JP2013208002A - Power generation system with heat storage section - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power generation system capable of achieving highly efficient power generation by maintaining a high temperature difference between temperatures of the heat generated at a heating apparatus installed on a vehicle and the heat of a cooling medium for cooling the generated heat.SOLUTION: The power generation system is structured so that a path for the heat generated at a heating apparatus installed on a vehicle and the heat of a cooling medium for cooling the generated heat is separated into high temperature-side piping and low temperature-side piping and is passed through a thermoelectric conversion unit for power generation and so that heat is exchanged with a cooling medium, using heat storage sections formed on the respective pipings to maintain a high temperature difference with respect to a temperature of the heat of the cooling medium, thereby achieving stable power generation.

Description

The present invention relates to a power generation system that generates power using a temperature difference between heat generated in a heat generating device mounted on a vehicle and a cooling medium for cooling the heat.

Conventionally, as a technology related to a power generation system that uses a temperature difference between heat generated by a heat source such as a heat generating device mounted on a vehicle and a cooling medium for cooling the heat, Patent Document 1 listed below The disclosed water-cooled power generation unit is known. This power generation unit is configured such that a thermoelectric module is disposed on the rear surface side of the heat receiving panel, and a cooling unit is disposed on the rear surface side of the thermoelectric module. The thermoelectric module utilizes a so-called Seebeck effect that electromotive force is generated when two different metals or semiconductors are joined together and a temperature difference is generated between the two ends. The cooling unit has a box made of a metal having good heat conductivity and a plurality of cooling fins provided in a cooling chamber inside the box. The cooling unit cools from a water inlet formed in the bottom of the box. When water is injected, the front wall portion and the cooling fin are cooled by this cooling water. Moreover, as a heat source for heating the heat receiving panel, a high-temperature heat source such as a geothermal heat of a hot spring resort, a high-temperature source, or exhaust heat at the time of incineration of garbage is assumed. Then, heat from the high-temperature heat source is transferred to the heat receiving board, and the cooling unit is cooled, so that a temperature difference between the temperature of the high-temperature heat source and the temperature of the cooling unit is added to the thermoelectric module, and power is generated by the thermoelectric module. The

JP 2010-57335

By the way, thermoelectric conversion means such as a thermoelectric module is configured to generate power according to a temperature difference between a high temperature side and a low temperature side. However, when the configuration on the high temperature side and the configuration on the low temperature side as disclosed in Patent Document 1 are applied to a power generation system that generates power using the temperature difference between the heat generated by the heat generating device and the cooling medium, the following is performed. Problems arise. That is, in the configuration as described above, the temperature difference applied to the thermoelectric conversion means depends on the amount of heat from the heat generating device, the temperature and flow rate of the cooling medium, and so on when the heat generating device is excessively cooled. Since the temperature difference is small, efficient power generation becomes difficult.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a power generation system that can efficiently generate power by maintaining a high temperature difference between the heat of the heat generating device and the cooling medium. It is to provide.

In order to solve the above problems, in the power generation system according to claim 1, a high-temperature side pipe through which a high-temperature side cooling medium to which heat generated by a heat generating device mounted on a vehicle is transferred, and the high-temperature side cooling medium are provided. After this heat is transferred for cooling, it is equipped with a low-temperature side pipe through which the low-temperature side cooling medium radiated by the radiator passes, and uses the temperature difference during heat exchange between the high-temperature side cooling medium and the low-temperature side cooling medium A high-temperature side heat storage section into which a high-temperature side cooling medium that has become hot due to heat generated by the heat-generating equipment flows into the high-temperature side pipe, and a radiator to the low-temperature side pipe. And a low-temperature side heat storage section into which the low-temperature side cooling medium radiated is flown.

The power generation system according to claim 2 is characterized in that the heat storage unit is thermally insulated from the outside and connected to each pipe via a valve.

The power generation system according to claim 3 is characterized in that the heat storage unit is always filled with a cooling medium.

