JP2018088446A - Thermoelectric conversion device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermoelectric conversion device with high thermoelectric conversion efficiency, which can suppress variations in temperature among a plurality of thermoelectric conversion materials.SOLUTION: A thermoelectric conversion device 1 according to the present invention comprises a base material 2, at least two first electrodes 4a, at least one second electrode 4b, at least one first thermoelectric conversion material 5, and at least one second thermoelectric conversion material 6, which are disposed on an upper face 2a of the base material 2, and a heat dissipation member disposed on a lower face 2b of the base material 2, which is composed of at least one of a first heat dissipation member 7 and a second heat dissipation member 8. In the case of the thermoelectric conversion device 1 having the first heat dissipation member 7, the first heat dissipation member 7 is opposed to a region of at least a part of the first electrodes 4a through the base material 2. In the case of the thermoelectric conversion device 1 having the second heat dissipation member 8, the second heat dissipation member 8 is opposed to a region of at least a part of the second electrode 4b through the base material 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion device.

  In recent years, efforts for energy problems have become active, and expectations for thermal energy recovery technology are increasing. Heat can be recovered from various scenes such as body temperature, solar heat, engine and industrial waste heat, and is the most common energy source. In addition, in order to realize a low-carbon society with high energy efficiency, the need for thermal energy recovery technology is increasing.

  As a thermal energy recovery technique, a thermoelectric conversion device based on the Seebeck effect (or Peltier effect) has already been used in various scenes such as temperature difference power generation, a thermal sensor, and cooling. The thermoelectric conversion device has, for example, a module structure in which many thermocouples that are combinations of a p-type semiconductor and an n-type semiconductor are connected in series. Such a thermoelectric conversion device has many advantages in that it has no moving parts, has no noise and vibration, has no scale effect, can generate power even with a small temperature difference, and can be incorporated into various devices and environments.

  An example of the thermoelectric conversion device as described above is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. The thermoelectric conversion device described in Patent Document 1 has a plurality of thermoelectric conversion materials. Both ends of the thermoelectric conversion material are connected to electrodes. The plurality of thermoelectric conversion materials extend in parallel to each other and are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the thermoelectric conversion material extends.

JP 2015-146407 A

  In general, the output of a thermoelectric conversion device increases as more thermoelectric conversion materials are arranged. However, when the temperature variation on the heat radiation side is large among the plurality of thermoelectric conversion materials, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency tends to be low.

  The objective of this invention is providing the thermoelectric conversion device which can suppress the dispersion | variation in the temperature between several thermoelectric conversion materials, and can make thermoelectric conversion efficiency high.

  According to a broad aspect of the present invention, a substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface, at least two first electrodes disposed on the upper surface of the substrate, and at least disposed on the upper surface of the substrate. One second electrode, at least one first thermoelectric conversion material disposed on the top surface of the substrate, and at least one second thermoelectric conversion material disposed on the top surface of the substrate. And at least one of the first heat radiating member disposed on the lower surface of the base material and the second heat radiating member disposed on the lower surface of the base material, The first thermoelectric conversion material, the second electrode, the second thermoelectric conversion material, and the first electrode are connected in this order to form a thermoelectric conversion element. And when the thermoelectric conversion device includes the first heat radiating member, When the first heat radiating member is opposed to at least a part of the region of the first electrode through the base material, and the thermoelectric conversion device includes the second heat radiating member, the first A thermoelectric conversion device is provided in which the second heat radiating member is opposed to at least a partial region of the two electrodes via the base material.

  In a specific aspect of the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention, the first heat radiating member is opposed to the entire region of the first electrode via the base material.

  In a specific aspect of the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention, the second heat radiating member is opposed to the entire region of the second electrode via the base material.

  On the specific situation with the thermoelectric conversion device which concerns on this invention, a thermoelectric conversion device is provided with the 3rd heat radiating member arrange | positioned on the said lower surface of the said base material, Said 1st of said 1st thermoelectric conversion material The third heat dissipation with respect to a portion located between the electrode and the second electrode or a portion located between the first electrode and the second electrode of the second thermoelectric conversion material The members are opposed to each other through the base material, and the first thermoelectric conversion material extending in the direction connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, and the first electrode, The third heat radiating member extends in a direction crossing each of the extending directions of the second thermoelectric conversion material connected to the second electrode.

  In a specific aspect of the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention, the thermoelectric conversion device includes a plurality of the third heat dissipation members.

  In a specific aspect of the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention, in a plan view, the total area of the first thermoelectric conversion material and the second thermoelectric conversion material in contact with the first electrode is The total area of the first thermoelectric conversion material and the second thermoelectric conversion material in contact with the second electrode in plan view is 50% or less of the area of the first electrode. 2% or less of the area of the second electrode.

