. Steam is supplied from the steam header 62 to the turbine 63 or the like that drives the generator G, and surplus steam that is not used in the turbine 63 or the like is supplied to the remaining heat utilization facility 64.

  Here, the thermoelectric generator 1 may be arranged in the remaining heat utilization facility 64. In this case, the flow path (not shown) for the high-temperature thermal fluid of the thermoelectric generator 1 takes a form using a part of the flow path 64A in the surplus heat utilization facility 64 through which surplus steam not used in the turbine 63 or the like flows. . In addition, the flow path (not shown) for the low-temperature thermal fluid of the thermoelectric generator 1 is assumed to have a structure for flowing air or water.

  The steam supplied to the turbine 63 is discharged after being powered to the turbine 63 and supplied to a condenser 65 (such as a high-pressure condenser).

  Here, the thermoelectric generator 1 is placed in a flow path in which exhaust steam after being used to drive the turbine 63 flows, for example, a flow path 63A (pipe or the like) in which exhaust steam from the turbine 63 is supplied to the condenser 65. It may be arranged. In this case, the flow path (not shown) for the high-temperature thermal fluid of the thermoelectric generator 1 takes a form using a part of the flow path 63A. In addition, the flow path (not shown) for the low-temperature thermal fluid of the thermoelectric generator 1 is assumed to have a structure for flowing air or water.

  The steam that has passed through the thermoelectric generator 1 is returned to water by the condenser 65, accumulated in the condensate tank 66, and an appropriate amount of water is supplied from the water supply tank 67 to the boiler 61.

  Here, instead of disposing the thermoelectric power generator 1 in the flow path 63A (or arranging the thermoelectric power generation apparatus 1 in the flow path 63A), a flow path 65A in which hot water flows from the condenser 65 to the condensate tank 66 ( A thermoelectric generator 1 (not shown) may be disposed on a pipe or the like. In this case, the flow path (not shown) for the high-temperature thermal fluid of the thermoelectric generator 1 takes a form using a part of the flow path 65A. In addition, the flow path (not shown) for the low-temperature thermal fluid of the thermoelectric generator 1 is assumed to have a structure for flowing air or water.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the thermoelectric generator 1 arranged in the flow path 63A or the flow path 65A (pipe or the like).

  The thermoelectric generator 1 may be configured as an air-cooled type that uses the atmosphere (air) as a low-temperature thermal fluid, or may be configured as a water-cooled type that uses water.

  In the case of the air cooling type, one of the two surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module 13 constituting the thermoelectric generator 1 is attached to the surface of the flow path 63A or the flow path 65A through which high-temperature steam flows, and the other surface is It is affixed to a heat conductive material provided with air-cooling fins 71.

  In the case of the water-cooled type, one of the two surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module 13 constituting the thermoelectric generator 1 is attached to the surface of the flow path 63A or the flow path 65A through which high-temperature steam flows, and the other surface is It is affixed to piping provided with an inlet 72 for taking in cooling water used in the facility.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the thermoelectric generator 1 arranged in the residual heat utilization facility 64.

  The thermoelectric generator 1 is arranged beside a passage in the residual heat utilization facility 64, for example. The thermoelectric generator 1 has a configuration as shown in FIG. 1, for example, and by utilizing the difference in height (difference in potential energy), the thermal fluid is generated by gravity without newly installing auxiliary equipment such as a pump. It is configured to be supplied to the thermoelectric generator 1 and discharged from the thermoelectric generator 1.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the surplus steam is stored in a boiler blow tank 80 </ b> A installed in the compressor chamber 80 in the surplus heat utilization facility 64. Here, after the steam becomes water, it is not discarded as it is in the drain pit 83A, but enters the thermoelectric generator 1 through the flow path 81A using the height difference, exchanges heat, and then returns to the height difference again. Is sent from the thermoelectric generator 1 to the drain pit 83A through the flow path 82A.

  On the other hand, in this facility, cold water (well water) is circulated for use in the field, and cold water can be taken out from the cold water outlet 80B. The cold water taken out from the cold water outlet 80B enters the thermoelectric generator 1 through the flow path 81B using the height difference, and after exchanging heat, the flow from the thermoelectric generator 1 is again utilized using the height difference. It is sent to the manhole 83B through 82B.

  According to the second embodiment, by using existing equipment installed in a facility such as a cleaning factory, a high temperature heat fluid or low temperature heat can be generated depending on the height difference without newly installing auxiliary equipment such as a pump. The fluid can be continuously supplied to the thermoelectric power generator 1 and discharged from the thermoelectric power generator 1, so that the power generation efficiency can be improved.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of equipment to which the thermoelectric power generation device according to the third embodiment is applied.

  The thermoelectric generator 1 according to the third embodiment is provided in a place where a thermal fluid suitable for thermoelectric power generation can be obtained in a facility such as a biogas plant that generates fermentation gas from raw materials in a fermenter, for example. In this case, the flow path (not shown) for the high-temperature thermal fluid of the thermoelectric generator 1 takes a form using a part of the flow path through which the fermentation gas flows. In addition, the flow path (not shown) for the low-temperature thermal fluid of the thermoelectric generator 1 is assumed to have a structure for flowing air or water.

