JP5889584B2 - Temperature difference power generator and thermoelectric conversion element frame - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a temperature difference power generation apparatus and a thermoelectric conversion element frame including a thermoelectric conversion module that generates power by a temperature difference.

  The temperature difference power generator is an environment-friendly generator using non-fossil fuel that extracts electric power generated by making a temperature difference between both surfaces of a thermoelectric conversion module. This temperature difference power generator recovers energy from heat sources such as factory wastewater and hot water, and supplies power to on-site lighting and equipment as an independent power source, or stores power to a backup power source in case of power failure Can be used. By the way, for practical application of the temperature difference power generation device, material skills for improving element performance, modularization technology, heat exchange technology for improving heat transfer performance in the system, and the like are important.

  Conventionally, a temperature difference power generation system using a temperature difference power generation device is installed in a place where a thermal fluid suitable for temperature difference power generation can be obtained, such as a hot spring resort or a waste incineration facility. It has a differential power generation device, a switching device, and a control device. In the temperature difference power generation device, a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped high temperature chambers through which a heat medium flows and rectangular parallelepiped low temperature chambers through which a refrigerant flows are alternately arranged, and the thermoelectric conversion modules stored in the thermoelectric conversion module storage unit (slot) are adjacent to each other. Each having a structure sandwiched between chambers. The direction in which the heat medium flows and the direction in which the refrigerant flows form an opposing flow. The low-temperature chamber is disposed on the outermost side having a large area in contact with the outside air. A pipe for taking in the thermal fluid is provided below one end of each flow path, and a pipe for discharging the thermal fluid is provided above the other end of the flow path.

  The switching device is a relay circuit for switching a combination in which each of the thermoelectric conversion modules is electrically connected in series and in parallel so as to obtain a desired current and voltage. By switching the number of thermoelectric conversion modules directly connected and the number of thermoelectric conversion modules connected in parallel, the output current and voltage can be changed.

  The control device is a control panel for storing electric power obtained through the switching device and performing DC / AC conversion. The control device includes a battery as a power storage device, a charge controller that controls charging / discharging of power to the battery, an inverter that performs conversion from direct current to alternating current, and the like. The output of the control device is supplied to a load such as a television device, a lighting device, or a display device. With such a configuration, the temperature difference power generation system can be used for applications such as supplying power to on-site lighting and equipment as an independent power source, or storing power to a backup power source in case of a power failure.

Connected to the control device are, for example, a liquid crystal television, an LED lamp, and an electric bulletin board as a display device for displaying the total power generation amount, power consumption, and CO ₂ reduction amount as devices that use the power output from the temperature difference power generation system. Is done.

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

  In general, there are many indented products manufactured for each order, and the temperature difference power generation apparatus must be designed each time according to the scale and form of the heat source, which tends to increase time and cost. For example, variation in heat transfer of the thermoelectric conversion module causes a decrease in power generation performance of the temperature difference power generation system, and thus a great amount of time and cost are required for the countermeasure. In addition, as a heat source format that gives a temperature difference to the thermoelectric conversion module, a chamber (square piping) system that allows a thermal fluid to flow is the mainstream, but this system requires complicated devices to reduce costs and improve performance. To do.

  An object of the embodiment is to provide a temperature difference power generation device and a thermoelectric conversion element frame that can effectively reduce the cost with a simple configuration.

  According to the embodiment, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules that generate power due to a temperature difference between both surfaces, a high thermal conductivity material provided on both sides of the thermoelectric conversion module, and the thermoelectric conversion module via the high thermal conductivity material A heat transfer plate in contact with fluids having different temperatures and a plurality of fastening jigs capable of adjusting a fastening pressure to the thermoelectric conversion module, without sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion element module. A first flow path through which the heat medium flows is formed by the two adjacent heat transfer plates and the packing for sealing the heat medium, and the two adjacent heat transfer plates and the refrigerant seal without sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion element module A temperature difference power generator is obtained in which a second flow path for flowing a refrigerant is formed with the packing for use.