  On the specific situation with the thermoelectric conversion device which concerns on this invention, the said heat radiating member is a metal film.

  A thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention includes a base material having an upper surface and a lower surface, at least two first electrodes disposed on the upper surface of the base material, and at least disposed on the upper surface of the base material. One second electrode, at least one first thermoelectric conversion material disposed on the top surface of the substrate, and at least one second thermoelectric conversion material disposed on the top surface of the substrate. And at least one heat dissipating member of the first heat dissipating member disposed on the lower surface of the base material and the second heat dissipating member disposed on the lower surface of the base material, The first thermoelectric conversion material, the second electrode, the second thermoelectric conversion material, and the first electrode are connected in this order to form a thermoelectric conversion element. When the thermoelectric conversion device includes the first heat dissipation member In the case where the first heat dissipation member is opposed to the at least part of the first electrode via the base material, and the thermoelectric conversion device includes the second heat dissipation member, Since the second heat radiating member is opposed to at least a part of the region of the second electrode through the base material, variation in temperature among a plurality of thermoelectric conversion materials can be suppressed. The thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be increased.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a thermoelectric conversion device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the thermoelectric conversion device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a thermoelectric conversion device according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the thermoelectric conversion device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a thermoelectric conversion device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the output voltage of the thermoelectric conversion device and time in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

  The thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention includes a substrate, at least two first electrodes, at least one second electrode, at least one first thermoelectric conversion material, and at least one second thermoelectric conversion. Material. The substrate has an upper surface and a lower surface. The first electrode, the second electrode, the first thermoelectric conversion material, and the second thermoelectric conversion material are disposed on the upper surface of the base material. The first electrode, the first thermoelectric conversion material, the second electrode, the second thermoelectric conversion material, and the first electrode are connected in this order, and a thermoelectric conversion element is formed. It is configured. In addition, the directionality at the time of use of the thermoelectric conversion device which concerns on this invention is not specifically limited. In the present specification, the surface of the base material on which the thermoelectric conversion element is disposed is referred to as an upper surface, and the surface of the base material opposite to the surface on which the thermoelectric conversion element is disposed is referred to as a lower surface. Call. When the thermoelectric conversion device is used, the upper surface of the base material is not necessarily positioned on the upper side and the lower surface is not necessarily positioned on the lower side.

  One of the first thermoelectric conversion material and the second thermoelectric conversion material is a p-type thermoelectric conversion material, and the other is an n-type thermoelectric conversion material. The first thermoelectric conversion material may be an n-type thermoelectric conversion material, and the second thermoelectric conversion material may be a p-type thermoelectric conversion material. The first thermoelectric conversion material may be a p-type thermoelectric conversion material, and the second thermoelectric conversion material may be an n-type thermoelectric conversion material.

  The thermoelectric conversion device includes at least one of a first heat radiating member disposed on the lower surface of the base material and a second heat radiating member disposed on the lower surface of the base material. The thermoelectric conversion device may include the first heat radiating member or the second heat radiating member.

  When the thermoelectric conversion device includes the first heat radiating member, the first heat radiating member is opposed to at least a partial region of the first electrode with the base material interposed therebetween. . In a plan view, the first electrode and the first heat radiating member are arranged at positions that overlap with each other with the base material interposed therebetween. When the thermoelectric conversion device includes the second heat radiating member, the second heat radiating member is opposed to at least a part of the second electrode through the base material. . In plan view, the second electrode and the second heat radiating member are arranged at positions that overlap with each other with the base material interposed therebetween.

  When the thermoelectric conversion device includes the first heat radiating member, the second electrode side is heated during power generation. As a result, a temperature difference occurs between the first electrode and the second electrode. Since heat quickly propagates from the first electrode to the first heat dissipation member via the base material, the temperature difference between the first electrode and the second electrode is effectively increased. Can do. The temperature difference between the first electrode side and the second electrode side of the first thermoelectric conversion material and the temperature between the first electrode side and the second electrode side of the second thermoelectric conversion material The difference can be increased.

  Furthermore, the heat propagated from the plurality of first electrodes to the first heat radiating member is dissipated from the first heat radiating member and simultaneously diffuses in the first heat radiating member. Through the first heat radiating member, the temperature uniformity of the plurality of first electrode regions can be improved. The uniformity of the temperature difference between the first electrode side and the second electrode side in the first thermoelectric conversion material and the second thermoelectric conversion material can be improved, and the thermoelectric conversion efficiency is further increased. can do.