  In the example of FIG. 8, the fermentation gas fermented in the fermenter 90 is sent to the thermoelectric generator 1 as a high-temperature thermal fluid through the flow path 91 by the blower B, and after heat exchange, the fermented gas is supplied to the deodorization tank 92. , Discharged outside.

  The thermoelectric generator 1 may be configured as an air-cooled type that uses the atmosphere (air) as a low-temperature thermal fluid, or may be configured as a water-cooled type that uses water. In the case of the air cooling type, the thermoelectric generator 1 has a cylindrical tube connected to the flow path 91, and includes the thermoelectric conversion module 13 around it. As shown in FIG. 8, one surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 13 is attached to the surface of a cylinder connected to the flow path 91 through which high-temperature steam flows, and the other surface is a heat provided with air cooling fins 93. Conductive material is attached.

  According to the third embodiment, by using existing equipment installed in a facility such as a biogas plant, high-temperature hot fluid and low-temperature hot fluid can be continued without installing additional auxiliary equipment. Therefore, the heat can be supplied to the thermoelectric generator 1 and discharged from the thermoelectric generator 1, and the power generation efficiency can be improved.

  According to each embodiment mentioned above, it becomes possible to raise the power generation efficiency of a thermoelectric power generator.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Thermoelectric power generation apparatus, 2 ... Switching apparatus, 3 ... Control apparatus, 4 ... Television apparatus, 5 ... Illumination equipment, 6 ... Display apparatus, 11A ... High temperature chamber, 11B ... Low temperature chamber, 12 ... Thermoelectric conversion module storage part (slot ), 13 ... thermoelectric conversion module, 14 ... wiring, 31A, 31B, 41A, 41B ... piping, 50A ... heat source, 50B ... cold heat source, 51A, 51B ... flow path (supply path), 52A, 52B ... flow path ( Discharge path), 53A ... hot spring tank or bathtub, 53B ... water tank, 54A, 56A ... heat source, 55A ... heat exchanger, 57 ... flow path, 60A ... garbage pit, 60B ... incinerator, 61 ... boiler, 62 ... Steam header, 63 ... turbine, 63A ... flow path, 64 ... residual heat utilization facility, 64A ... flow path, 65 ... condenser, 65A ... flow path, 66 ... condensate tank, 67 ... feed tank, 71 ... air cooling fin 72 ... Inlet port, 80 ... Compressor chamber, 80A ... Blow tank for boiler, 81A, 81B, 82A, 82B ... Channel, 83A ... Drain pit, 83B ... Manhole, 90 ... Fermenter, 91 ... Channel, 92 ... Deodorized Tank, 93 ... Air-cooled fin, B ... Blower, G ... Generator.

Claims (10)

A thermoelectric generator that includes a thermoelectric conversion module that generates electricity based on a temperature difference between the two surfaces, and a first flow path and a second flow path through which fluids having different temperatures are flowed on both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module; ,
A first supply path for supplying the first fluid flowing through the first flow path to the first flow path using the pressure or height difference of the first fluid;
A second supply path for supplying a second fluid flowing through the second flow path and having a temperature lower than that of the first fluid to the second flow path using a height difference. And thermoelectric power generation system. The first fluid is at least one of hot spring gas, hot spring water, and heat exchange water exchanged with hot spring gas or hot spring water,
The pressure of the first fluid is a hot spring jet output, a spring output,
The thermoelectric power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the second fluid is mountain water, river water, or water storage.   2. The thermoelectric power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the first supply path supplies a mixture of hot spring gas and hot spring water to the first flow path.   2. The thermoelectric device according to claim 1, wherein the first supply passage supplies the hot spring gas mixed with hot spring water obtained by condensing the hot spring gas to the first flow passage. Power generation system.   The said 1st supply path supplies what mixed the hot spring gas with the other water which heat-exchanges with the said hot spring gas, and obtains heat to the said 1st flow path. Thermoelectric power generation system.   The second supply path or the second flow path is one of flow paths connecting a first water storage tank for storing water and a second water storage tank for storing water at a position lower than the first water storage tank. The thermoelectric power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric power generation system is used. A thermoelectric generator that includes a thermoelectric conversion module that generates electricity based on a temperature difference between both surfaces, and includes a first flow path and a second flow path through which fluids having different temperatures are arranged on both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module. There,
The first flow path uses a part of a flow path through which excess steam generated from the boiler flows or a part of a flow path through which exhaust steam flows in a facility equipped with a boiler,
The thermoelectric generator according to claim 2, wherein the second flow path has a structure for flowing air or water.   The thermoelectric power generator according to claim 7, wherein the second flow path is configured using air-cooled fins.   The thermoelectric power generator according to claim 7, wherein the second flow path is configured to flow water circulating in the facility. A thermoelectric generator that includes a thermoelectric conversion module that generates electricity based on a temperature difference between both surfaces, and includes a first flow path and a second flow path through which fluids having different temperatures are arranged on both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module. There,
The first flow path uses a part of a flow path for supplying fermentation gas generated from the fermenter to another tank in a facility that generates fermentation gas from the raw material in the fermentor,
The thermoelectric generator according to claim 2, wherein the second flow path has a structure for flowing air or water.

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