5. The power generation system according to claim 4, wherein the high-temperature side cooling medium and the low-temperature side cooling medium, the high-temperature-side cooling medium and the low-temperature-side cooling medium are heat-exchanged via the thermoelectric conversion means without mixing the high-temperature side cooling medium and the low-temperature side cooling medium. Switching means that can be switched to any one of a high cooling state in which cooling of the heat generating device is higher than that in the power generation state by mixing them without passing through the thermoelectric conversion means, and a heat generation temperature of the heat generating device And a temperature detection means for detecting the heat generation temperature of the heat storage section, and the heat exchange according to the switching state, the heat generation temperature of the heat generating device, and the heat generation temperature of the heat storage section. Control is performed so that the heat storage unit is switched from the heat storage state to the heat dissipation state so as to increase the temperature difference.

In the invention of claim 1, the high-temperature side piping through which the high-temperature side cooling medium to which the heat generated in the heat generating device mounted on the vehicle is transferred and the heat is transferred to cool the high-temperature side cooling medium. And a low-temperature side pipe through which the low-temperature side cooling medium radiated by the radiator passes, and generates power by a thermoelectric conversion means using a temperature difference during heat exchange between the high-temperature side cooling medium and the low-temperature side cooling medium A high-temperature side heat storage section into which a high-temperature side cooling medium that has become hot due to heat generated by the heat-generating device flows into the high-temperature side piping, and a low-temperature-side cooling medium radiated by a radiator to the low-temperature side piping. And a low-temperature side heat storage section that flows in. By providing the heat storage unit, it is possible to store the amount of heat of the cooling medium, and efficiently and stably generate electricity by transferring heat using the cooling medium between each pipe and each heat storage unit according to conditions. Can be performed.

The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that the heat storage section is thermally insulated from the outside and connected to each pipe via a valve. Therefore, the flow of the cooling medium can be restricted between the heat storage unit and the pipe by opening and closing the valve, and the heat generated by the generating device can be efficiently transferred.

The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that the heat storage section is always filled with a cooling medium. Since the heat storage unit is always filled with the cooling medium, the total amount of the cooling medium circulating in the piping is not affected even when the cooling medium moves due to heat dissipation or heat storage of the heat storage unit.

In the invention of claim 4, the power generation state in which the high temperature side cooling medium and the low temperature side cooling medium exchange heat through the thermoelectric conversion means without mixing, the high temperature side cooling medium and the low temperature side cooling medium, Switching means that can be switched to any one of a high cooling state in which the cooling of the heat generating device is higher than the power generation state by mixing them without passing through the thermoelectric conversion means, and a heat generation temperature of the heat generating device. A temperature detecting means for detecting; and a temperature detecting means for detecting the heat generation temperature of the heat storage section, and during the heat exchange according to the switching state, the heat generation temperature of the heat generating device, and the heat generation temperature of the heat storage section. The heat storage unit is controlled to be switched from the heat storage state to the heat dissipation state so as to increase the temperature difference. As described above, by transferring heat from the heat storage unit to the cooling medium according to the situation, it is possible to perform efficient power generation using thermoelectric conversion means while keeping the heat generating device to be cooled at a safe temperature It becomes.

It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the electric power generation system which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical configuration of the power generation system of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the heat-transfer path | route from which the heat | fever of an inverter is radiated.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a power generation system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an example of the power generation system 40 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the power generation system 40 according to the present invention generates power using the temperature difference between the heat generated in the heat generating device mounted on the vehicle and the cooling medium (coolant) for cooling the heat. System.

First, a cooling configuration for cooling the heat generated in the heat generating device will be described. In the present embodiment, for example, an inverter 11 is employed as a heat generating device that needs to be cooled, and a water jacket 12 provided on the outer surface of the inverter 11 to cool the inverter 11 is heated by a high temperature side water pump 13. The high-temperature side coolant W1 is configured to flow in as a high-temperature side coolant that circulates in the side pipe. Further, the high temperature side pipe 14 is provided with a high temperature side heat storage section 70 into which the high temperature side coolant W1 that has become high temperature due to heat generated by the heat generating device flows.

