JP2015116005A - Thermoelectric generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To satisfy both enhancement of generation efficiency and reduction of power consumption of a refrigerant introduction pump, without requiring a large installation space in a thermoelectric generator 2.SOLUTION: In a first connection pipe 12, valves 21, 22 are provided between a refrigerant flow path 6 of odd row and a refrigerant flow path 6 of even row located on the downstream side of the refrigerant flow path 6 of odd row in the gas circulation direction. In a second connection pipe 13, valves 23, 24 are provided between a refrigerant flow path 6 of even row and a refrigerant flow path 6 of odd row located on the downstream side of the refrigerant flow path 6 of even row in the gas circulation direction. A control section 30 for controlling the open/close state of the valves 21, 22 on the first connection pipe 12 side and the valves 23, 24 on the second connection pipe 13 side based on the current velocity of refrigerant is provided.

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermoelectric generator that is assembled in a cylindrical case through which a high-temperature gas is circulated so that a large number of rod-shaped thermoelectric modules are adjacent to each other from one opening to the other opening in a posture that intersects the gas flow direction. About.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a thermoelectric device that converts thermal energy of high-temperature exhaust gas discharged from an engine into electrical energy.

  This thermoelectric device has a structure in which many thermoelectric generator modules are incorporated in an exhaust passage (housing) of an engine.

  The thermoelectric generator module is formed in a rod shape, and is provided in a state where its longitudinal direction is orthogonal to the exhaust gas flow direction in the exhaust passage. The thermoelectric generator module includes an inner casing through which a coolant flows, an outer casing through which the inner casing is inserted, and a number of thermoelectric elements installed between the inner casing and the outer casing. It has a configuration.

  And it is set as the form which flows a coolant in the same direction to the inner casing of the thermoelectric generator module arrange | positioned in large numbers up and down, right and left, ie, the form which flows a coolant through many thermoelectric generator modules in parallel, respectively.

Special table 2012-533972 gazette

  When the coolant is flowed in parallel to the large number of thermoelectric generator modules as in Patent Document 1, since the flow passage cross-sectional area of the coolant is large, an increase in the pressure loss of the coolant can be suppressed. However, there is a concern that the flow rate of the coolant decreases and the power generation efficiency decreases.

  If the coolant is flown serially through the large number of thermoelectric generator modules, the flow rate of the coolant can be increased if the coolant cross-sectional area is designed to be small, so that the power generation efficiency can be increased. However, the pressure loss of the lowered coolant increases, and the power consumption of the pump for introducing the coolant increases. Accordingly, if the flow passage cross-sectional area of the coolant is designed to be large in order to suppress an increase in the pressure loss of the coolant, there is a concern that the installation space of the thermoelectric power generator becomes large and the installation property is lowered.

  In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to achieve both improvement in power generation efficiency and reduction in power consumption of a refrigerant introduction pump without requiring a large installation space in a thermoelectric generator.

  The present invention relates to a thermoelectric generator that is assembled in a cylindrical case through which a high-temperature gas is circulated so that a large number of rod-shaped thermoelectric modules are adjacent to each other from one opening to the other opening in a posture that intersects the gas flow direction. A first connection pipe connected to each one longitudinal end side of each refrigerant flow path provided in each of the plurality of thermoelectric modules, and a first connection pipe connected to each other longitudinal end side of each refrigerant flow path. 2 connecting pipes, a refrigerant introducing pipe connected to a connection portion of the first connecting pipe with the most upstream refrigerant flow path in the gas flowing direction, and a refrigerant flow path downstream in the gas flowing direction in the second connecting pipe And a valve provided between an odd-numbered refrigerant flow path in the first connection pipe and an even-numbered refrigerant flow path located downstream in the gas flow direction in the first connection pipe. And before A valve provided between the even-numbered refrigerant flow paths in the second connection pipe and the odd-numbered refrigerant flow paths positioned downstream in the gas flow direction, and the first connection pipe based on the flow rate of the refrigerant; And a controller for controlling the open / closed state of the valve on the second connecting pipe side.

