JP2017073430A - Thermoelectric conversion module, thermoelectric converter, and method for manufacturing thermoelectric conversion module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermoelectric conversion module, which is low in thermal resistance of members other than a thermoelectric conversion element and also can absorb a deformation.SOLUTION: A thermoelectric conversion module includes a thermoelectric conversion element, a high temperature-side electrode, a low temperature-side electrode, a container, a hermetic seal member, and a buffer material. The thermoelectric conversion element is disposed between the high temperature-side electrode and the low temperature-side electrode. The thermoelectric conversion element, the high temperature-side electrode, and the low temperature-side electrode are disposed in a space formed with the container and the hermetic seal member. The buffer material is sandwiched between the low temperature-side electrode and the hermetic seal member. The contact area between the low temperature-side electrode and the buffer material is larger than the cross sectional area of the thermoelectric conversion element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1C

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion module, a thermoelectric converter, and a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion module.

  In Patent Document 1, a porous metal member having a porosity of 30 to 90% is sandwiched between a thermoelectric conversion module including a thermoelectric conversion element and an electrode and a heat source, and the porous metal member is plastically deformed by pressurization. Thus, a thermoelectric conversion system is disclosed in which adhesion and heat transfer between the thermoelectric conversion module and the heat source are improved.

  In Patent Document 2, the low temperature side electrode protrudes toward the high temperature side substrate, and the pressing member presses the portion on the low temperature side substrate side of the outer thermoelectric conversion element toward the other outer thermoelectric conversion element. By this, it is possible to suppress damage due to heat of the pressing member, and heat radiation through the pressing member on the high temperature side and thereby decrease in thermoelectric conversion efficiency, and the thermoelectric conversion element and the electrode are not bonded by the bonding material. However, a thermoelectric conversion module that obtains an electrically good contact state is disclosed.

  In Patent Document 3, a plurality of p-type thermoelectric conversion elements and a plurality of n-type thermoelectric conversion elements are alternately arranged with the high-temperature side surface and the low-temperature side surface aligned, and the p-type thermoelectric conversion element and the n-type conversion element are arranged. In a high-temperature environment or a temperature-fluctuating environment, a bonding metal material is sandwiched between the thermoelectric conversion element and the high-temperature and low-temperature surfaces are covered with an insulating material with good thermal conductivity. A thermoelectric conversion module that suppresses thermal stress generated between a thermoelectric element and an electrode and can ensure high reliability even in an actual use environment is disclosed.

JP 2012-195441 A JP 2010-212339 A JP 2014-49713 A

  The thermoelectric converter uses a temperature difference between a high temperature source and a low temperature source having different temperatures to generate a temperature distribution in the thermoelectric conversion element and performs thermoelectric conversion by the Seebeck effect. Therefore, in order to improve the conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion module having the thermoelectric conversion element, it is effective to reduce the thermal resistance of the portion other than the thermoelectric conversion element and increase the temperature difference generated inside the thermoelectric conversion element. . In order to reduce the thermal stress caused by a large temperature change during operation and improve the reliability of the thermoelectric converter, a structure that can absorb the thermal deformation difference of each member is effective.

  The porous metal member described in Patent Document 1 secures adhesion in response to variations in electrode height, but there is room for improvement in terms of reducing thermal resistance.

  Since the pressing member described in Patent Document 2 is configured to press a narrow range with an elastic body, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of applying a uniform and appropriate force.

  Although the structure which eliminated the electrode of patent document 3 can acquire the effect which suppresses a thermal stress, it does not assume expanding the heat-transfer area of a thermoelectric conversion element.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a thermoelectric conversion module in which a member other than the thermoelectric conversion element has a small thermal resistance and can absorb deformation.

  The present invention is a thermoelectric conversion module including a thermoelectric conversion element, a high temperature side electrode, a low temperature side electrode, a container, an airtight sealing member, and a buffer material, and the thermoelectric conversion element is a high temperature side electrode. The thermoelectric conversion element, the high temperature side electrode, and the low temperature side electrode are disposed in a space formed by the container and the hermetic sealing member, and the cushioning material is hermetically sealed with the low temperature side electrode. The contact area between the low-temperature side electrode and the buffer material is larger than the transverse area of the thermoelectric conversion element.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the thermoelectric conversion module which has small thermal resistance of members other than a thermoelectric conversion element and can absorb a deformation | transformation can be provided.