  On the other hand, when the thermoelectric conversion device includes the second heat radiating member, the first electrode side is heated during power generation. Also in this case, the temperature difference between the first electrode side and the second electrode side of the first thermoelectric conversion material, and the first electrode side and the second electrode of the second thermoelectric conversion material. The temperature difference between the electrode side and the electrode side can be increased.

  Furthermore, since heat diffuses in the second heat radiating member, the temperature uniformity of the region of the second electrode can be enhanced via the second heat radiating member. The uniformity of the temperature difference between the first electrode side and the second electrode side in the first thermoelectric conversion material and the second thermoelectric conversion material can be improved, and the thermoelectric conversion efficiency is further improved. Can be expensive.

  From the viewpoint of effectively increasing the output of the thermoelectric conversion device, the thermoelectric conversion device preferably includes a plurality of the first thermoelectric conversion materials or the second thermoelectric conversion materials. Specifically, in the present invention, it is possible to suppress variations in temperature among a plurality of thermoelectric conversion materials and increase the thermoelectric conversion efficiency. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion device includes at least two of the second electrodes, It is preferable to have at least two of the first thermoelectric conversion materials. The first electrode, the first thermoelectric conversion material, the second electrode, the second thermoelectric conversion material, the first electrode, the first thermoelectric conversion material, and the first The two electrodes are preferably connected in this order to form the thermoelectric conversion element.

  Further, in the present invention, temperature variation among a plurality of thermoelectric conversion materials can be suppressed and the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be increased. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion device has at least three first electrodes, and the second electrode. It is more preferable to have at least two thermoelectric conversion materials. The first electrode, the first thermoelectric conversion material, the second electrode, the second thermoelectric conversion material, the first electrode, the first thermoelectric conversion material, and the first More preferably, the two electrodes, the second thermoelectric conversion material, and the first electrode are connected in this order to constitute the thermoelectric conversion element.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, temperature variations among a plurality of thermoelectric conversion materials can be suppressed and the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be increased. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion device includes at least three of the second electrodes, and the first It is more preferable to have at least three thermoelectric conversion materials. The first electrode, the first thermoelectric conversion material, the second electrode, the second thermoelectric conversion material, the first electrode, the first thermoelectric conversion material, and the first Two electrodes, the second thermoelectric conversion material, the first electrode, the first thermoelectric conversion material, and the second electrode are connected in this order to constitute the thermoelectric conversion element. More preferably.

  In the case where the thermoelectric conversion device includes the first heat dissipation member, from the viewpoint of further increasing the thermoelectric conversion efficiency, the first heat dissipation member is greater than the total area of the first electrode. It is preferable that they face each other through the base material. Since heat can be efficiently propagated from the entire region of the first electrode to the first heat radiating member, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be further increased. Furthermore, the temperature uniformity of the entire region of the plurality of first electrodes can be effectively enhanced via the first heat dissipation member. The uniformity of the temperature difference between the first electrode side and the second electrode side in the first thermoelectric conversion material and the second thermoelectric conversion material can be improved, and the thermoelectric conversion efficiency is further improved. Can be expensive.

  In the case where the thermoelectric conversion device includes the second heat radiating member, from the viewpoint of further increasing the thermoelectric conversion efficiency, the second heat radiating member is in the entire region of the second electrode. It is preferable that they face each other through the base material. Since heat can be efficiently propagated from the entire region of the second electrode to the second heat radiating member, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be further increased. Furthermore, the uniformity of the temperature of the whole area | region of the said 2nd electrode can be improved through the said 2nd heat radiating member. The uniformity of the temperature difference between the first electrode side and the second electrode side of the first thermoelectric conversion material and the second thermoelectric conversion material can be improved, and the thermoelectric conversion efficiency is further effective. Can be high.

  From the viewpoint of further increasing the thermoelectric conversion efficiency, the thermoelectric conversion device preferably includes both the first heat radiating member and the second heat radiating member. The first heat radiating member and the second heat radiating member are disposed apart from each other. The temperature uniformity can be increased in both the first electrode region and the second electrode region. The uniformity of the temperature difference between the first electrode side and the second electrode side of the first thermoelectric conversion material and the second thermoelectric conversion material can be further increased, and the thermoelectric conversion efficiency is further increased. Can be effectively increased.

  From the viewpoint of further increasing the thermoelectric conversion efficiency, it is preferable that one of the first heat radiating members is opposed to the plurality of first electrodes via the base material. From the viewpoint of further increasing the thermoelectric conversion efficiency, it is preferable that one second heat radiating member is opposed to the plurality of second electrodes via the base material.

  When both the first heat dissipation member and the second heat dissipation member are provided, the first electrode side may be heated or the second electrode side may be heated.