  In this configuration, when the valve on the first connection pipe side and the valve on the second connection pipe side are in a closed state, the one from the refrigerant flow path in the first row to the refrigerant flow path arranged downstream is sequentially one. A continuous “series flow path” is formed. On the other hand, when the valve on the first connecting pipe side and the valve on the second connecting pipe side are opened, the refrigerant flows in parallel from the first connecting pipe side to the second connecting pipe side in all the refrigerant flow paths. A “parallel flow path” is formed.

  When the series flow path is formed, the flow rate of the refrigerant is faster than that of the parallel flow path, so that the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric generator can be increased.

  On the other hand, when the parallel flow paths are formed, the total cross-sectional area of the refrigerant flow paths becomes larger than that in the case of the serial flow paths, and the pressure loss of the refrigerant is reduced. Therefore, the power consumption of the refrigerant introduction pump is suppressed. Is possible.

  Along with the possibility of forming such parallel flow paths, the thermoelectric power generation device according to the present invention does not need to increase the cross-sectional area of each of the refrigerant flow paths of a large number of thermoelectric modules more than necessary. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the installation property.

  The present invention makes it possible to achieve both improvement in power generation efficiency and reduction in power consumption of a refrigerant introduction pump without requiring a large installation space in a thermoelectric generator.

It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on this invention, and has shown the form which formed the serial flow path by making a 1st-4th valve into a closed state. It is a figure which shows the form which formed the parallel flow path by opening the 1st-4th valve | bulb in FIG. It is a figure which shows the arrangement pattern of the thermoelectric element of the thermoelectric module of FIG. It is a figure which shows the cross-section of the thermoelectric module of FIG. It is a figure used in order to demonstrate switching control of a refrigerant distribution channel in the thermoelectric generator of Drawing 1. It is a figure which shows the form which formed the merged flow path by making the 1st, 2nd valve into a closed state, and making the 3rd, 4th valve into an open state in other embodiment of the thermoelectric generator which concerns on this invention. FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 in another embodiment of the thermoelectric generator according to the present invention.

  BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 to 5 show an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is an exhaust passage of the vehicle, and 2 is a thermoelectric generator.

  Although not shown, the thermoelectric generator 2 is mounted on a vehicle. The thermoelectric generator 2 utilizes the Seebeck effect that converts thermal energy of high-temperature exhaust gas discharged from the engine into electrical energy, and has a configuration in which a large number of thermoelectric modules 4 are incorporated in the case 3.

  The case 3 is formed in a rectangular tube shape, and one opening thereof is on the upstream side in the exhaust gas flow direction (see the white arrow) in the exhaust passage 1, and the other opening is on the downstream side in the exhaust gas flow direction in the exhaust passage 1. Each is connected in communication. In this case 3, both the connecting portions with the exhaust passage 1 have a quadrangular pyramid shape.

  A large number of thermoelectric modules 4 are all formed in a rod shape, and are assembled to the case 3 so as to be adjacent to each other from one opening of the case 3 to the other opening in a posture intersecting the exhaust gas flow direction, specifically in a posture orthogonal to the case 3. It has been.

  In this embodiment, five rows of thermoelectric modules 4 are provided in the case 3 in the exhaust gas flow direction. About the arrangement | sequence of the thermoelectric module 4, it is set as 1st row | line | column, 2nd row | line | column, 3rd row | line | column, 4th row | line, and 5th row | line | column toward the downstream from the upstream in the exhaust gas flow direction.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the thermoelectric module 4 includes an inner tube 6 inserted into the outer tube 5, and a first thermoelectric element (for example, a number of thermoelectric materials) between the outer tube 5 and the inner tube 6. p-type semiconductor) 7 and a second thermoelectric element (for example, n-type semiconductor) 8 are installed, and the first thermoelectric element 7 and the second thermoelectric element 8 are connected by an electric wire 9 as shown by a broken line in FIG. It has become.

  The outer tube 5 is formed in an oval cross section, and on the outer surfaces of the two flat long sides 5a and 5b, radiating fins 5c projecting outward are provided at every predetermined pitch in the longitudinal direction.

  The inner tube 6 is formed in a rectangular shape with a flat cross section, and is disposed in a non-contact manner near the center of the outer tube 5. A refrigerant is circulated in the inner tube 6.