1 is an external perspective view showing a thermoelectric conversion module of Example 1. FIG. It is a side view which shows the thermoelectric conversion module of Example 1. FIG. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. 1B. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the arrangement of elements in the thermoelectric converter of Example 1. 1 is an external perspective view showing an upper electrode of Example 1. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an upper electrode of Example 1. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an upper electrode of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the arrangement of upper electrodes in the thermoelectric converter of Example 1. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing an arrangement of lower electrodes in the thermoelectric converter of Example 1. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the state which joined the lower electrode of the thermoelectric converter of Example 1, an element, and the upper electrode. It is a side view which shows the state which joined the lower electrode of the thermoelectric converter of Example 1, an element, and the upper electrode. It is BB sectional drawing of FIG. 5B. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the state which joined the lower flow path and case of the thermoelectric conversion module of Example 1. FIG. It is a side view which shows the state which joined the lower flow path and case of the thermoelectric conversion module of Example 1. FIG. It is CC sectional drawing of FIG. 6B. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the state which joined the thermoelectric converter shown to FIG. 5A, and the structure shown to FIG. 6A. It is a side view which shows the state which joined the thermoelectric converter shown to FIG. 5A, and the structure shown to FIG. 6A. It is DD sectional drawing of FIG. 7B. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the shock absorbing material further to the structure shown to FIG. 7A. It is a side view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the buffer material further to the structure shown to FIG. 7A. It is EE sectional drawing of FIG. 8B. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the lid | cover etc. which are joined to the structure shown to FIG. 8A. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the airtight sealing member joined to the lid | cover etc. which are shown to FIG. 9A. It is a side view which shows the state which joined the lid | cover etc. and airtight sealing member which are shown to FIG. 9A. It is FF sectional drawing of FIG. 9C. It is the elements on larger scale of FIG. 1C. 5 is an external perspective view showing a thermoelectric converter of Example 2. FIG. It is a side view which shows the thermoelectric converter of Example 2. It is GG sectional drawing of FIG. 11B. 10 is an external perspective view showing a thermoelectric converter of Example 3. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a thermoelectric converter of Example 3. FIG. It is HH sectional drawing of Drawing 12B. 10 is an external perspective view showing a thermoelectric converter of Example 4. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a thermoelectric converter of Example 4. FIG. It is II sectional drawing of FIG. 13B. 6 is an external perspective view showing a thermoelectric converter of Example 5. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a thermoelectric converter of Example 5. FIG. It is JJ sectional drawing of FIG. 14B. 10 is an external perspective view showing a thermoelectric converter of Example 6. FIG. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows before and after the assembly of the upper electrode 2 of FIG. 15A. It is a side view of the thermoelectric converter of FIG. 15A. It is KK sectional drawing of FIG. 15C. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a thermoelectric conversion module of Example 7. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a thermoelectric converter of Example 8. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a thermoelectric conversion module of Example 8. FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the motor vehicle provided with the thermoelectric conversion module of this invention.

  A thermoelectric conversion module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a thermoelectric conversion element and an electrode bonded to the thermoelectric conversion element, and includes a portion having a convex shape on a part of the electrode, and a portion having a convex shape of the electrode A shock absorbing material for absorbing deformation and an airtight sealing member are arranged between the heat source and the heat source, and the pressure in the region where the thermoelectric conversion element is mounted is reduced from the outside (outside pressure).

  The manufacturing method of the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention is roughly as follows.

  That is, in the manufacturing method, a thermoelectric converter having a thermoelectric conversion element, a high temperature side electrode, and a low temperature side electrode is placed in a container having a high temperature fluid flow path so that the high temperature side electrode is in contact with the high temperature fluid flow path. A step of installing, a step of attaching a buffer material to the surface of the low-temperature side electrode, a step of attaching a low-temperature fluid flow path formed by using the hermetic sealing member as a part of the component to the surface of the buffer material, including.

  Furthermore, it is desirable to include a step of depressurizing a region surrounded by the hermetic sealing member and the container.

  It is desirable to form the low-temperature fluid flow path by joining the lid portion to the hermetic sealing member.

  Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1A is an external perspective view showing the thermoelectric conversion module of the present embodiment. FIG. 1B is a side view showing the thermoelectric conversion module of the present embodiment.

  As shown in these drawings, the thermoelectric conversion module 100 includes a case 9, a lid 10 (lid portion), a lower flow path 6 (high temperature fluid flow path), an upper flow path connecting member 11, an electrode terminal 12, and an electrode insulating member. 13

  1C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1B. This figure shows the inside of the thermoelectric conversion module 100.

  Inside the thermoelectric conversion module 100 covered with the case 9 and the lid 10, a plurality of elements 1 (thermoelectric conversion elements) made of a thermoelectric conversion material having a Seebeck effect, an upper electrode 2 (low temperature side electrode), A lower electrode 3 (high temperature side electrode) is provided. The upper electrode 2 and the lower electrode 3 are respectively connected to different ends of the element 1.

  In the present specification, the “thermoelectric converter” refers to a device including the element 1, the upper electrode 2, and the lower electrode 3 as basic elements. In other words, the “thermoelectric converter” is a joined body installed inside the thermoelectric conversion module 100 and refers to a portion excluding a member used for heat exchange.

  In this embodiment, the main material of the upper electrode 2 is copper, and the lower electrode 3 is a laminated structure of copper and ceramics.