The expanded view of the temperature difference power generator which concerns on 1st Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the heat exchanger plate used for the temperature difference power generator of FIG. Explanatory drawing of the flow of the heat medium and refrigerant | coolant in the heat exchanger plate used for the temperature difference electric power generating apparatus of FIG. Sectional drawing for demonstrating the unit which is a component of a temperature difference electric power generating apparatus. The expanded view of the thermoelectric conversion element flame | frame which comprises the unit of FIG. The top view of the thermoelectric conversion element flame | frame of FIG. The assembly drawing of the temperature difference power generation device of FIG. Explanatory drawing of the temperature difference electric power generating apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the temperature difference electric power generating apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The top view of the thermoelectric conversion element flame | frame of the temperature difference power generator which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the temperature difference power generation device and the thermoelectric conversion element frame according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the temperature difference power generation device includes a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules, a high thermal conductivity material, a thermoelectric conversion module, a heat transfer plate, and a plurality of tightening jigs. A first flow path through which a heat medium flows is formed by two adjacent heat transfer plates without sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion module and a packing for sealing the heat medium, and two adjacent sheets without sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion module A second flow path for flowing the refrigerant is formed by the heat transfer plate and the seal for sealing the refrigerant.

  In the present embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion element frame includes a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules that generate electric power due to a temperature difference between both surfaces, a high thermal conductivity material provided on both sides of these thermoelectric conversion modules, and the thermoelectric conversion module through the high thermal conductivity. And a high thermal conductive plate provided so as to be sandwiched between the conductive materials. Further, a unit is constituted by a thermoelectric conversion element frame, a high-temperature side heat transfer plate and a low-temperature side heat transfer plate provided so as to sandwich the thermoelectric conversion element frame. The high-temperature side heat transfer plate and the low-temperature side heat transfer plate press-contact the thermoelectric conversion element frame from both sides, and a close contact state is maintained. In such a pressure contact structure, if the thickness of the thermoelectric conversion module varies, heat transfer is reduced. Therefore, in order to suppress this, it is desirable to sandwich the high thermal conductivity material between the thermoelectric conversion module and the heat transfer plate.

  By sandwiching the high thermal conductivity material between the thermoelectric conversion module and the heat transfer plate, the adhesion between the thermoelectric conversion module and the high thermal conductivity plate can be improved, and the contact thermal resistance can be reduced. Examples of the high thermal conductive material include a silicone resin-based high thermal conductive sheet and thermal conductive grease. A brazing material (solder) may be used as long as the module surface is insulated by an alumina plate or the like. By providing such a high thermal conductivity material, variations in the thickness of the thermoelectric conversion module can be reduced, the surface pressure on the module of the apparatus can be made as uniform as possible, and heat transfer can be improved.

  Examples of the material for the heat transfer plate include metals such as carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, copper, and aluminum. Moreover, it is preferable to use a shape memory alloy as the material of the heat transfer plate. This is because by using the shape memory alloy, the heat transfer plate expands and contracts in response to the temperature of the thermal fluid, and the clamping pressure of the thermoelectric conversion element frame can be increased. In order to promote heat transfer between the fluid and the heat transfer plate, it is desirable to provide a nanostructure heat transfer layer on the inner wall surface of the heat transfer plate chamber. Examples of a method for producing the nanostructure heat transfer layer include a dip coating method. This is because the metal material substrate is immersed in a solution in which metal oxide nanoparticles and polystyrene latex particles are dispersed in a solvent, and the self-accumulation phenomenon due to the solvent flow, capillary action, and surface tension when the substrate is pulled up at a constant speed. It is a method of using and depositing nanoparticles on a metal plate. By baking this, a microscale porous material is formed on the surface of the metal plate. Also, a heat transfer layer having a nanoporous shape of about submicron to a hundred nanometers can be produced by a slurry coating method. Currently, it is difficult to process a long structure, but theoretically, it is also possible to produce a nanostructured heat transfer layer by ion beam irradiation.

  In addition to the nanostructured heat transfer layer, there is a method of generating turbulent flow by providing fins that are perpendicular or oblique to the direction of the flow of the thermal fluid on the surface of the heat transfer plate. An effect of promoting heat transfer can be obtained by applying and baking an alkoxide to increase the contact affinity between the thermal fluid and the inner wall surface. In addition, when a corrosive fluid is flowed or carbon steel is used, it is desirable to perform a corrosion prevention treatment such as galvanization on the surface of the heat transfer plate.

  In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the high thermal conductivity plate has a substrate pattern on which electrical wiring is formed, which is responsible for positioning, supporting, or electrical wiring of the sandwiched thermoelectric conversion module. As a result, it is possible to save the trouble of conventionally connecting the modules by connection.