  By the way, the outer tube 5 becomes a “high temperature side member” because of the relationship with the exhaust gas, and the inner tube 6 becomes a “low temperature side member” because of the relationship in which the refrigerant flows therethrough.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first thermoelectric element 7 and the second thermoelectric element 8 are both shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped or a cube, and have an outer tube (high temperature side member) 5 and an inner tube (low temperature side member) 6. It is installed between the opposite.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the first thermoelectric element 7 and the second thermoelectric element 8 are arranged one by one in the width direction of the outer tube 5 (exhaust gas flow direction), and the length of the outer tube 5 is long. One by one is arranged alternately in the direction. Specifically, the arrangement of the first thermoelectric element 7 and the second thermoelectric element 8 in the longitudinal direction of the outer tube 5 includes a first thermoelectric element (p-type semiconductor) 7-a second thermoelectric element (n-type semiconductor) 8-. The first thermoelectric elements (p-type semiconductor) 7-the second thermoelectric elements (n-type semiconductor) 8... Are arranged at predetermined pitches.

  As shown in FIG. 4, any one of the six surfaces of the first thermoelectric element 7 and the second thermoelectric element 8 is on the inner surface of the two flat long sides 5 a and 5 b of the outer tube 5. The surfaces facing the surfaces are in surface contact with the outer surfaces of the two long sides 6a and 6b of the inner tube 6, respectively. Then, electric energy (voltage) is generated when a temperature difference occurs between the two opposing surfaces of the first thermoelectric element 7 and the second thermoelectric element 8.

  As shown by the broken line in FIG. 3, the electric wire 9 is wired in a crank shape by connecting the first thermoelectric element 7 and the second thermoelectric element 8 arranged in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the outer tube 5 in series. Has been.

  Next, how the thermoelectric module 4 is incorporated into the case 3 will be described in detail.

  As described above, the first connection pipe 12 is connected to each of the longitudinal ends of the inner tubes 6 of all the thermoelectric modules 4 assembled in the state of the “river”. A second connection pipe 13 is connected to each of the other longitudinal ends of the inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4.

  In the first connection pipe 12, a refrigerant introduction pipe 11 is connected to a connection portion of the first row of thermoelectric modules 4 to the inner tube 6.

  In the second connection pipe 13, a refrigerant reflux pipe 14 is connected to a connection portion of the fifth row of thermoelectric modules 4 to the inner tube 6.

  Note that one end and the other end of the outer tube 5 in the longitudinal direction are closed, and the refrigerant introduction pipe 11, the first and second connection pipes 12, 13 and the refrigerant reflux pipe 14 are passed through the closed portion to introduce the refrigerant. The pipe 11, the first and second connecting pipes 12 and 13, and the refrigerant reflux pipe 14 are connected in communication with the inner tube 6 in the outer tube 5.

  A first valve 21 is provided between the inner tube 6 of the first row of thermoelectric modules 4 and the inner tube 6 of the second row of thermoelectric modules 4 in the first connection tube 12, and the first connection tube 12, a second valve 22 is provided between the inner tube 6 of the third row thermoelectric module 4 and the inner tube 6 of the fourth row thermoelectric module 4.

  In the second connection pipe 13, a third valve 23 is provided between the inner tube 6 of the second row thermoelectric module 4 and the inner tube 6 of the third row thermoelectric module 4, and the second connection pipe 13, a fourth valve 24 is provided between the inner tube 6 of the fourth row of thermoelectric modules 4 and the inner tube 6 of the fifth row of thermoelectric modules 4.

  The first to fourth valves 21 to 24 are electrically operated on / off valves, and their opening / closing operations are appropriately controlled by a control unit (electronic control unit: ECU) 30.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 1, when the first to fourth valves 21 to 24 are closed, the inner tubes 6 of the first row of thermoelectric modules 4 are connected to the inner tubes 6 of the second row of thermoelectric modules 4. Similarly, a “series flow path” is formed in which the third row, the fourth row, and the fifth row sequentially meander in a row.

  When this series flow path is formed, the refrigerant flows from the inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4 in the first row to the inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4 in the second row, the inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4 in the third row, and the fourth row. It flows through the inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4 and the inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4 in the fifth row in order.