  The lower electrode 3 is joined to the lower flow path 6, and the lower flow path 6 is fixed to the case 9 (container). The lower flow path 6 and the case 9 are made of stainless steel having a thickness of about 1 mm. Since the lower electrode 3 is a laminated structure of copper and ceramics, the upper and lower surfaces are insulated, and insulation between the element 1 and the lower flow path 6 can be ensured. The upper electrode 2 is in close contact with the hermetic sealing member 7 via the buffer material 8. The end of the hermetic sealing member 7 is coupled to the lid 10. The hermetic sealing member 7 is made of stainless steel having a thickness of about 0.1 mm, and the lid 10 is made of stainless steel having a thickness of about 1 mm.

  The buffer material 8 is preferably formed of a material having low elasticity and insulating properties. For this reason, a resin material is desirable as the buffer material 8. By using the buffer material 8, it is possible to ensure insulation between the element 1 and the hermetic sealing member 7 while maintaining a buffering effect in a close contact state.

  A region surrounded by the hermetic sealing member 7 and the lid 10 is an upper channel 14 (low temperature fluid channel). An upper flow path connecting member 11 is connected to a side surface portion of the lid 10 so that a cooling fluid can be supplied to the upper flow path 14.

  In general, from the viewpoint of heat transfer, the contact area (heat transfer area) between the upper electrode 2 and the buffer material 8 is preferably larger than the cross-sectional area of the element 1. Here, the transverse area refers to the area of a cross section perpendicular to the energization direction of the element 1.

  From the viewpoint of heat transfer, it is desirable that the cross sectional area of the upper electrode 2 is larger than the cross sectional area of the element 1. The cross sectional area of the lower electrode 3 is preferably larger than the cross sectional area of the element 1. Furthermore, the contact area between the upper electrode 2 and the element 1 is preferably larger than the cross-sectional area of the element 1. The contact area between the lower electrode 3 and the element 1 is preferably larger than the cross-sectional area of the element 1.

  The contact surface between the upper electrode 2 and the buffer material 8 is a heat transfer surface of the upper electrode 2.

  Specific examples of the buffer material 8 include resins such as polyimide and polyimideamide, and carbon sheets. A combination of polyimide and grease may be used. In this case, a grease mixed with a high thermal conductive filler may be used. Moreover, as a carbon sheet, the thing which has arrange | positioned the long diameter part of a fiber in the thickness direction from a heat conductive viewpoint is desirable.

  Although not shown, a buffer material may be provided between the lower electrode 3 and the lower flow path 6. As a material for the buffer material in this case, a carbon sheet, a copper foil, a stainless steel foil, a powder metal or the like is desirable.

  Furthermore, the case 9 and the lid 10 are joined together, and a region surrounded by the case 9, the lid 10, and the hermetic sealing member 7 becomes a decompression region 15. The plurality of elements 1 arranged inside the decompression region 15 are secured to the outside by the electrode terminals 12. The electrode terminal 12 is fixed to the case 9 with an electrode insulating member 13 to ensure insulation. Copper was used for the material of the electrode terminal 12, and ceramic was used for the electrode insulating member 13.

  In this structure, by reducing the pressure in the decompression region 15 to make the pressure lower than the outside, the thin hermetic sealing member 7 is deformed by the pressure difference between the inside and outside. Due to this deformation, the buffer material 8 is compressed, and the upper electrode 2 and the hermetic sealing member 7 are brought into close contact with each other via the buffer material 8.

  When operating the thermoelectric conversion module 100 of the present embodiment, fluids having different temperatures are passed through the lower flow path 6 and the upper flow path 14. In this embodiment, a high-temperature gas was allowed to flow through the lower flow path 6, and a low-temperature cooling water was allowed to flow through the upper flow path 14. Due to this temperature difference, a temperature difference is generated above and below each element 1, and power is generated by the Seebeck effect. Thereby, it can convert from heat to electricity.

  In this thermoelectric conversion module 100, the upper part of the upper electrode 2 has a convex shape, the buffer material 8 is disposed between the convex shape portion and the hermetic sealing member 7, and the reduced pressure region in which the thermoelectric converter is installed. The pressure of 15 is reduced from the outside. This is a feature of the present invention.

  In the thermoelectric conversion module 100 of the present invention, by disposing the buffer material 8 between the upper electrode 2 and the upper flow path 14 serving as a heat source, it is possible to absorb thermal deformation caused by temperature changes during operation, and to generate thermal stress. Can be reduced. Further, the buffer material 8 can also absorb variations in height of the upper electrode 2, the lower electrode 3, and the element 1. Furthermore, since the hermetic sealing member 7 has a thin bellows shape, thermal deformation and height variations can be absorbed even by deformation of the hermetic sealing member 7. With these effects, high reliability can be ensured even in thermoelectric converters with large thermal deformation and large dimensional variations.