The high temperature side heat storage unit 70 is connected to the high temperature side pipe 14 via valves 70a and 70b. Further, the high temperature side pipe 14 is provided with a valve 14c for connecting the valves 70a and 70b. By opening and closing the valves 14c, 70a, 70b, the inflow amount of the high-temperature side cooling water W1 between the high-temperature side heat storage section 70 and the high-temperature side pipe 14 can be adjusted, and heat generated by the heat generating device can be transferred. However, the inside of the high temperature side heat storage section 70 is always filled with the high temperature side cooling water W1, and the total amount of the high temperature side cooling water W1 circulating through the high temperature side piping 14 is not affected. Moreover, the high temperature side heat storage part 70 is comprised with the heat storage body with a big heat capacity, and is thermally insulated with respect to the exterior.

Further, in this embodiment, a radiator 21 and a fan 22 are employed as radiators for cooling the heat generating equipment, and the radiator 21 has a low temperature as a low temperature side cooling medium circulated in the low temperature side pipe 24 by the low temperature side water pump 23. The side coolant W2 is configured to flow in. The low temperature side pipe 24 is provided with a low temperature side heat storage section 80 into which the low temperature side coolant W2 radiated by the radiator 21 flows.

The low temperature side heat storage unit 80 is connected to the low temperature side pipe 24 via valves 80a and 80b. The low temperature side pipe 24 is provided with a valve 24c for connecting the valves 80a and 80b. The inflow amount of the low-temperature side cooling water W2 radiated by the radiator 21 to the low-temperature side heat storage unit 80 is adjusted by opening and closing the valves 24c, 80a, and 80b. However, the inside of the low temperature side heat storage section 80 is always filled with the low temperature side cooling water W2, and the total amount of the low temperature side cooling water W2 circulating through the low temperature side piping 24 is not affected. Moreover, the low temperature side heat storage part 80 is comprised with the heat storage body with a big heat capacity, and is thermally insulated with respect to the exterior.

The high temperature side pipe 14 and the low temperature side pipe 24 are provided with a high temperature side bypass 31 and a low temperature side bypass 32 that can connect both pipes. The high temperature side bypass 31 is connected to the high temperature side piping 14 so that the high temperature side coolant W1 flowing out from the high temperature side water pump 13 through the valve 31a can be drawn, and is connected to the high temperature side piping 14 through the valve 31b. The coolant W1 is connected to the low temperature side pipe 24 so as to be able to flow into the radiator 21.

Further, the high temperature side pipe 14 is provided with a valve 14a downstream from a portion where the high temperature side bypass 31 is connected, and a valve 14b is provided upstream from a portion where the low temperature side bypass 32 is connected. Further, the low temperature side pipe 24 is provided with a valve 24a upstream from a portion where the high temperature side bypass 31 is connected, and a valve 24b is provided downstream from the portion where the low temperature side bypass 32 is connected.

As a result, the valves 14a, 14b, 14c of the high temperature side pipe 14 and the valves 24a, 24b24c of the low temperature side pipe 24 are opened, and the valves 31a, 31b of the high temperature side bypass 31 and the valve 32a of the low temperature side bypass 32 are opened. , 32b can be switched to a closed state, so that the high-temperature side coolant W1 in the high-temperature side piping 14 and the low-temperature side coolant W2 in the low-temperature side piping 24 are independently mixed without being mixed. It becomes an independent reflux state. In this independent reflux state, heat exchange is performed between the high-temperature side coolant W1 and the low-temperature side coolant W2 via a thermoelectric conversion unit described later, whereby the high-temperature side coolant W1 is cooled and cooled. The inverter 11 is cooled by the water jacket 12 through which the high temperature side coolant W1 flows.

After confirming that the temperature of the high-temperature coolant W1 has risen sufficiently after a certain time from the above independent reflux state, the valves 70a and 70b of the high-temperature side heat storage section 70 are opened, and the valve 14c of the high-temperature side pipe 14 is closed. By switching so as to be in a state, the high temperature side coolant W1 flows into the high temperature side heat storage unit 70, and heat storage is started.