  Specifically, when the refrigerant is introduced from the refrigerant introduction tube 11 to one end in the longitudinal direction of the inner tube 6 of the first row of thermoelectric modules 4, the other end in the longitudinal direction of the inner tube 6 of the first row of thermoelectric modules 4 is introduced. It flows into the longitudinal direction other end side of the inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4 of the 2nd row through the 2nd connection tube 13, and the 1st connection tube 12 from the longitudinal direction one end side of the inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4 of the 2nd row. And then flows into one end in the longitudinal direction of the inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4 in the third row, and passes through the second connecting tube 13 from the other end in the longitudinal direction of the inner tube 6 in the third row to the fourth row. The other end of the inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4 is introduced into the other end in the longitudinal direction of the thermoelectric module 4, and passes through the first connecting pipe 12 from the end of the fourth row of the inner tube 6 in the longitudinal direction of the inner tube 6. Is flowed into the one longitudinal end of the inner tube 6 of the fifth column thermoelectric module 4, it will be discharged to the refrigerant return pipe 14 from the longitudinal end side of the inner tube 6 of the fifth column thermoelectric module 4.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, when the first to fourth valves 21 to 24 are opened, the inner tubes 6 of all the thermoelectric modules 4 in the first to fifth rows are second from the first connecting pipe 12 side. A “parallel flow path” in which the refrigerant flows in parallel to the connecting pipe 13 side is formed.

  When this parallel flow path is formed, the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant introduction pipe 11 is introduced to one end side in the longitudinal direction of all the inner tubes 6 of the first to fifth rows of thermoelectric modules 4 through the first connection pipe 12. As a result, all the inner tubes 6 of the first to fifth rows of thermoelectric modules 4 flow from the other longitudinal end to the second connection pipe 13 and are discharged to the refrigerant reflux pipe 14.

  As described above, when the series flow path is formed, the flow path cross-sectional area is reduced as compared with the case where the parallel flow path is formed, so that the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each inner tube 6 is increased. Further, when the parallel flow paths are formed, the cross-sectional area of the flow path is larger than when the serial flow paths are formed, so that the pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing through each inner tube 6 is reduced.

  Next, control for switching the refrigerant flow path between a serial flow path (see FIG. 1) and a parallel flow path (see FIG. 2) will be described.

  In this embodiment, the refrigerant introduced into the thermoelectric generator 2 uses the refrigerant of the engine cooling system. In that case, the flow rate and flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into the thermoelectric generator 2 cannot be arbitrarily determined because the flow rate of the refrigerant is optimized by engine control. Although not shown, the flow rate and flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant introduction pipe 11 are determined by the operating capability of a pump (also referred to as a water pump) provided in the engine cooling system.

  Generally, the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric generator 2 decreases as the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4 decreases. On the other hand, as the flow rate of the refrigerant increases, the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric generator 2 increases, but the pressure loss of the refrigerant increases.

  Therefore, when the flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant introduction pipe 11 is slow, the inner tube of the thermoelectric module 4 can be formed by closing the first to fourth valves 21 to 24 and forming a series flow path (see FIG. 1). 6 can increase the flow rate of the refrigerant per one, so that the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric generator 2 can be increased as much as possible.

  On the other hand, when the flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant introduction pipe 11 is high, the inner tube of the thermoelectric module 4 can be formed by opening the first to fourth valves 21 to 24 and forming parallel flow paths (see FIG. 2). Since the flow rate of the refrigerant per 6 can be reduced, the pressure loss of the refrigerant can be reduced, and the power consumption of the refrigerant introduction pump can be reduced.