  In addition, by connecting the upper electrode 2 and the buffer material 8 at a location where the upper electrode 2 has a convex shape, the upper electrode 2 and the buffer material 8 can be compared with the case where the electrode is a flat surface having no convex shape. The contact area can be increased. The thermal resistance of the buffer material portion is the thickness of the buffer material / (thermal conductivity of the buffer material × area). A resin material is used for the buffer material 8 and its thermal conductivity is smaller than that of a metal which is a material such as an electrode. However, since the area can be increased according to the present invention, the thermal resistance of the buffer material portion can be reduced. At this time, the buffer material 8 is compressed between the upper electrode 2 and the hermetic sealing member 7 due to a pressure difference, so that the upper electrode 2 and the hermetic sealing member 7 are firmly adhered to each other via the buffer material 8. The thermal resistance between the electrode 2 and the hermetic sealing member 7 can be reduced.

  In a structure that mechanically adheres using a spring or the like, in order to pressurize a region having a large area, a larger pressing force is required. However, in the present invention, the buffer material is pressurized using the atmospheric pressure difference, so that it can be uniformly pressurized with the pressure of the atmospheric pressure difference regardless of the size of the area.

  By the way, the upper electrode 2 of the present embodiment has a convex shape, so that the thickness increases, and the thermal resistance in the thickness direction increases as compared with the case where the electrode is a flat surface. However, the material of the upper electrode 2 is copper having a large thermal conductivity, and the thermal resistance in the thickness direction of the upper electrode 2 is not a problem. On the other hand, the use of copper having a high thermal conductivity for the upper electrode 2 increases the horizontal heat spreading effect, thereby reducing the overall thermal resistance. Moreover, since the airtight sealing member 7 has a bellows shape and faces the cooling water, the airtight sealing member 7 has a fin effect, and an effect of increasing the heat transfer amount with the cooling water can be obtained.

  When the hermetic sealing member 7 is flat, it is effective to provide fins or the like on the surface of the hermetic sealing member 7 in order to improve the amount of heat transfer with the cooling water. Since the hermetic sealing member 7 itself becomes a fin, it is not necessary to provide a fin. Therefore, the rigidity of the hermetic sealing member 7 is not increased by adding the fins, and can be brought into closer contact with the upper electrode 2.

  These effects can provide a thermoelectric converter having high conversion efficiency and high reliability. In this embodiment, copper is used for the material of the electrode 2 and the electrode 3, but a material such as aluminum may be used. When aluminum is used, the thermal conductivity is smaller than that of copper, but is larger than that of other members, and the increase in thermal resistance is small. On the other hand, since aluminum is lighter than copper, it is effective in reducing the weight of the thermoelectric converter.

  Hereinafter, the components of the thermoelectric conversion module of this embodiment and the features of the manufacturing method will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the arrangement of elements in the thermoelectric converter of the first embodiment.

  In this figure, the element 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in the figure, a plurality of elements 1 are arranged at a predetermined interval. In this embodiment, the total number of elements 1 is 9 in 3 rows and 3 columns. The element 1 is arranged so that the p-type and the n-type are adjacent to each other.

  3A to 3C are external perspective views showing the upper electrode used in Example 1. FIG.

  The upper electrode 2a shown in FIG. 3A has two convex portions. The upper electrode 2b shown in FIG. 3B has one convex part with a long ridgeline. The upper electrode 2 c shown in FIG. 3C is coupled to one element 1.

  FIG. 3D is an external perspective view showing a state where the upper electrode of FIGS. 3A to 3C is arranged.

  The two adjacent elements 1 are electrically connected by the upper electrode or the lower electrode, and as a whole, the p-type and the n-type need to be alternately connected in series. In addition, since the shape of the upper electrode affects the shape of the upper flow path 14 shown in FIG. 1C, it is desirable that the shape of the upper electrode does not hinder the flow of the cooling water flowing inside the upper flow path 14. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3D, the upper electrode 2a is used when two elements orthogonal to the coolant flow are connected, and the upper electrode 2b is used when two elements parallel to the coolant flow are connected. When connecting with the outside without connecting with the adjacent element, the upper electrode 2c is used, and by combining these, the bellows shape in the direction orthogonal to the flow of the cooling water can be formed in the entire upper electrode 2.

  Each upper electrode 2a, 2b, 2c was produced by extrusion processing in this example. It can also be produced by press punching or the like. Depending on the electrode shape, the target electrode shape can be produced by utilizing the sagging of the end shape that occurs during press punching.

  FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing the arrangement of the lower electrode in the thermoelectric converter of the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 4, corresponding to the arrangement of the upper electrodes 2a, 2b, 2c shown in FIG. 3D, the lower electrodes 3a, 3b are arranged so that the two adjacent elements 1 are alternately connected in series as a whole. . When connecting to the adjacent element 1, the lower electrode 3a is used. When connecting to the outside without connecting to the adjacent element, the lower electrode 3b is used. Configure.