  The high thermal conductive plate and the heat transfer plate generally have a heat transfer promoting structure such as a corrugated plate structure, a fin structure, a protrusion structure, and a porous nano fine structure on the surface. Therefore, it is preferable to fill the gap between the high heat conductive plate and the heat transfer plate with the heat conductive material. The heat conduction material is filled with gel, cement, putty, low melting point metal, other highly heat conductive material with plasticity, liquid with high heat conductivity, etc., and heat from the heat fluid is transferred to the thermoelectric conversion module through the heat transfer plate. It is preferable to make it easier to communicate.

A high temperature thermal fluid (heat medium) flows on one side of the heat transfer plate sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion module, and a low temperature thermal fluid (refrigerant) flows on the other side. Here, examples of the heat medium include hot water, and examples of the refrigerant include water, but are not limited thereto. Further, in the case where the surface temperature of the heat transfer plate on the high temperature side is 200 ° C. or lower, the efficiency and output can be increased by adopting the BiTe system as the thermoelectric conversion module. Furthermore, in recent years, Fe ₂ VAl-based Heusler alloys and Mg ₂ Si-based materials have attracted attention as thermoelectric conversion materials that have good thermoelectric conversion performance under the same low-temperature exhaust heat temperature environment as BiTe-based materials. May be used.

  In the present embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion module may employ different materials depending on the temperature range of the thermal fluid. For example, in accordance with the temperature zone of the thermal fluid, two or more types of material elements or modules are superposed via a high thermal conductive material to form a material with enhanced thermoelectric conversion performance in the corresponding temperature zone, and each element Alternatively, the output may be increased by appropriately distributing the temperature difference in the module.

  In the present embodiment, each of the first flow path and the second flow path is preferably installed so that the fluid flows in the vertical direction (vertical direction). Thus, by flowing the fluid in the vertical direction, the flow path area can be effectively increased. At this time, the first flow path (or the second flow path) is formed without welding by two adjacent heat transfer plates and fluid seal packing without sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion module. A temperature difference power generator that can be disassembled and has good maintainability is obtained.

  The direction in which the fluid flows in the first flow path and the direction in which the fluid flows in the second flow path can also be configured to face each other. With such a configuration, the temperature difference between both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module can be made as uniform as possible in the longitudinal direction from the supply side to the discharge side of the thermal fluid, and the power generation performance can be improved. In the case of a configuration that forms a counter flow, a first supply pipe that supplies a first fluid (heat medium) through the upper side of the first flow path, and a second fluid through the lower side of the second flow path. A second supply pipe for supplying (refrigerant), a first discharge pipe for discharging the first fluid through the lower side of the first flow path, and a second through the upper side of the second flow path. And a second discharge pipe for discharging the fluid.

  In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the first flow path and the second flow path are alternately arranged, and the second flow path through which the refrigerant flows is arranged on the outermost side. This is because the outermost flow path has a large area in contact with the outside air, so that the temperature fluctuation of the refrigerant flowing through the flow path can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, when a corrosive fluid is passed through the first channel or the second channel, or when the material of the heat transfer plate is carbon steel, the first channel or the second channel. It is preferable that anti-corrosion treatment such as galvanization is applied to the fluid contact surface of the heat transfer plate used to form the heat transfer plate. Thereby, corrosion of the heat exchanger plate through which the fluid flows can be avoided.

  In the present embodiment, the tightening jig is capable of adjusting a tightening pressure with respect to a thick plate of a housing that houses the temperature difference power generation device, in addition to the metal fitting, a screw mechanism for pulling and fitting the metal fittings together, That is, it is realized by using bolts, springs, nuts, washers and the like. Thereby, while tightening strongly in the lamination direction of a heat exchanger plate, the bias | inclination of the clamping pressure can be prevented in the width direction and height direction of a heat exchanger plate.