When the heat generation of the inverter 11 becomes higher than the preset upper limit temperature T1, the valves 14a and 14b of the high temperature side piping 14 and the valves 24a and 24b of the low temperature side piping 24 are closed, and the valves of the high temperature side piping 14 are closed. 14c, the valve 24c of the low temperature side pipe 24, the valves 31a and 31b of the high temperature side bypass 31, and the valves 32a and 32b of the low temperature side bypass 32 are switched so as to be opened, thereby the high temperature side pipe 14 The high-temperature side coolant W1 in the inside and the low-temperature side coolant W2 in the low-temperature side pipe 24 can be mixed. In this mixed flow state, the high-temperature side coolant W1 and the low-temperature side coolant W2 are mixed, and the mixed coolant is radiated by the radiator 21 and then flows to the water jacket 12, whereby the inverter 11 is cooled. In particular, in a state where the high-temperature side coolant W1 and the low-temperature side coolant W2 are mixed, heat exchange via the thermoelectric conversion unit is eliminated and a lower temperature coolant flows to the water jacket 12, so that heat is transmitted via the thermoelectric conversion unit. The cooling performance of the inverter 11 can be improved as compared with the exchanged independent reflux state. This mixed flow state is also referred to as a high cooling state because it is a state in which the cooling performance is improved as compared with the independent reflux state.

In the high cooling state, the valves 70a and 70b of the high temperature side heat storage unit 70 and the valves 80a and 80b of the low temperature side heat storage unit 80 are closed, and the heat storage unit is cut off from each pipe.

When it is confirmed that the inverter 11 has been cooled after a certain time from the high cooling state, the valves 14a, 14b, 14c of the high temperature side pipe 14 and the valves 24a, 24b, 24c of the low temperature side pipe 24 are opened. The valves 31a and 31b of the high temperature side bypass 31 and the valves 32a and 32b of the low temperature side bypass 32 are switched so as to be closed, and the power generation system of the present invention returns from the high cooling state to the independent reflux state. . At this time, the temperature of the low-temperature side coolant W2 rises due to the mixed flow with the high-temperature side coolant W1, and the thermoelectric conversion unit can obtain a temperature difference between the low-temperature side coolant W2 and the high-temperature side coolant W1. It is not possible to reduce the amount of power generation.

Here, the valves 80a and 80b of the low temperature side heat storage unit 80 are opened, and the coolant in the low temperature side heat storage unit 80 is discharged. The coolant in the low temperature side heat storage section 80 is kept at a low temperature because the high temperature side coolant W1 and the low temperature side coolant W2 are not mixed. A sufficient amount of power generation can be obtained by lowering the temperature of the low-temperature side coolant W2 due to the discharge of the coolant in the low-temperature side heat storage section 80.

When the inverter 11 stops driving, the high temperature side heat storage unit 70 and the low temperature side heat storage unit 80 are cut off from each pipe, and the heat quantity of each heat storage unit is stored. Therefore, when the inverter 11 starts to drive again, the valves 70a and 70b of the high temperature side heat storage unit 70 are opened, and the coolant in the high temperature side heat storage unit 70 is discharged. Since the coolant in the high temperature side heat storage unit 70 is kept at a high temperature, the temperature of the high temperature side coolant W1 can be raised and power generation can be performed quickly.

Next, the configuration of the power generation system 40 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the power generation system 40 is a system that generates power using the temperature difference between the high temperature side coolant W1 flowing in the high temperature side pipe 14 and the low temperature side coolant W2 flowing in the low temperature side pipe 24. Four high temperature heat sinks 41 to 44 configured to allow the side coolant W1 to flow in, and three low temperature heat sinks 45 to 47 configured to allow the low temperature side coolant W2 to flow.

The high temperature side heat sink 41 is connected to the high temperature side pipe 14 via the inlet side valve 41a and the outlet side valve 41b. The cooling liquid W1 can enter. Further, the high temperature side heat sink 42 is connected to the high temperature side pipe 14 via the inlet side valve 42a and the outlet side valve 42b. The high temperature side coolant W1 is allowed to flow. Further, the high temperature side heat sink 43 is connected to the high temperature side pipe 14 via the inlet side valve 43a and the outlet side valve 43b, and flows in the high temperature side pipe 14 by opening both valves 43a and 43b. The high temperature side coolant W1 is allowed to flow. The high temperature side heat sink 44 is connected to the high temperature side pipe 14 via the inlet side valve 44a and the outlet side valve 44b, and flows through the high temperature side pipe 14 by opening both valves 44a and 44b. The high temperature side coolant W1 is allowed to flow.