  FIG. 5A is an external perspective view showing a state where the lower electrode, the element, and the upper electrode shown in FIGS. FIG. 5B is a side view of the thermoelectric converter of FIG. 5A. 5C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 5B.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the upper electrode 2 is bonded on the element 1 and the lower electrode 3 is bonded below. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 4, the two elements 1 connected to the upper electrode 2 and the two elements 1 connected to the lower electrode 3 are staggered so that all the elements 1 are electrically connected in series. Can be arranged.

  FIG. 6A is an external perspective view illustrating a state where the lower flow path and the case of the thermoelectric conversion module of Example 1 are joined. FIG. 6B is a side view thereof. 6C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 6B.

  These drawings show a state in which the lower flow path 6 and the case 9 are joined. The lower flow path 6 and the case 9 are joined only at both ends of the case 9, and the lower flow path 6 and the case 9 are not in contact with each other inside the case 9. As a result, the amount of heat transferred from the lower flow path 6 to the case 9 can be reduced, and the temperature drop of the lower flow path 6 can be reduced. As shown in FIG. 6A, the case 9 is provided with a hole 61 for arranging the electrode insulating member 13. 6A to 6C may be collectively referred to as a high temperature side heat exchange unit.

  FIG. 7A is an external perspective view showing a state in which the thermoelectric converter shown in FIG. 5A and the structure shown in FIG. 6A are joined. FIG. 7B is a side view thereof. FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. 7B.

  In these drawings, the lower electrode 3 joined to the element 1 and the upper electrode 2 shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C is joined to the upper surface of the lower flow path 6 shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C.

  FIG. 8A is an external perspective view showing a state where a cushioning material is further arranged on the structure shown in FIG. 7A. FIG. 8B is a side view thereof. 8C is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 8B.

  In these drawings, the buffer material 8 is disposed on the upper electrode 2. The buffer material 8 is disposed along the shape of the convex portion of the upper electrode 2. In the present embodiment, the convex shape of the plurality of upper electrodes 2 is covered with one sheet of the buffer material 8, but it may be covered with the plurality of buffer materials 8. What is necessary is just to select according to the preparation method and assembly method of material.

  The upper electrode 2c (shown in FIG. 3D) connected to the outside of the upper electrode 2 and the electrode terminal 12 are electrically joined, and the electrode terminal 12 protrudes from the hole 61 of the case 9 to the outside. The electrode 3b connected to the outside of the lower electrode 3 and the electrode terminal 12 are also electrically joined, and the electrode terminal 12 protrudes from the hole 61 of the case 9 to the outside. The electrode terminal 12 is fixed by an electrode insulating member 13 and insulated from the case 9. By projecting the electrode terminal 12 to the outside, the electric power generated inside the thermoelectric converter can be taken out to the outside.

  FIG. 9A is an external perspective view showing a lid or the like joined to the structure shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 9B is an external perspective view showing an airtight sealing member joined to the lid or the like shown in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9C is a side view showing a state where the lid and the like shown in FIG. 9A are joined to the hermetic sealing member. 9D is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. 9C.

  FIG. 9A shows a state in which the lid 10 and the upper flow path connecting member 11 are joined.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the hermetic sealing member 7 is a thin plate having a planar outer peripheral portion and a bellows central portion, and is manufactured by press working. As shown in FIG. 9C, the upper flow path 14 is configured as shown in FIG. 9D by joining the outer peripheral portion of the hermetic sealing member 7 to the lower surface of the lid 10 by brazing. What joined the lid | cover 10, the upper flow-path connection member 11, and the airtight sealing member 7 is called a low temperature side heat exchange unit.

  The structure shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C and the low temperature side heat exchange unit shown in FIG. 9C are joined by brazing to produce the thermoelectric conversion module shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C. At this time, it arrange | positions so that the convex part shape of the upper electrode 2 and the bellows shape of the airtight sealing member 7 may correspond. The convex shape of the upper electrode 2 and the bellows shape of the hermetic sealing member 7 do not completely match due to a dimensional error of each member, but the low-elasticity cushioning material 8 disposed between them has a difference in shape. By absorbing, the upper electrode 2 and the hermetic sealing member 7 are in close contact with each other through the buffer material 8.

  Next, when the decompression region 15 is decompressed to a substantially vacuum, the decompression region 15 is pressurized at 1 atm from the outside.

  FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 1C.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the bellows shape of the hermetic sealing member 7 is such that each surface is vertically pressurized at 1 atm, and the cushioning material 8 is compressed and adhered. Thereby, the thermal resistance between the hermetic sealing member 7 and the upper electrode 2 can be reduced.

  As mentioned above, the thermoelectric conversion module shown to FIG. 1A-1C is producible by producing and assembling a member and a structure as shown to FIGS.

  From the above, by using the structure and manufacturing method of the thermoelectric conversion module provided with the present invention, it is possible to provide a thermoelectric converter having high conversion efficiency and high reliability.