  From the viewpoint of increasing the thermoelectric conversion efficiency, the thermoelectric conversion device includes a third heat radiating member disposed on the lower surface of the base material, and the third heat radiating member is the first thermoelectric conversion material. For a portion located between the first electrode and the second electrode or a portion located between the first electrode and the second electrode of the second thermoelectric conversion material, It is preferable that it is facing through the said base material. In plan view, the first thermoelectric conversion material or the second thermoelectric conversion material and the third heat radiating member are arranged at positions that overlap with each other with the base material interposed therebetween. On the lower surface of the substrate, the third heat radiating member is disposed away from the first heat radiating member. On the lower surface of the substrate, the third heat radiating member is disposed away from the second heat radiating member.

  By using the third heat radiating member, heat is quickly propagated from the first thermoelectric conversion material or the second thermoelectric conversion material to the third heat radiating member through the base material. The temperature difference between the first electrode side and the second electrode side of the first thermoelectric conversion material or the temperature between the first electrode side and the second electrode side of the second thermoelectric conversion material The difference can be increased and the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be increased.

  From the viewpoint of further increasing the thermoelectric conversion efficiency, the third heat radiating member is located between the first electrode and the second electrode of the first thermoelectric conversion material, and the second It is preferable that both of the portions of the thermoelectric conversion material located between the first electrode and the second electrode are opposed to each other through the base material. Temperature difference between the first electrode side and the second electrode side of the first thermoelectric conversion material and a temperature between the first electrode side and the second electrode side of the second thermoelectric conversion material Both of the differences can be increased, and the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be further increased.

  The extending direction of the first thermoelectric conversion material connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, and the second connected to the first electrode and the second electrode. It is preferable that the third heat radiating member extends in a direction intersecting with each of the extending directions of the thermoelectric conversion material. In this case, the uniformity of the temperature difference between the first electrode side and the second electrode side of the first thermoelectric conversion material and the second thermoelectric conversion material can be improved, and the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be improved. Can be high.

  The extending direction of the first thermoelectric conversion material connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, and the second connected to the first electrode and the second electrode. The direction in which the thermoelectric conversion material extends is parallel, the direction in which the first thermoelectric conversion material is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, and the first electrode and the above It is preferable that the third heat radiating member extends in a direction orthogonal to each of the extending directions of the second thermoelectric conversion material connected to the second electrode. In this case, a distance between a portion of the first thermoelectric conversion material and the second thermoelectric conversion material connected to the first electrode and a portion facing the third heat radiating member. The temperature gradients of the first thermoelectric conversion material and the second thermoelectric conversion material can be easily aligned. Therefore, the uniformity of the temperature difference between the first electrode side and the second electrode side can be further increased, and the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be further increased.

  From the viewpoint of further increasing the thermoelectric conversion efficiency, the thermoelectric conversion device preferably includes a plurality of the third heat radiating members. The surface area of the third heat radiating member in contact with the outside air can be increased, and the heat dissipation can be increased.

  A direction in which the first thermoelectric conversion material is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, or the first electrode and the second electrode. It is preferable that a plurality of the second thermoelectric conversion materials connected to each other are arranged in the extending direction. In this case, the temperature difference between the first electrode side and the second electrode side of the first thermoelectric conversion material, or the first electrode side and the second electrode of the second thermoelectric conversion material. The temperature difference from the electrode side can be further increased, and the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be further increased.

  The first thermoelectric conversion material connected to the first electrode and the second electrode extends in the extending direction, and the first electrode and the second electrode are connected to the first electrode. A plurality of the third heat radiating members may be arranged in a direction intersecting with each of the extending directions of the second thermoelectric conversion material.

  Here, a portion of the first thermoelectric conversion material located between the first electrode and the second electrode is referred to as a portion C (corresponding to the portion C in FIG. 4). A portion of the second thermoelectric conversion material located between the first electrode and the second electrode is defined as a portion D (corresponding to the portion D in FIG. 4).

  From the viewpoint of further increasing the thermoelectric conversion efficiency, in plan view, a region of 50% or less in the area 100% of the portion C of the first thermoelectric conversion material and the portion D of the second thermoelectric conversion material Therefore, it is preferable that the third heat radiating member is opposed to the part C or the part D via the base material. The surface area of the third heat radiating member in contact with the outside air can be increased, and the heat dissipation can be increased.

  On the other hand, heat is dispersed in the third heat radiating member. In the part of the first thermoelectric conversion material or the part of the second thermoelectric conversion material facing the third heat radiating member through the base material, the temperature uniformity is increased. By setting the arrangement area of the third heat radiating member to an area of 50% or less as described above, a thermal gradient is suitably generated in the first thermoelectric conversion material or the second thermoelectric conversion material during power generation. be able to. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be further increased.