The low temperature side heat sink 45 is connected to the low temperature side pipe 14 via the inlet side valve 45a and the outlet side valve 45b, and the low temperature side flowing in the low temperature side pipe 24 when both valves 45a and 45b are opened. The coolant W2 is allowed to flow in. Further, the low temperature side heat sink 46 is connected to the low temperature side pipe 14 through the inlet side valve 46a and the outlet side valve 46b, and the low temperature flowing through the low temperature side pipe 24 when both valves 46a and 46b are opened. The side coolant W2 is allowed to flow. Further, the low temperature side heat sink 47 is connected to the low temperature side pipe 14 via the inlet side valve 47a and the outlet side valve 47b, and the low temperature flowing through the low temperature side pipe 24 when both valves 47a and 47b are opened. The side coolant W2 is allowed to flow.

In addition, the power generation system 40 includes six thermoelectric conversion units 51 to 56 configured as thermoelectric conversion means in which a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements that generate electric power according to the applied temperature difference are arranged, and each of these thermoelectric conversion units 51 to The power generated at 56 is stored in battery B.

In particular, the thermoelectric conversion unit 51 is disposed so as to be in surface contact with both the high temperature side heat sink 41 and the low temperature side heat sink 45 so that heat exchange is possible. Further, the thermoelectric conversion unit 52 is arranged so as to be in surface contact with both the high temperature side heat sink 42 and the low temperature side heat sink 45 so that heat exchange is possible. Further, the thermoelectric conversion unit 53 is disposed so as to be in surface contact with both the high temperature side heat sink 42 and the low temperature side heat sink 46 so as to allow heat exchange. The thermoelectric conversion unit 54 is disposed so as to be in surface contact with both the high temperature side heat sink 43 and the low temperature side heat sink 46 so as to be capable of heat exchange. Further, the thermoelectric conversion unit 55 is disposed so as to be in surface contact with both the high temperature side heat sink 43 and the low temperature side heat sink 47 so as to allow heat exchange. Further, the thermoelectric conversion unit 56 is disposed so as to be in surface contact with both the high temperature side heat sink 44 and the low temperature side heat sink 47 so that heat exchange is possible.

Next, the electrical configuration of the power generation system 40 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the electrical configuration of the power generation system 40 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the power generation system 40 includes a control unit 61 that performs overall control, and the temperature of the coolant flowing out of the water jacket 12 (hereinafter referred to as coolant temperature T) as a temperature corresponding to the heat generation temperature of the inverter 11. A temperature sensor 62 to be measured, a temperature sensor 63 to measure the temperature of the coolant flowing out of the radiator 21, a flow sensor 64 to measure the flow rate of the coolant flowing in the high temperature side pipe 14, and a flow in the low temperature side pipe 24 A flow rate sensor 65 for measuring the flow rate of the coolant, a temperature sensor 66 for measuring the temperature of the coolant in the high temperature side heat storage unit 70, a temperature sensor 67 for measuring the temperature of the coolant in the low temperature side heat storage unit 80, It has. The control unit 61 is electrically connected to the sensors 62 to 67, and is configured to receive measurement signals from the sensors 62 to 67.

The control unit 61 is configured to be able to drive and control the motor 13a that drives the high temperature side water pump 13, the motor 23a that drives the low temperature side water pump 23, the motor 22a that drives the cooling fan 22, and each valve. Has been.

Here, the control content of the power generation system according to the present invention will be described. First, immediately after the inverter 11 starts driving, the amount of heat generated from the inverter 11 is low, and the coolant temperature T measured by the temperature sensor 62 is also low, so the heat exchange state via the thermoelectric conversion unit is the valve 41a, 41b, 45a, 45b are opened, and the valves 14a, 14b, 14c of the high-temperature side piping 14 and the valves 24a, 24b, 24c of the low-temperature side piping 24 are controlled to be opened so that they are independently recirculated. It is in an independent reflux state. Further, the valves 70a and 70b of the high temperature side heat storage unit 70 and the valves 80a and 80b of the low temperature side heat storage unit 80 are controlled to be closed.