Next, the temperature difference power generator according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present embodiment is not limited to the following description.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a development view of the temperature difference power generation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of heat transfer plates and the flow of a heat medium and refrigerant, and FIG. 1 (B) is a diagram. Explanatory drawing of the state which has arrange | positioned the thermoelectric conversion element flame | frame and one more heat exchanger plate between the heat exchanger plates of the apparatus of 1 (A) is shown. In FIG. 1B, a region where the thermoelectric conversion element frame is arranged is schematically illustrated. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of a heat transfer plate used in the temperature difference power generator of FIG. 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams of the flow of the heat medium and the refrigerant in the heat transfer plate and the like. FIG. 3A shows the flow of the heat medium, and FIG. 3B shows the flow of the refrigerant. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a unit that is a component of the temperature difference power generation device. FIG. 5 shows a development view of the thermoelectric conversion element frame constituting the unit of FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the thermoelectric conversion element frame of FIG. FIG. 7 shows an assembly diagram of the temperature difference power generation device of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a plurality of high temperature side heat transfer plates 11a and low temperature side heat transfer plates 11b that are in contact with fluids (heat medium, refrigerant) having different temperatures are alternately arranged. As shown in FIG. 1B, a thermoelectric conversion element frame 12 and a heat transfer plate 13 are interposed between the heat transfer plates 11a and 11b. As will be described later, the packings of the heat transfer plates 11a, 11b, and 13 are different from each other. Here, a single unit 26 is constituted by the thermoelectric conversion element frame 12 and the heat transfer plates 11a and 13 (or the heat transfer plates 11b and 13) located on both sides of the frame 12, respectively. Further, a plurality of the units 26 are stacked so that a refrigerant and a heat medium flow alternately between the units. As the heat transfer plates 11a and 11b, copper plates or stainless steel plates can be used. As the material of the thermoelectric conversion element frame 12, a material having low thermal conductivity, such as polycarbonate, is used. Holes 14 ₁ and 14 ₂ for supplying a heat medium and a refrigerant into the apparatus are formed at the upper ends of the heat transfer plates 11a and 11b, respectively, and a heat medium and a refrigerant are provided at the lower ends of the heat transfer plates 11a and 11b, respectively. Holes 15 ₁ and 15 ₂ for discharging to the outside are formed.

The heat transfer plates 11a and 11b have fluid sealing packings 16 and 17 having different shapes. Here, one of the packing 16 surrounds only holes ₁₄ 1, 15 _1, are arranged so as not to enclose the remaining holes ₁₄ 2, 15 _2, so that the flow of heating medium in the vertical direction. A heat medium flow path (first flow path) is formed by the two heat transfer plates 11 a and 13 and the packing 16. Other packing 17 surrounds only holes ₁₄ 2, 15 _2, are arranged so as not to enclose the remaining holes ₁₄ 1, 15 _1, so that the refrigerant flows in a vertical direction. A refrigerant flow path (second flow path) is formed by the two heat transfer plates 11 b and 13 and the packing 17.

Further, the heat transfer plate 11a is arranged packing 18 for circular fluid closure around the holes ₁₄ 2, 15 _2, holes ₁₄ 1 of the heat transfer plate 11b, 15 ₁ around the circular fluid closure for even the A packing 18 is arranged. Holes 19 are formed in the thermoelectric conversion element frame 12 and the heat transfer plate 13 at positions corresponding to the holes 14 ₁ , 14 ₂ , 15 ₁ , and 15 ₂ of the heat transfer plates 11a and 11b, respectively. A circular fluid closing packing 18 is also disposed around these holes 19. A large number of thermoelectric conversion modules, which will be described later, are arranged in the central opening of the thermoelectric conversion element frame 12. The packing 18 around the hole 19 of the heat transfer plate 13 is specifically arranged as shown in FIG. Moreover, the packing 16 surrounding the holes ₁₄ 1, 15 ₁ of the heat transfer plate 11a is arranged as shown in FIG. 2 (B).

The flow of the heat medium in the heat transfer plate or the like is as shown in FIG. That is, the heat transfer medium, for example, holes 19 of the thermoelectric conversion element frame 12 from a hole 14 ₁ of the upper end of the heat transfer plate 11a, holes 19 of the heat transfer plate 13, holes 14 ₁ of the heat transfer plate 11b, the thermoelectric conversion element frame 12 hole 19, after passing through the hole 19 of the heat transfer plate 13, through the heat medium flow path to move the holes 15 ₁ side of the lower end of the heat transfer plate 11a, holes 19 of the heat transfer plate 13, the thermoelectric conversion element frame hole 19 of the 12 holes 15 ₂ of the heat transfer plate 11b, the hole 19 of the heat transfer plate 13, the holes 19 of the thermoelectric conversion element frame 12, and is discharged to the outside through the hole 15 ₁ of the lower end of the heat transfer plate 11a.