  From the viewpoint of increasing the reliability of the thermoelectric conversion device, the thermoelectric conversion device has the first thermoelectric conversion material, the second thermoelectric conversion material, the first electrode, and the first electrode on the upper surface of the base material. It is preferable to include a sealing material disposed so as to cover the second electrode. The thermoelectric conversion element is preferably sealed with the sealing material.

  From the viewpoint of increasing the thermoelectric conversion efficiency, the thermoelectric conversion device preferably includes a fourth heat dissipating member disposed on the surface of the sealing material on the side opposite to the base material side. It is preferable that the fourth heat radiating member is opposed to the first electrode or the second electrode via the sealing material. The fourth heat dissipation member may be opposed to the first electrode via the sealing material, and may be opposed to the second electrode via the sealing material. May be.

  When the fourth heat radiating member is used to face the first electrode through the sealing material, when heated from the second electrode side during power generation, Since heat rapidly propagates from the first electrode to the fourth heat radiating member via the sealing material, heat dissipation can be improved. In addition, since heat diffuses in the fourth heat dissipation member when heated from the first electrode side or the second electrode side, the plurality of second heat dissipation members are connected via the fourth heat dissipation member. The uniformity of the temperature of the area | region of 1 electrode can be improved.

  Further, when the fourth heat radiating member is used and the second electrode is opposed to the second electrode through the sealing material, when being heated from the first electrode side during power generation, Since heat is rapidly propagated from the second electrode to the fourth heat radiating member through the sealing material, heat dissipation can be improved. In addition, since heat diffuses in the fourth heat dissipation member when heated from the first electrode side or the second electrode side, the plurality of second heat dissipation members are connected via the fourth heat dissipation member. The uniformity of the temperature of the area | region of 2 electrodes can be improved.

  It is preferable that the fourth heat radiating member is opposed to the portion C of the first thermoelectric conversion material or the portion D of the second thermoelectric conversion material via the sealing material. The fourth heat dissipating member may be opposed to the portion C of the first thermoelectric conversion material via the sealing material, and to the portion D of the second thermoelectric conversion material. And you may oppose through the said sealing material. In this case, heat quickly propagates from the first thermoelectric conversion material or the second thermoelectric conversion material to the fourth heat dissipation member via the sealing material. The temperature difference between the first electrode side and the second electrode side of the first thermoelectric conversion material or the temperature between the first electrode side and the second electrode side of the second thermoelectric conversion material The difference can be increased and the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be increased.

  The thermoelectric conversion device includes the first heat dissipation member as a heat dissipation member. Moreover, it is preferable that the said thermoelectric conversion device has the said 2nd heat radiating member, the said 3rd heat radiating member, or the said 4th heat radiating member as a heat radiating member.

  The first heat radiating member is preferably a metal film. The uniformity of the temperature in the region of the first electrode can be effectively increased. In addition, when the second electrode side is heated, heat dissipation on the first electrode side can be improved. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion device can be increased.

  The second heat radiating member is preferably a metal film. The uniformity of the temperature of the area | region of a 2nd electrode can be improved effectively. In addition, when the first electrode side is heated, the heat dissipation of the second electrode side can be enhanced. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion device can be increased.

  The third heat dissipation member is preferably a metal film. The uniformity of the temperature of the part of the first thermoelectric conversion material or the part of the second thermoelectric conversion material facing the third heat dissipation member via the base material can be enhanced. Heat dissipation can also be improved. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion device can be increased.

  The fourth heat radiating member is preferably a metal film. The portion of the first electrode, the portion of the second electrode, the portion of the first thermoelectric conversion material, or the second thermoelectric conversion facing the fourth heat dissipation member via the sealing material The uniformity of the temperature of the material portion can be increased. Heat dissipation can also be improved. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion device can be increased.

  The materials of the first to fourth heat radiating members are each preferably a metal such as Cu or Al, and more preferably a metal having a high thermal conductivity. By using a heat radiating member formed of such a material, the heat radiating property and the uniformity of the temperature of each part can be further enhanced.

  From the viewpoint of increasing the thermoelectric conversion efficiency, the total area of the first thermoelectric conversion material and the second thermoelectric conversion material in contact with the first electrode in plan view is the first electrode. It is preferable that it is 50% or less of the area. In this case, the surface area where the first electrode is in contact with the outside air can be increased. When heated from the second electrode side, the heat dissipation on the first electrode side can be enhanced, and the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be increased.

  Similarly, in plan view, the total area of the first thermoelectric conversion material and the second thermoelectric conversion material in contact with the second electrode is 50% or less of the area of the second electrode. Preferably there is. In this case, the surface area where the second electrode is in contact with the outside air can be increased. When heated from the first electrode side, heat dissipation on the second electrode side can be enhanced, and thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be increased.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view of a thermoelectric conversion device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the thermoelectric conversion device according to the first embodiment.