As the drive time of the inverter 11 increases, the amount of heat generated from the inverter 11 increases and the coolant temperature T measured by the temperature sensor 62 also increases. In order to further cool the high-temperature side coolant W1 as the coolant temperature T rises, the heat exchange state via the thermoelectric conversion unit is performed by switching the valves 42a, 42b, 46a, 46b and the valves 43a, 43b, 47a, 47b. The valve is controlled to be opened. Further, it is confirmed that the coolant temperature T has risen to a sufficient temperature, and the valves 70a, 70b, 80a, 80b are controlled to be opened. At this time, the temperature of the high-temperature side cooling water W1 is prevented from drastically decreasing by controlling the amount of the cooling water entering and exiting the high-temperature side heat storage unit 70, and thereafter measured by the coolant temperature T and the temperature sensor 67. Comparing the coolant temperature in the high temperature side heat storage unit 70, only when the coolant temperature in the high temperature side heat storage unit 70 is lower than the coolant temperature T, the valves 70a and 70b are opened, and the high temperature side heat storage unit Keep the cooling water inside 70 at a high temperature. Similarly, the low temperature side heat storage unit 80 compares the coolant temperature T with the coolant temperature in the low temperature side heat storage unit 80 measured by the temperature sensor 68, and the coolant temperature in the low temperature side heat storage unit 80 is the coolant temperature. Only when the temperature is higher than T, the valves 80a and 80b are opened, and the cooling water in the low temperature side heat storage unit 80 is always kept at a low temperature.

As the drive time of the inverter 11 increases, the amount of heat generated from the inverter 11 increases and is maintained in a high state. At this time, when the coolant temperature T measured by the temperature sensor 62 becomes higher than a preset temperature, a mixed flow process is performed in order to prioritize the cooling of the inverter 11 over the power generation in the power generation conversion unit. In this process, the valves 14a and 14b of the high temperature side pipe 14, the valves 24a and 24b of the low temperature side pipe 24, the valves 70a and 70b of the high temperature side heat storage unit 70, and the valves 80a and 80b of the low temperature side heat storage unit 80 are provided. The valve is closed, and the valves 31a and 31b of the high temperature side bypass 31 and the valves 32a and 32b of the low temperature side bypass 32 are opened.

As a result, the high temperature side coolant W1 and the low temperature side coolant W2 are mixed through the bypasses 31 and 32, and the mixed coolant is radiated by the radiator 21, and then heat is exchanged through the thermoelectric conversion unit. It will flow to the water jacket 12 without going through. As a result, since the cooling liquid having a lower temperature flows into the water jacket 12, the inverter 11 can be effectively cooled compared to the case where heat is exchanged through the thermoelectric conversion unit.

When the coolant temperature T measured by the temperature sensor 62 is equal to or lower than a preset temperature by cooling the inverter 11 with the coolant that has been mixed as described above, the valves 14a and 14b of the high temperature side pipe 14 and The valves 24a and 24b of the low temperature side pipe 24 are opened, and the valves 31a and 31b of the high temperature side bypass 31 and the valves 32a and 32b of the low temperature side bypass 32 are closed.

As a result, the high-temperature side coolant W1 in the high-temperature side pipe 14 and the low-temperature side coolant W2 in the low-temperature side pipe 24 are circulated independently without being mixed, and the temperature of the coolant temperature T is increased. In addition, the valves connected to the respective heat sinks are opened, and power generation is resumed by heat exchange between the high-temperature side coolant W1 and the low-temperature side coolant W2 via the thermoelectric conversion units 51 to 56. It will be.

At this time, the temperature of the low-temperature side coolant W2 rises due to the mixed flow with the high-temperature side coolant W1, and the thermoelectric conversion unit can obtain a temperature difference between the low-temperature side coolant W2 and the high-temperature side coolant W1. It is not possible to reduce the amount of power generation. Therefore, the coolant in the low temperature side heat storage unit 80 is released by opening the valves 80a and 80b of the low temperature side heat storage unit 80. The coolant in the low temperature side heat storage section 80 is kept at a low temperature because it is not mixed with the high temperature side coolant W1. Due to the discharge of the cooling liquid in the low temperature side heat storage section 80, the temperature of the low temperature side cooling liquid W2 is lowered, so that a sufficient temperature difference is generated and the power generation amount can be increased.