  FIG. 11A is an external perspective view showing a thermoelectric converter of Example 2. FIG. FIG. 11B is a side view thereof. FIG. 11C is a GG cross-sectional view of FIG. 11B.

  Differences from the first embodiment are as follows.

  In Example 1, the upper electrode 2 has one convex portion for one element. On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11C, the upper electrode 2 has a plurality of convex portions for one element. That is, the upper electrode 2 is also formed with a recess.

  Also in the present embodiment, each of the plurality of convex portions is in close contact with the buffer material 8, and the buffer material 8 is in close contact with the airtight sealing member 7. Thereby, since the area | region (namely, heat-transfer area) which closely_contact | adheres can be increased further, thermal resistance can be reduced more. In addition, the fin pitch with respect to the cooling water can be reduced. Since the optimum fin pitch varies depending on the coolant, the flow velocity, and the pressure loss of the cooling water, the first embodiment or the present embodiment may be selected according to the conditions using the thermoelectric conversion module.

  In this embodiment, when the electrode 2 that connects the two elements orthogonal to the flow of the cooling water has n convex portions, the electrode that connects the two elements parallel to the flow of the cooling water has 2n convex portions. have.

  FIG. 12A is an external perspective view illustrating the thermoelectric converter of the third embodiment. FIG. 12B is a side view thereof. 12C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line HH of FIG. 12B.

  The difference from the first and second embodiments is that, in this embodiment, the convex portion of the upper electrode 2 is formed of a curved surface. Even when the convex portion of the upper electrode 2 is formed of a curved surface, the pressure due to the pressure difference acts perpendicularly to each position on the surface of the upper electrode 2, so that the hermetic sealing member 7 and the upper electrode 2 are in close contact with the buffer material 8. It is possible to reduce the thermal resistance. Moreover, when the convex part of the upper electrode 2 does not have a corner part and has a smooth surface, when the thermal deformation and dimensional variation are absorbed, the corner part can smoothly absorb the deformation without restraining the deformation. The fin shape can be selected as in the first or second embodiment or the present embodiment based on the coolant condition, the flow rate, the pressure loss, and the like.

  FIG. 13A is an external perspective view showing a thermoelectric converter of Example 4. FIG. FIG. 13B is a side view thereof. 13C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II of FIG. 13B.

  The difference from the other embodiments is that in the first to third embodiments, the convex portion of the upper electrode 2 has a taper in the direction perpendicular to the flow of the cooling water, whereas in this embodiment, the flow direction of the cooling water. Also, it has a taper (inclined surface). In Examples 1 to 3, the front surface and the rear surface of the upper electrode 2 are perpendicular to the flow direction of the cooling water. Depending on the coolant condition, flow rate, pressure loss, and other conditions, it may be appropriate to have a taper on the front and rear surfaces as in this embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the taper in the cooling water flow direction of the convex portion of the upper electrode 2 is provided in the height direction, but it can also be provided in the horizontal direction. What is necessary is just to select according to conditions, such as a coolant of cooling water, a flow rate, and a pressure loss.

  FIG. 14A is an external perspective view showing a thermoelectric converter of Example 5. FIG. FIG. 14B is a side view illustrating the thermoelectric converter according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 14C is a JJ sectional view of FIG. 14B.

  The difference from the other embodiments is that, in the first to fourth embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, a plurality of upper electrodes 2 having different shapes according to the direction of the elements to be connected are used. Then, one upper electrode 2 having the same shape is used for one element.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, the electrical connection of the upper electrode 2 becomes a problem. In order to solve this, in the present embodiment, the upper electrode 2 adjacent to each other is connected using an upper electrode connecting member 151 (also simply referred to as “connecting member”).

  In the present embodiment, since it is not necessary to prepare the upper electrode 2 having a plurality of shapes, the types of parts required for manufacturing can be reduced. On the other hand, a step of connecting the upper electrode 2 with the upper electrode connecting member 151 is required. In view of these, the upper electrode 2 to be used may be selected.

  FIG. 15A is an external perspective view showing a thermoelectric converter of Example 6. FIG. 15B is an external perspective view showing before and after assembly of the upper electrode 2 of FIG. 15A. FIG. 15C is a side view of the thermoelectric converter of FIG. 15A. 15D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line KK in FIG. 15C.

  The difference from the other embodiments is that, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15A, the upper electrode 2 has the same shape in which all convex portions are quadrangular pyramids (pyramids). As shown in FIG. 15B, the lower surfaces of these convex portions 102 (convex shaped members) are electrically connected by plate-like conductors 112 (planar members). The upper electrode 2 is formed by joining the convex portion 102 and the conductor 112. By using the convex portion 102 and the conductor 112 as separate members, only the convex portion 102 can be changed according to conditions such as the coolant of cooling water, flow velocity, pressure loss, etc., and a planar member can be shared. .