The flow of the refrigerant in the heat transfer plate or the like is as shown in FIG. That is, the refrigerant, for example, through the hole 14 ₂ of the upper end of the heat transfer plate 11a hole 19 of the thermoelectric conversion element frame 12 after passing through the hole 19 of the heat transfer plate 13, the heat transfer plate 11b through the refrigerant flow path Go to the holes 15 ₂ side of the bottom, the hole 19 of the heat transfer plate 13, the holes 19 of the thermoelectric conversion element frame 12, and is discharged to the outside through a hole 15 ₂ of the lower end of the heat transfer plate 11a.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the unit 26 of the temperature difference power generation device includes a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 21 that generate power based on a temperature difference between both surfaces, high thermal conductive materials 22 provided on both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion modules 21, In addition to the high thermal conductivity plate 23 provided so as to sandwich the conversion module 21 via the high thermal conductivity material 22, the heat transfer plates 11 a and 13 are provided outside the high thermal conductivity plate 23. As the high heat conductive material 22, a high heat conductive sheet based on silicone resin is used. Hot water as a heat medium flows on the heat transfer plate 11a side on one main surface side of the unit 26, and water as a refrigerant flows on the heat transfer plate 13 on the other main surface side of the unit 26. ing. In addition, the code | symbol 24 in FIG. 4 shows the heat insulation material arrange | positioned between the high heat conductive boards 23 and the upper and lower parts of the thermoelectric conversion module 21, respectively. The heat insulating material 24 also has a function as a spacer. Moreover, the code | symbol 25 shows the heat insulation material arrange | positioned in the clearance gap between the thermoelectric conversion modules 21. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules are wired at regular intervals in the opening 20 located in the approximate center of the thermoelectric conversion element frame 12, which is one component of the unit 26, thereby forming a circuit. doing. The thermoelectric conversion modules are electrically connected in series in the longitudinal direction by wires and patterns. The number of thermoelectric conversion modules connected in series is determined in advance so as to obtain a desired voltage. The ends of the wiring are connected to the respective contacts on the switching device side, and the number of thermoelectric conversion modules that are directly connected and the number of thermoelectric conversion modules that are connected in parallel are determined by operating the contacts on the switching device side. Reference numeral _{23 1,} 23 _2, 23 3, 23 ₄ in FIG. 5 shows a vertical respectively provided with a heat medium (or coolant) holes for the passage of the high thermal conductivity plate 23.

  In the example of FIG. 6, the arrangement of the thermoelectric conversion modules 21 is four sets of two rows and 25 stages, but both the number of rows and the number of stages may be freely changed according to the size of the heat transfer plate that sandwiches the thermoelectric conversion element frame. In the combination of serial and parallel thermoelectric conversion modules, the number of necessary voltages can be connected in series according to the specifications of the connected capacitor and the capacity of the electric load, and the same number of series circuits are connected in parallel. At this time, if a large number of modules are incorporated in preparation for a failure of a module due to aging, the system can be restored only by removing the failed module and performing a jumper without disassembling. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 28 denotes a wiring pattern formed between two rows of thermoelectric conversion modules, and reference numeral 29 denotes a connection relief.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion element frames incorporating a thermoelectric conversion module are stacked together with a heat transfer plate or the like, and tightening pressure is applied from both sides by a plurality of tightening jigs including a pressing plate 31, bolts 32, and nuts 33. Adjusted.

  The thermoelectric conversion element frame in which the thermoelectric conversion modules are arranged, the high temperature side heat transfer plate, the low temperature side heat transfer plate, etc., which constitute each temperature difference power generation device, are covered with a chassis (housing) not shown in this state. Each component such as a spacer is clamped and pressed by a clamping jig. Although not shown in the drawings, a heat medium supply header is disposed on the high temperature side heat transfer plate to which the heat medium (high temperature heat fluid) is supplied, and a heat medium supply pipe is connected to the heat medium supply header. . Here, the heat medium supply header supplies the heat medium uniformly to each of the flow paths formed by the high temperature side heat transfer plate or the like, and is formed by stacking the high temperature side heat transfer plate and packing or the like. ing. The heat medium supply pipe supplies the heat medium to the heat medium supply header. The heat medium supply header and the heat medium supply pipe are joined using a flange, packing, bolts, or the like.

  Similarly, a refrigerant supply header is disposed on a low temperature side heat transfer plate to which a refrigerant (low temperature thermal fluid) is supplied, and a refrigerant supply pipe is connected to the refrigerant supply header. Here, the refrigerant supply header supplies the refrigerant evenly to each of the flow paths formed by the low-temperature side heat transfer plate or the like, and is formed by stacking the low-temperature side heat transfer plate and packing or the like. It is. The refrigerant supply pipe supplies the refrigerant to the refrigerant supply header. The refrigerant supply header and the refrigerant supply pipe are joined using a flange, packing, bolts, and the like.