Further, after the drive of the inverter 11 is stopped, the valves 70a and 70b of the high temperature side heat storage unit 70 and the valves 80a and 80b of the low temperature side heat storage unit 80 are closed so that the high temperature side heat storage unit 70 and the low temperature side heat storage unit 80 are closed. It becomes possible to preserve | save the calorie | heat amount in an inside cooling fluid. When the inverter 11 starts to drive again, the coolant temperature T rises, and it takes time to enter the heat exchange state in the thermoelectric conversion unit. Here, by opening the valves 70a and 70b of the high temperature side heat storage section 70, the temperature of the high temperature side cooling water W1 can be quickly increased to obtain a temperature difference from the low temperature side cooling water W2. A sufficient amount of power generation can be obtained.

In addition, this invention form is not limited to the said embodiment, You may actualize as follows.

The power generation system 40 according to the present invention is not limited to generating power using a temperature difference between the heat generated in the inverter 11 and a cooling medium (coolant) for cooling the heat, and is used for a vehicle such as an engine. You may comprise so that it may generate electric power using the temperature difference of the heat which generate | occur | produced in the heat generating apparatus mounted, and the cooling medium (cooling liquid) for cooling this heat. Further, even if the heat generating device is not mounted on a vehicle, the power generation system 40 according to the present invention may be employed as long as it is a heat generating device that is cooled using a radiator such as the radiator 21.

Six thermoelectric conversion units are not necessarily prepared, and two to five thermoelectric conversion units may be prepared, or seven or more thermoelectric conversion units may be prepared. In this case, each thermoelectric conversion unit can be disposed so as to be interposed between the high temperature side heat sink and the low temperature side heat sink that can control the inflow of the coolant.

The temperature sensor 62 is not limited to measuring the temperature of the coolant flowing out of the water jacket 12 as the coolant temperature T, and may be configured to directly measure the heat generation temperature of the inverter 11.

11 Inverter (heat generating device)
14 Hot side piping
14a, 14b, 14c Valve (switching means)
21 Radiator (heatsink)
24 Low temperature side piping
24a, 24b, 24c Valve (switching means)
31 High-temperature side bypass (switching means)
32 Low-temperature side bypass (switching means)
31a, 31b, 32a, 32b Valve (switching means)
40 Power generation system
41 ~ 44 High temperature side heat sink (change means)
41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b Valve (change means)
45 to 47 Low temperature side heat sink (change means)
45a, 45b, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b Valve (change means)
51-56 Thermoelectric conversion unit (thermoelectric conversion means)
61 Control unit (control means)
62, 63, 66, 67 Temperature sensor (temperature detection means)
70a, 70b, 80a, 80b Valve

Claims (4)

The high-temperature side piping through which the high-temperature side cooling medium to which the heat generated in the heat generating device mounted on the vehicle is transferred and the heat is transferred to cool the high-temperature side cooling medium are radiated by the radiator. A low-temperature side piping through which the low-temperature side cooling medium passes, and a power generation system that generates power by thermoelectric conversion means using a temperature difference during heat exchange between the high-temperature side cooling medium and the low-temperature side cooling medium, The high-temperature side heat storage unit for storing the heat quantity of the high-temperature side cooling medium that has become high temperature due to the heat generated by the heat-generating equipment in the side pipe, and the heat quantity of the low-temperature side cooling medium that is radiated by the radiator to the low-temperature side pipe And a low-temperature side heat storage unit for preserving the power. 2. The power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the high temperature side heat storage unit and the low temperature side heat storage unit are insulated from the outside and connected to each pipe via a valve. 2. The power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the high temperature side heat storage unit and the low temperature side heat storage unit are always filled with a cooling medium. A power generation state in which heat exchange is performed via the thermoelectric conversion means without mixing the high temperature side cooling medium and the low temperature side cooling medium, and the high temperature side cooling medium and the low temperature side cooling medium via the thermoelectric conversion means. Switching means that can be switched to any state of a high cooling state in which the cooling of the heat generating device is higher than that of the power generation state by mixing together, and a temperature detecting means for detecting the heat generation temperature of the heat generating device, Temperature detecting means for detecting the heat generation temperature of the heat storage unit, and the temperature difference during the heat exchange is increased in accordance with the switching state, the heat generation temperature of the heat generating device, and the heat generation temperature of the heat storage unit. 2. The power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the heat storage unit is controlled to be switched from a heat storage state to a heat dissipation state.

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