  If pressurization is required when joining the upper electrode 2, the element 1, the lower electrode 3, or the lower flow path 6, if the upper electrode 2 has a convex portion, the pressurization location will not be flat. A jig for pressure may be required.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the element 1, the lower electrode 3, and the lower flow path 6 are joined using the upper electrode 2 having no convex portion, and finally the convex portion is added, so that the element 1 or the lower side is added. The electrode 3 and the lower flow path 6 can be joined by planar pressure. On the other hand, the number of parts increases. Moreover, the joining process of the planar member and convex part of the upper electrode 2 is required. In view of these, the upper electrode 2 to be used may be selected.

  FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the thermoelectric conversion module of the seventh embodiment.

  The difference from the other embodiments is that the elements 1 are arranged on one surface of the lower flow path 6 in the first to sixth embodiments. However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. This is that the element 1 is arranged on the surface. Furthermore, the upper flow path 14 is also arranged on both sides, and the upper electrode 2 and the hermetic sealing member 7 are also arranged on both sides correspondingly. The lower flow path 6, the element 1 and the like are accommodated in a case 109, and the lid 10 is also attached on both sides. A cryogenic fluid flow path 114 is also formed on both sides.

  In the present embodiment, the heat transfer area for recovering the thermal energy of the high-temperature gas flowing through the lower flow path 6 can be increased, and the thermal energy can be converted to electricity more effectively. On the other hand, the thermoelectric converter becomes larger and the number of parts increases. In view of these, the structure of the thermoelectric converter to be used may be selected.

  In FIG. 16, the element 1 is disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the lower flow path 6, but the element 1 may be disposed on another surface such as a side surface. When the lower flow path 6 has a curved surface, the element 1 can be arranged along the curved surface. In that case, the hermetic sealing member 7 is shaped to match the arrangement position of the element 1.

  In any of the element arrangements, the hermetic sealing member 7 is perpendicularly pressurized with a differential pressure, so that the effects of the present invention can be obtained.

  FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the thermoelectric converter of the eighth embodiment.

  Differences from other embodiments are as follows.

  In Examples 1-7, the insulation between the upper electrode 2 and the airtight sealing member 7 is ensured by using an insulating resin material for the buffer material 8. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, an insulating layer 181 is provided on the surface of the convex portion of the upper electrode 2. Thereby, the insulation between the upper electrode 2 and the hermetic sealing member 7 is ensured.

  In the present embodiment, since the insulation between the upper electrode 2 and the hermetic sealing member 7 can be secured by the upper electrode 2, a conductive material such as a copper foil or an aluminum foil can be selected as the material of the buffer material 8. . For this reason, it is possible to reduce thermal resistance by using a material having higher thermal conductivity, improve deformation absorption by using a material having lower elasticity, or adhere by using a material having higher adhesion. The range of material selection is widened by reducing the thermal resistance of the interface.

  FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the thermoelectric conversion module of the eighth embodiment.

  In this figure, the insulating layer 181 provided on the surface of the convex portion of the upper electrode 2 reaches the lower portion of the upper electrode 2. On the other hand, the hermetic sealing member 7 and the buffer material 8 include the upper electrode 2. The lower part of 2 is not reached. Therefore, even when there is a dimensional error of each member, an electrical short circuit does not occur at the end of the upper electrode 2.

  The insulating layer 181 is desirably formed by thermal spraying of ceramics. The insulating layer 181 formed in this way hardly generates unnecessary gas when the thermoelectric conversion module is operating. The insulating layer 181 may be formed by applying an enamel paint (generally a resin paint), or may be applied by spraying a resin.

  FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an automobile provided with the thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention.

  In this figure, the thermoelectric conversion module 210 is arrange | positioned at the front part of the vehicle body 201 of a motor vehicle. Hot exhaust gas from the engine 220 is supplied to the lower flow path 6 (FIG. 1) of the thermoelectric conversion module 210. The exhaust gas that has passed through the lower flow path 6 is exhausted from the exhaust port 230 at the rear of the vehicle body 201. On the other hand, outside air flows through the upper flow path 14 (FIG. 1) of the thermoelectric conversion module 210. Here, instead of outside air, cooling water that is air-cooled and circulates inside the vehicle body 201 may be used.

  With the configuration of the present embodiment, a part of the thermal energy of the exhaust gas that has been conventionally released to the outside air can be recovered and used by changing to electric energy.

  Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the effects of the present invention will be described together.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the thermal stress which generate | occur | produces can be reduced by absorbing the thermal deformation which arises at the time of operation | movement with the shock absorbing material arrange | positioned between an electrode and a heat source. Moreover, the area which an electrode and a buffer material connect can be enlarged by connecting an electrode and a buffer material in the location used as the convex shape of an electrode compared with the case where an electrode is a plane. The thermal resistance of the buffer material portion is the thickness of the buffer material / (thermal conductivity of the buffer material × area). In general, the material used as a buffer material has a lower thermal conductivity than materials such as electrodes, but the area can be increased according to the present invention, so that the thermal resistance of the buffer material portion can be reduced.