  Note that the drawings referred to in the embodiments are schematically described, and the ratio of the dimensions of an object drawn in the drawings may be different from the ratio of the dimensions of an actual object. The specific ratio of the dimensions of the object should be determined in consideration of the following explanation.

  A thermoelectric conversion device 1 shown in FIG. The substrate 2 has an upper surface 2a and a lower surface 2b. As a material of the base material 2, for example, resin, ceramics, or the like can be used. The material of the base material 2 is preferably a material whose thermal conductivity is lower than the following first and second thermoelectric conversion materials.

  The thermoelectric conversion device 1 includes a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 3 formed on the upper surface 2 a of the substrate 2. The thermoelectric conversion element 3 includes two first electrodes 4 a, one second electrode 4 b, a first thermoelectric conversion material 5, and a second thermoelectric conversion material 6. The first electrode 4a, the first thermoelectric conversion material 5, the second electrode 4b, the second thermoelectric conversion material 6, and the first electrode 4a are connected in this order to form one thermoelectric conversion element 3 portion (this The five connecting portions are referred to as thermoelectric conversion element portions to distinguish them from thermoelectric conversion elements). In the present embodiment, the first thermoelectric conversion material 5 is a p-type thermoelectric conversion material, and the second thermoelectric conversion material 6 is an n-type thermoelectric conversion material.

  The extending direction of the first thermoelectric conversion material 5 connected to the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b, and the second connected to the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b The direction in which the thermoelectric conversion material 6 extends is parallel. The first thermoelectric conversion material 5 and the second thermoelectric conversion material 6 are arranged side by side apart from each other.

  A plurality of thermoelectric conversion element 3 portions having the same configuration as described above are arranged. Specifically, it is connected to the extending direction of the first thermoelectric conversion material 5 connected to the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b, and to the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b. A plurality of thermoelectric conversion element 3 portions are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to each of the extending directions of the second thermoelectric conversion material 6. One first electrode 4a of each thermoelectric conversion element 3 portion is a common electrode with one first electrode 4a of the adjacent thermoelectric conversion element 3 portion. That is, the first thermoelectric conversion material 5 is connected to the first electrode 4a to which the second thermoelectric conversion material 6 is connected, and the second electrode 4b is further connected to the thermoelectric conversion material 5. ing. In FIG. 1, five thermoelectric conversion element 3 portions are connected. Two or more thermoelectric conversion element portions may be continuous, or three or more thermoelectric conversion element portions may be continuous.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first heat radiating member 7 and the second heat radiating member 8 are disposed on the lower surface 2 b of the base material 2. The first heat radiating member 7 is opposed to the region of all the first electrodes 4 a via the base material 2. The second heat radiating member 8 is opposed to all the second electrodes 4b with the base material 2 interposed therebetween. For example, a metal film or the like can be used as the first heat radiating member 7 and the second heat radiating member 8.

  During power generation, the first electrode 4a side may be heated, or the second electrode 4b side may be heated. Since the thermoelectric conversion device 1 includes the first heat radiating member 7 and the second heat radiating member 8, the heat radiating property can be enhanced in any of the above cases. The temperature difference between the first electrode 4a side and the second electrode 4b side of the first thermoelectric conversion material 5 and the temperature between the first electrode 4a side and the second electrode 4b side of the second thermoelectric conversion material 6 The uniformity of the difference can also be improved. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be effectively increased.

  A one-dot chain line A1 in FIG. 2 indicates a portion in contact with the first electrode 4a of the first thermoelectric conversion material 5 in a plan view. An alternate long and short dash line B1 indicates a portion in contact with the first electrode 4a of the second thermoelectric conversion material 6 in plan view. In the thermoelectric conversion device 1, the total area of the portions indicated by the alternate long and short dash lines A1 and B1 is 50% or less of the area of the first electrode 4a. Thereby, the heat dissipation in the 1st electrode 4a side can be improved. The same applies to the other first electrodes.

  A one-dot chain line A2 in FIG. 2 indicates a portion in contact with the second electrode 4b of the first thermoelectric conversion material 5 in a plan view. An alternate long and short dash line B2 indicates a portion in contact with the second electrode 4b of the second thermoelectric conversion material 6 in plan view. In the thermoelectric conversion device 1, the total area of the portions indicated by alternate long and short dash lines A2 and B2 is 50% or less of the area of the second electrode 4b. Thereby, the heat dissipation in the 2nd electrode 4b side can be improved. The same applies to the other second electrodes.

  FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a thermoelectric conversion device according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The thermoelectric conversion device 11 shown in FIG. 3 has the second heat radiating member 8 and does not have the first heat radiating member. Also in this case, when heated from the first electrode 4a side, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be increased. In addition, when it does not have a 2nd heat radiating member and has a 1st heat radiating member, when the 2nd electrode side is heated, thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be made high. Thus, the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention may have at least one of the first heat radiating member and the second heat radiating member. The thermoelectric conversion device according to the present invention has the first heat radiating member and may not have the second heat radiating member.

  FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the thermoelectric conversion device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The thermoelectric conversion vice 21 shown in FIG. 4 includes a base material 2 and a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 3 arranged on the upper surface 2 a of the base material 2. The thermoelectric conversion device 21 includes a first heat radiating member 7 and a second heat radiating member 8 disposed on the lower surface 2 b of the base 2. The thermoelectric conversion element 3 is configured by connecting a first electrode 4a, a first thermoelectric conversion material 5, a second electrode 4b, a second thermoelectric conversion material 6, and a first electrode 4a in this order. Yes.

  Furthermore, the thermoelectric conversion device 21 includes a plurality of third heat radiating members 29 arranged on the lower surface 2 b of the substrate 2. For example, a metal film or the like can be used for the third heat radiating member 29.

  The third heat radiating member 29 includes a direction in which the first thermoelectric conversion material 5 is connected to the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b, and the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b. It extends in a direction orthogonal to each of the extending directions of the second thermoelectric conversion material 6 connected to the. The third heat radiating member 29 is disposed on the lower surface 2 b of the substrate 2 so as to be separated from the first heat radiating member 7 and the second heat radiating member 8.

  The third heat radiating member 29 includes a portion C positioned between the first electrode 4 a and the second electrode 4 b of the first thermoelectric conversion material 5 and the first electrode 4 a of the second thermoelectric conversion material 6. It opposes the part D located between the 2nd electrodes 4b through the base material 2. FIG.

  The plurality of third heat radiating members 29 include the extending direction of the first thermoelectric conversion material 5 connected to the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b, and the first electrode 4a and the second electrode. The second thermoelectric conversion materials 6 connected to 4b are arranged side by side in the extending direction.

  Here, the dimension of the third heat radiating member 29 along the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the third heat radiating member 29 extends is defined as the width. The total width of the plurality of third heat dissipation members 29 is 50% or less of the distance between the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b. For this reason, in the thermoelectric conversion device 21, in a plan view, in a region of 50% or less in the area 100% of the portion C of the first thermoelectric conversion material 5 and the portion D of the second thermoelectric conversion material 6, The third heat radiating member 29 is opposed to C and the part D with the base material 2 interposed therebetween.

  Since the thermoelectric conversion device 21 has the third heat radiating member 29, the heat dissipation can be further improved. In the plan view, the arrangement of the third heat radiating member 29 is 50% or less in the area of 100% of the portion C and the portion D, so that the first thermoelectric conversion material 5 and the second thermoelectric power are generated during power generation. A thermal gradient can also be suitably generated in the conversion material 6. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be further increased.

  FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a thermoelectric conversion device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  A thermoelectric conversion device 31 shown in FIG. 5 includes a base material 2 and a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 3 arranged on the upper surface 2 a of the base material 2. The thermoelectric conversion device 31 includes a first heat radiating member 7, a second heat radiating member 8, and a plurality of third heat radiating members 29 arranged on the lower surface 2 b of the substrate 2. The thermoelectric conversion element 3 is configured by connecting a first electrode 4a, a first thermoelectric conversion material 5, a second electrode 4b, a second thermoelectric conversion material 6, and a first electrode 4a in this order. Yes.

  Furthermore, the thermoelectric conversion device 31 is disposed on the upper surface 2a of the base material 2 so as to cover the first thermoelectric conversion material 5, the second thermoelectric conversion material 6, the first electrode 4a, and the second electrode 4b. The sealing material 32 is provided. The thermoelectric conversion device 31 includes fourth heat radiation members 37 to 39 disposed on the surface 32b of the sealing material 32 on the side opposite to the base material 2 side. As the sealing material 32, for example, a resin or the like can be used. As the fourth heat radiation members 37 to 39, for example, a metal film or the like can be used.

  The fourth heat radiating member 37 is opposed to the first electrode 4a through the sealing material 32. The fourth heat radiating member 37 is opposed to the region of all the first electrodes 4 a via the sealing material 32. The fourth heat radiating member 38 is opposed to the second electrode 4b through the sealing material 32. The fourth heat radiating member 38 faces all the regions of the second electrodes 4b through the sealing material 32. The fourth sealing members 37 and 38 are disposed in the same manner as the first and second heat radiating members 7 and 8.