  Although not shown, a heat medium discharge header is disposed on the heat transfer plate on the high temperature side from which the heat medium is discharged, and a heat medium discharge pipe is connected to the heat medium discharge header. Here, the heat medium discharge header collectively discharges the heat medium discharged from each of the flow paths formed by the high temperature side heat transfer plate or the like. The heat medium discharge pipe receives the heat medium collected by the heat medium discharge header and sends it out to the pipe outside the apparatus. The heat medium discharge header and the heat medium discharge pipe are joined using a flange, packing, bolts, and the like.

  Similarly, a refrigerant discharge header is disposed on the low-temperature heat transfer plate from which the refrigerant is discharged, and a refrigerant discharge pipe is connected to the refrigerant discharge header. Here, the refrigerant discharge header collectively discharges the refrigerant discharged from each of the flow paths formed by the low temperature side heat transfer plate or the like. The refrigerant discharge pipe receives the refrigerant collected by the refrigerant discharge header and sends it out to the pipe outside the apparatus. The refrigerant discharge header and the refrigerant discharge pipe are joined using a flange, packing, bolts, and the like.

  In addition, although not shown in the figure, each pipe such as the heat medium supply pipe and the refrigerant supply pipe is provided with an air vent valve for venting the air remaining in the pipe, and liquid and unnecessary substances in the pipe when the apparatus is stopped. A drain valve, etc., is attached for removal.

Next, the operation of the temperature difference thermoelectric device having the above-described configuration will be described.
During operation of the temperature difference power generation device, the heat medium is sent from a pipe outside the system to the heat medium supply header, while the refrigerant is sent from a pipe outside the system to the refrigerant supply header. The heat medium sent to the heat medium supply header is equally supplied to each of the heat medium flow paths constituted by the high temperature side heat transfer plate. On the other hand, the refrigerant sent to the refrigerant supply header is equally supplied to each of the refrigerant flow paths constituted by the low-temperature heat transfer plates.

  When the heat medium passes through the heat medium flow path and the refrigerant passes through the refrigerant flow path, a temperature difference occurs between the thermoelectric conversion element frames on which the thermoelectric conversion modules are arranged, and electric power is generated in the thermoelectric conversion modules. At this time, since the variation in heat transfer in each thermoelectric conversion module is suppressed to a minimum by the casing and the fastening jig, the maximum power is drawn out as the entire apparatus. The heat medium that has passed through the heat medium flow path is sent to the heat medium discharge header, and further sent to piping outside the system. On the other hand, the refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant flow path is sent to the refrigerant discharge header, and further sent to piping outside the system. The electric power generated in each thermoelectric conversion module is sent to the switching device as shown in FIG. 8 through the wiring or wiring pattern, sent to the control device at a predetermined voltage / current, and after being stored and DC / AC converted. Used by various loads.

  According to the first embodiment, variation in heat transfer among the thermoelectric conversion modules is suppressed, so that heat transfer performance is improved, reliability is improved, and power generation performance can be improved. In addition, it is possible to realize a temperature difference power generation device with high power generation performance while suppressing time and cost, and a temperature difference power generation system using this temperature difference power generation device. In addition, a design suitable for improving the overall heat transfer coefficient is possible, mass production is possible compactly, pressure resistance is easy to secure, and there is no welded structure, and the flow path is formed by sandwiching packing Therefore, there are merits that the disassembly is easy and the maintainability is good, and the power generation capacity can be easily changed only by changing the number of heat transfer plates and thermoelectric conversion element plates.

  In the first embodiment, the plurality of flow paths are installed in the vertical direction, but may be further installed in the horizontal direction. By configuring the direction of the flow path according to the convenience of the installation space and adjusting the number of flow paths, heat transfer plates, spacers and plates, the output per installed area and the power generation amount can be easily changed. .

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the temperature difference power generation device according to the second embodiment. However, the same members as those in FIGS.
The temperature difference power generation device of FIG. 8 has a structure in which the high thermal conductivity plate of the thermoelectric conversion element frame is eliminated from the unit of the temperature difference power generation device shown in FIG. 4 and the heat transfer plates 11a and 13 directly sandwich the thermoelectric conversion module 21. It has become. Further, the heat transfer plates 11a and 13 and the thermoelectric conversion module 21 are thermally joined using a high heat conductive material 22 such as a high temperature solder material, and the size of the mechanical tightening force and the uniform thickness of the entire surface are tightened. The heat resistance between the heat transfer plates 11a and 13 and the thermoelectric conversion module 21 can be kept small and uniform without considering the uniformity of the heat transfer.