  Further, by arranging an airtight sealing member between the buffer material and the thermoelectric to reduce the pressure in the region where the thermoelectric conversion element is mounted from the outside, the buffer material is placed between the electrode and the airtight sealing member due to a pressure difference. The electrode and the hermetic sealing member are firmly adhered to each other through the cushioning material. As a result, the thermal resistance between the electrode and the hermetic sealing member can be reduced. In a structure that mechanically adheres using a spring or the like, in order to pressurize a large area, it is necessary to apply a large pressurizing force. Regardless of the size of the area, it is possible to pressurize uniformly with the pressure difference of the atmospheric pressure.

  These effects can provide a thermoelectric converter having high conversion efficiency and high reliability.

  1: Element, 2: Upper electrode, 2a, 2b, 2c: Upper electrode, 3: Lower electrode, 3a, 3b: Lower electrode, 6: Lower flow path, 7: Airtight sealing member, 8: Buffer material , 9, 109: Case, 10: Cover, 11: Upper channel connecting member, 12: Electrode, 13: Electrode insulating member, 14: Upper channel, 15: Depressurized region, 61: Electrode hole, 100: Thermoelectric conversion Module: 151: Upper electrode connecting member, 181: Insulating layer, 201: Car body, 210: Thermoelectric conversion module, 220: Engine, 230: Exhaust port.

Claims (20)

A thermoelectric conversion element, a high temperature side electrode, a low temperature side electrode, a container, an airtight sealing member, and a buffer material,
The thermoelectric conversion element is disposed between the high temperature side electrode and the low temperature side electrode,
The thermoelectric conversion element, the high temperature side electrode, and the low temperature side electrode are arranged in a space formed by the container and the hermetic sealing member,
The buffer material is sandwiched between the low temperature side electrode and the hermetic sealing member,
The thermoelectric conversion module, wherein a contact area between the low temperature side electrode and the buffer material is larger than a cross sectional area of the thermoelectric conversion element.   The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 1, wherein the buffer material is in close contact with the low temperature side electrode and the hermetic sealing member.   The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air pressure in the space is lower than the external air pressure.   The surface where the said low temperature side electrode contacts the said buffer material is a thermoelectric conversion module as described in any one of Claims 1-3 which is a convex part of the said low temperature side electrode.   The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 1, wherein a part of the hermetic sealing member has a bellows shape.   The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the low temperature side electrode has one convex portion.   The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 1, wherein the low temperature side electrode has a plurality of convex portions.   The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the convex portion is a curved surface.   The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the convex portion has a surface inclined in a flow direction of a low-temperature fluid flowing on a surface of the hermetic sealing member.   The thermoelectric conversion elements and the low temperature side electrodes are equal in number, all the low temperature side electrodes have the same shape, and the adjacent low temperature side electrodes are electrically connected by a connecting member, The thermoelectric conversion module as described in any one of Claims 1-9.   The low temperature side electrode includes a planar member and a convex member, the planar member is disposed between the thermoelectric conversion element and the convex member, and the adjacent convex members are formed by a planar member. The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is electrically connected.   The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the thermoelectric conversion module includes a plurality of the hermetic sealing members, and each of the hermetic sealing members is in close contact with the low-temperature side electrode via the buffer material. . An insulating layer is provided on the surface of the low temperature side electrode,
The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 1, wherein the buffer material has conductivity. In addition, with a lid,
The thermoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a low-temperature fluid flow path is formed between the hermetic sealing member and the lid portion. A thermoelectric conversion element, a high-temperature side electrode, and a low-temperature side electrode that exchanges heat with a low-temperature fluid through a surface configured to come into contact with the buffer material,
The thermoelectric conversion element is disposed between the high temperature side electrode and the low temperature side electrode,
The heat transfer area of the low temperature side electrode is a thermoelectric converter that is larger than the transverse area of the thermoelectric conversion element.   The thermoelectric converter according to claim 15, wherein the heat transfer surface of the low temperature side electrode is a convex portion of the low temperature side electrode.   The thermoelectric converter according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the low temperature side electrode has one or a plurality of convex portions. Installing a thermoelectric converter having a thermoelectric conversion element, a high temperature side electrode, and a low temperature side electrode in a container having a high temperature fluid flow path so that the high temperature side electrode is in contact with the high temperature fluid flow path;
Attaching a cushioning material to the surface of the low temperature side electrode;
Attaching a low-temperature fluid flow path formed by using an airtight sealing member as a part of the component to the surface of the cushioning material.   Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the thermoelectric conversion module of Claim 18 including the process of decompressing the area | region enclosed with the said airtight sealing member and the said container.   The said low-temperature fluid flow path is a manufacturing method of the thermoelectric conversion module of Claim 18 or 19 formed by joining a cover part to the said airtight sealing member.

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