  The fourth heat radiating member 39 faces the portion C of the first thermoelectric conversion material 5 or the portion D of the second thermoelectric conversion material 6 via the sealing material 32. A plurality of fourth heat radiating members 39 are arranged. Specifically, it is connected to the extending direction of the first thermoelectric conversion material 5 connected to the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b, and to the first electrode 4a and the second electrode 4b. The second thermoelectric conversion materials 6 are arranged side by side in the extending direction. The fourth heat radiating member 39 is arranged in the same manner as the third heat radiating member 29.

  Since the first thermoelectric conversion material 5, the second thermoelectric conversion material 6, the first electrode 4a, and the second electrode 4b are covered with the sealing material 32, the reliability can be improved.

  Since the fourth heat radiating members 37 to 39 are provided at the time of power generation, it is possible to improve heat dissipation when heated from the first electrode 4a side and when heated from the second electrode 4b side. In addition, the temperature difference between the first electrode 4a side and the second electrode 4b side of the first thermoelectric conversion material 5 and the first electrode 4a side and the second electrode 4b side of the second thermoelectric conversion material 6 The uniformity of the temperature difference can be improved. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be effectively increased.

  Hereinafter, the effects of the present invention will be specifically described by comparing Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 below.

  Example 1 has the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Comparative Example 1 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that the first heat radiating member and the second heat radiating member are not provided.

(Evaluation)
Output voltage measurement:
The thermoelectric conversion devices of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 were heated from the first electrode side, and the output voltage was measured. The evaluation results are shown in FIG. 6 below.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the output voltage of the thermoelectric conversion device and time in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. The thick line shows the result of Example 1, and the thin line shows the result of Comparative Example 1. In addition, the horizontal axis in FIG. 6 has shown relative time. FIG. 6 shows the output voltage after the temperature difference between the first electrode side and the second electrode side is stabilized to some extent after the heating on the first electrode side is started.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the output voltage in Example 1 is higher than that in Comparative Example 1. Furthermore, in Example 1, it turns out that stability of an output voltage is higher than Comparative Example 1.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Thermoelectric conversion device 2 ... Base material 2a ... Upper surface 2b ... Lower surface 3 ... Thermoelectric conversion element 4a, 4b ... 1st, 2nd electrode 5, 6 ... 1st, 2nd thermoelectric conversion material 7, 8 ... 1st , Second heat radiating member 11, 21 ... thermoelectric conversion device 29 ... third heat radiating member 31 ... thermoelectric conversion device 32 ... sealing material 32b ... surface 37-39 ... fourth heat radiating member

Claims (7)

A substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface;
At least two first electrodes disposed on the top surface of the substrate;
At least one second electrode disposed on the top surface of the substrate;
At least one first thermoelectric conversion material disposed on the top surface of the substrate;
At least one second thermoelectric conversion material disposed on the top surface of the substrate;
Including at least one of the first heat dissipating member disposed on the lower surface of the base material and the second heat dissipating member disposed on the lower surface of the base material,
The first electrode, the first thermoelectric conversion material, the second electrode, the second thermoelectric conversion material, and the first electrode are connected in this order to form a thermoelectric conversion element. Configured,
When the thermoelectric conversion device includes the first heat dissipation member, the first heat dissipation member is opposed to at least a part of the region of the first electrode via the base material.
When the thermoelectric conversion device includes the second heat radiating member, the second heat radiating member is opposed to at least a part of the region of the second electrode through the base material. Conversion device. Comprising the first heat dissipation member;
The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the first heat radiating member is opposed to the entire region of the first electrode through the base material. Comprising the second heat dissipation member;
The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second heat radiating member is opposed to the entire region of the second electrode via the base material. A third heat dissipating member disposed on the lower surface of the substrate;
A portion of the first thermoelectric conversion material located between the first electrode and the second electrode or between the first electrode and the second electrode of the second thermoelectric conversion material The first thermoelectric conversion material in which the third heat radiating member is opposed to the positioned portion via the base material and is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode. The third heat dissipation member extends in a direction intersecting with each of a direction in which the second thermoelectric conversion material connected to the first electrode and the second electrode extends. The thermoelectric conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 4, comprising a plurality of the third heat radiation members. In plan view, the total area of the first thermoelectric conversion material and the second thermoelectric conversion material in contact with the first electrode is 50% or less of the area of the first electrode,
The total area of the first thermoelectric conversion material and the second thermoelectric conversion material in contact with the second electrode in a plan view is 50% or less of the area of the second electrode. Item 6. The thermoelectric conversion device according to any one of Items 1 to 5.   The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the heat dissipation member is a metal film.

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