  By the way, when the flow rate of the refrigerant per one inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4 is increased, the vehicle fuel efficiency is improved due to an increase in power generation amount due to the temperature of the low temperature side member (inner tube 6) being lowered by the thermoelectric module 4. It was found that the vehicle fuel consumption deteriorates due to the output loss of the pump for introducing the refrigerant (the increase in power consumption in the case of the electric pump). That is, it has been found that when the flow rate of the refrigerant becomes too fast, a situation occurs in which the total fuel consumption effect of the vehicle is reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the total fuel efficiency effect is the amount A in which the vehicle fuel efficiency is improved by the increase in the amount of power generated due to the increase of the refrigerant flow rate and the temperature of the low temperature side member (inner tube 6) by the thermoelectric module 4 being decreased (FIG. 5). 1) and the amount B (refer to the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5) that the vehicle fuel efficiency deteriorates due to the increase in the refrigerant flow rate and the loss of the pump for introducing the refrigerant (the increase in power consumption in the case of the electric pump). It is obtained by A + B (see the solid line in FIG. 5).

  As shown by the solid line in FIG. 5, the total fuel consumption effect gradually increases as the refrigerant flow rate per inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4 increases, but becomes maximum when the refrigerant flow rate reaches a predetermined value. After that, it gradually decreases as the refrigerant flow rate increases. That is, it can be said that the total fuel efficiency effect is determined according to the refrigerant flow rate per one inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4. The refrigerant flow rate per inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4 can be changed by switching the refrigerant flow path to a serial flow path (see FIG. 1) or a parallel flow path (see FIG. 2).

  For this reason, the inventor of the present application ensures that the first to fourth valves 21 to 21 are as high as possible in order to ensure the region having the highest total fuel efficiency even if the flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant introduction pipe 11 changes. It came to be thought that it is preferable to switch a serial flow path (refer FIG. 1) and a parallel flow path (refer FIG. 2) suitably by controlling the open / close state of 24.

  The region having a high total fuel efficiency effect is 90% or more of the maximum value (region indicated by hatching in FIG. 5). Specifically, the region having the high total fuel consumption effect is the point where the total fuel consumption effect reaches 90% of the maximum value of the total fuel consumption effect in the process of increasing the total fuel consumption effect (see reference numeral 100 in FIG. 5). The point reaches 90% of the maximum value of the total fuel consumption effect in the process of descending after reaching the maximum (see reference numeral 200 in FIG. 5).

  That is, in the control unit 30 of this embodiment, the inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4 is appropriately switched by switching the first to fourth valves 21 to 24 to the closed state or the open state so that the total fuel efficiency effect is 90% or more. The flow rate of the refrigerant per one is adjusted.

  As described above, in the thermoelectric generator 2 of this embodiment, it is possible to form the parallel flow paths as described above, and therefore, it is necessary to have individual cross-sectional areas of the inner tubes 6 of the many thermoelectric modules 4. There is no need to make it larger. Therefore, it becomes possible to contribute to reduction of equipment costs, such as being able to improve the installability of the thermoelectric generator 2. Incidentally, the cross-sectional area of each inner tube 6 is designed in consideration of the relationship between the outer size and the pressure loss of the refrigerant.

  And in the thermoelectric generator 2 of this embodiment, even if the flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant introduction pipe 11 changes, it is possible to ensure a region having a high total fuel consumption effect (for example, 90% or more of the maximum value). As an object, the refrigerant flow rate per one inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4 is optimized by appropriately switching between the serial flow path (see FIG. 1) and the parallel flow path (see FIG. 2).

  That is, when the flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant introduction pipe 11 is low, the thermoelectric module 4 is formed by closing the first to fourth valves 21 to 24 and forming a series flow path (see FIG. 1). Since the flow rate of the refrigerant per one inner tube 6 is increased, the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric generator 2 can be increased as much as possible. On the other hand, when the flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant introduction pipe 11 is high, the first to fourth valves 21 to 24 are opened to form a parallel flow path (see FIG. 2), whereby the refrigerant pressure Since the loss is reduced, power consumption of the refrigerant introduction pump can be suppressed.

  As a result, in the thermoelectric power generation device 2 according to the present invention, the power consumption associated with the power generation is suppressed as much as possible while the power is efficiently generated by effectively using the exhaust gas of the vehicle. Therefore, the total fuel consumption of the vehicle can be increased as much as possible.

  In addition, this invention is not limited only to the said embodiment, It can change suitably in the range equivalent to the claim and the said range.