  That is, the temperature difference power generation device of FIG. 8 includes a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 21 that generate power by temperature difference between both surfaces, heat transfer plates 11 a and 13 provided so as to sandwich the thermoelectric conversion module 21, and the thermoelectric conversion module 21. A high heat conductive material 22 is provided between both surfaces and the heat transfer plates 11a and 13. As the high thermal conductive material 22, a high temperature solder material is used to thermally and strongly bond the insulating plate (made of alumina or the like) of the thermoelectric conversion module 21 and the heat transfer plates 11 a and 13. Hot water as a heat medium flows on the heat transfer plate side on one main surface side of the temperature difference power generator, and water as a refrigerant flows on the heat transfer plate on the other main surface side.

  Moreover, the heat insulating material 25 is arrange | positioned in the clearance gap between the thermoelectric conversion modules 21 between the heat exchanger plates 11a and 13, and is insulated so that a clearance gap may be eliminated as much as possible. The heat insulating material 25 also has a function as a spacer so that excessive shear stress or the like is not applied to the thermoelectric conversion module 21. All the heat transfer plates have holes for passing the heat source fluid at two locations, upper and lower, and differ in three different surfaces: the surface through which the high temperature fluid flows, the surface through which the low temperature fluid flows, and the surface sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion module 3 Adjust the flow path with a kind of packing.

  The flow of the heat medium and refrigerant at this time is as follows. First, the refrigerant (water) flows from the hole at the upper end of the holding plate 31 on the left side of FIG. 8 to the packing 41, the hole of the heat transfer plate, the packing 42, the hole of the heat transfer plate, After passing through the packing 43, the hole of the heat transfer plate, the packing 44, and the hole of the heat transfer plate in order, it is folded back by the heat transfer plate in front of the right holding plate 31, and the heat is transferred through each cooling medium passage. It moves to the hole side of the lower end of the plate, and is discharged to the outside through the flow path portion of each packing and the hole of each heat transfer plate.

On the other hand, the heat medium (hot water) is transferred from the hole at the lower end of the holding plate 31 on the left side of FIG. 8 to the packing 41, the hole of the heat transfer plate, the packing 42, the hole of the heat transfer plate, the packing 43, the hole of the heat transfer plate, the packing. 44, after repeatedly passing in the order of the holes in the heat transfer plate, it is folded back by the heat transfer plate in front of the right holding plate 31 and moves to the hole at the lower end of the heat transfer plate through each high-temperature heat transfer passage Then, it is discharged to the outside through the flow path portion of each packing and the hole of each heat transfer plate. Note that reference numeral 45 in FIG. 8 is a gang according to the second embodiment, which switches to the direct contact method between the heat transfer plates 11a and 13 and the thermoelectric conversion module 21 (a high heat conductive plate constituting the thermoelectric conversion element frame). The following effects can be obtained.
(1) The contact thermal resistance inside the device can be reduced.
(2) The cost of the device can be reduced by reducing the number of components.
(3) Variation in contact thermal resistance across the entire surface can be suppressed.
(4) The manufacturing man-hours and maintainability of the device can be improved.
(5) Since unnecessary stress is not applied, the reliability (life) and yield of the device can be expected to improve.

  In the second embodiment, the high heat conductive plate constituting the thermoelectric conversion element frame is not eliminated, but the heat transfer plate is eliminated and a flow path is formed by the thermoelectric conversion element frame and the packing, so that the fluid and the high thermal conductivity are formed. The heat transfer characteristics may be improved by directly contacting the plate.

(Third embodiment)
FIGS. 9A to 9D are explanatory diagrams of a temperature difference power generator according to the third embodiment. Here, FIG. 9A is a schematic configuration diagram of a temperature difference power generation device, and shows a drawing in which a thermoelectric conversion element frame is inserted into an outer frame. FIG. 9B is a plan view of the frame of the thermoelectric conversion element used in the apparatus, and FIG. 9C shows the positional relationship between the high heat conductive plate, the thermoelectric module, the high heat conductive material, and the heat insulating spacer in the apparatus. Sectional drawing and FIG.9 (D) are image figures which show the positional relationship of the hot water channel and cold water channel in the apparatus. However, the same members as those in FIGS.