  (1) In the said embodiment, although the example which switches a refrigerant | coolant distribution path to a serial flow path (refer FIG. 1) and a parallel flow path (refer FIG. 2) is given, this invention is not limited only to this. Absent.

  The refrigerant flow path is a combination of the series flow path and the parallel flow path by combining a part of the first to fourth valves 21 to 24 in a closed state and a remaining part in an open state. It is also possible to add further “merging channels”.

  As the merged flow path, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first valve 21 and the second valve 22 can be opened while the third valve 23 and the fourth valve 24 can be closed. is there.

  When such a merged flow path is formed, the refrigerant introduced into the first connection pipe 12 flows from the inner tubes 6 of the first to third rows of thermoelectric modules 4 in parallel to the second connection pipe 13, After that, it flows through the inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4 in the fourth row to the first connecting pipe 12, and further flows in a meandering manner to the second connecting tube 13 through the inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4 in the fifth row. The refrigerant is then discharged to the refrigerant reflux pipe 14.

  In this case, sufficient power generation efficiency can be obtained after reducing the pressure loss during the circulation of the refrigerant. Therefore, when it is possible to form such a refrigerant flow path, it is possible to take further measures according to the flow rate of the refrigerant as compared with the above embodiment.

  (2) In the above embodiment, an example in which the exhaust gas of the engine is used as the high-temperature gas is given. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, EGR gas can be used.

  (3) In the above embodiment, an example in which the thermoelectric modules 4 are arranged in five rows in the exhaust gas flow direction in the case 3 is given, but the present invention is not limited to this, and at least three rows or more are provided. It is possible.

  (4) In the above embodiment, an example in which the thermoelectric generator 2 is configured to incorporate the thermoelectric module 4 into the case 3 is described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the case 3 is eliminated. Thus, the thermoelectric module 4 can be directly incorporated in the exhaust passage 1.

  (5) In the above embodiment, an example in which the case 3 is in the shape of a rectangular tube is given. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the case 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape, an elliptical cylindrical shape, or the like. Is possible.

  (6) In the above embodiment, an example is given in which the outer tube 5 and the inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4 are substantially rectangular in cross section, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the outer tube 5 and the inner tube 6 of the thermoelectric module 4 can be made substantially circular in cross section. In this case, the 1st thermoelectric element 7 and the 2nd thermoelectric element 8 are made to contact the outer tube 5 and the inner tube 6 by the surface.

  The present invention relates to a thermoelectric generator that is assembled in a cylindrical case through which a high-temperature gas is circulated so that a large number of rod-shaped thermoelectric modules are adjacent to each other from one opening to the other opening in a posture that intersects the gas flow direction. It is possible to use suitably.

1 Exhaust passage
2 Thermoelectric generator
3 cases
4 Thermoelectric module
5 Outer tube
6 Inner tube (refrigerant flow path)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Refrigerant introduction pipe 12 1st connection pipe 13 2nd connection pipe 14 Refrigerant reflux pipe 21 1st valve 22 2nd valve 23 3rd valve 24 4th valve 30 Control part

Claims (1)

A thermoelectric generator that is assembled to a cylindrical case through which high-temperature gas is circulated so that a large number of rod-shaped thermoelectric modules are adjacent to each other from one opening of the case to the other,
A first connecting pipe connected to one end side in the longitudinal direction of each refrigerant flow path provided in each of the multiple thermoelectric modules;
A second connecting pipe connected to each of the other longitudinal ends of the refrigerant flow paths;
A refrigerant introduction pipe connected to a connection site with the most upstream refrigerant flow path in the gas flow direction in the first connection pipe;
A refrigerant recirculation pipe connected to a connection site with the refrigerant flow path in the gas distribution direction most downstream in the second connection pipe;
A valve provided between the odd-numbered refrigerant flow paths in the first connection pipe and the even-numbered refrigerant flow paths positioned further downstream in the gas flow direction;
A valve provided between the even-numbered refrigerant flow paths in the second connection pipe and the odd-numbered refrigerant flow paths positioned further downstream in the gas flow direction;
A thermoelectric generator, comprising: a control unit that controls an open / close state of the valve on the first connection pipe and the valve on the second connection pipe based on the flow rate of the refrigerant.

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