  In the temperature difference power generation device of FIG. 9, the heat medium flows through two adjacent thermoelectric conversion element frames 12, an outer frame 51, and a water supply / drain pipe 52 (a heat medium or refrigerant supply pipe and a heat medium or refrigerant discharge pipe). The first flow path and the second flow path for flowing the refrigerant are formed. The first or second flow path is formed by inserting the thermoelectric conversion element frame 12 into the outer frame 51 along the frame insertion guide 53, and the hot water port 54 and the cold water are formed in the water supply port portion of the thermoelectric conversion element frame 12. Through the water supply / drain pipe 52 with the opening 55 cut out, water leakage can be prevented even without packing. Since the temperature difference power generation device of FIG. 9 does not have a pressure contact structure, the thermal contact portion inside the thermoelectric conversion frame is not a type that reduces thermal resistance by tightening, but a material that lowers thermal resistance using solder or the like. It is desirable to use it.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIGS. 10A and 10B are plan views of a thermoelectric conversion element frame of a temperature difference power generation device including a large thermoelectric module. Here, FIG. 10A shows a configuration example with one module 56, and FIG. 10B shows a configuration example with two modules 57 and 58. In addition, the same member as FIGS. 1-7 attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description.
That is, the thermoelectric conversion element frame 12 shown in FIG. 10 increases the number of series-parallel elements by increasing the size of the module instead of arranging and wiring a large number of small modules, so that the module size is obtained to obtain a desired voltage and current. Features. In addition, the code | symbol 59 in FIG. 10 shows the cable which connects modules 57 and 58 mutually.

  In the temperature difference power generation device of FIG. 10, the large module may be sandwiched between high thermal conductive plates via a high thermal conductive material, or the large module itself is provided with a flange portion and the frame structure of the high thermal conductive plate pear. It is also good.

  Specific examples of the modification of the above embodiment are as follows. That is, in the above embodiment, the plurality of flow paths are installed in the vertical direction, but may be further installed in the horizontal direction. By configuring the direction of the flow path according to the convenience of the installation space and adjusting the number of flow paths, heat transfer plates, spacers and plates, the output per installed area and the power generation amount can be easily changed. .

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

11a, 11b, 13 ... heat transfer plate, 12 ... thermoelectric conversion element frame, 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b , 19,23 1 ~23 4 ... hole 16,17,18,41～44 ... packing, 20 ... opening Part, 21, 56-58 ... thermoelectric conversion module, 22 ... high thermal conductivity material, 23 ... high thermal conductivity plate, 24, 25 ... heat insulation material, 26 ... heat transfer element, 28 ... pattern, 29 ... wiring, 30 ... connection Escape, 31 ... Presser plate, 32 ... Bolt, 33 ... Nut, 51 ... Outer frame, 52 ... Water supply / drain pipe, 53 ... Frame insertion guide, 54 ... Hot water port, 55 ... Cool water port.

Claims (24)

A plurality of units stacked on each other, each unit being a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules that generate electric power due to a temperature difference between both sides, a high thermal conductivity material provided on both sides of the thermoelectric conversion module, and the thermoelectric conversion module And a plurality of units including a heat transfer plate that is in contact with fluids having different temperatures from each other.
A plurality of clamping jigs capable of adjusting a clamping pressure for the thermoelectric conversion module included in the plurality of units ;
A first flow path through which a heat medium flows is formed by two adjacent heat transfer plates without sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion module and a packing for sealing the heat medium, and two adjacent sheets without sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion module A temperature difference power generation device, wherein a second flow path for flowing the refrigerant is formed by the heat transfer plate and the seal for sealing the refrigerant. A plurality of units stacked on each other, each unit being a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules that generate electric power due to a temperature difference between both sides, a high thermal conductivity material provided on both sides of the thermoelectric conversion module, and the thermoelectric conversion module A plurality of units including a high thermal conductivity plate provided so as to be sandwiched between the high thermal conductivity materials and in contact with fluids having different temperatures from each other,
A plurality of clamping jigs capable of adjusting a clamping pressure for the thermoelectric conversion module included in the plurality of units ;
A first flow path through which a heat medium flows is formed by two adjacent high heat conductive plates and a packing for sealing a heat medium without sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion module, and 2 adjacent to each other without sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion module. A temperature difference power generation device, wherein a second flow path for flowing a refrigerant is formed by a sheet of high thermal conductivity plate and a packing for refrigerant seal. A plurality of units stacked on each other, each unit being a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules that generate electric power due to a temperature difference between both sides, a high thermal conductivity material provided on both sides of the thermoelectric conversion module, and the thermoelectric conversion module And a plurality of units including a heat transfer plate that is in contact with fluids having different temperatures from each other.
A first flow path through which a heat medium flows is formed by two adjacent heat transfer plates and the outer frame holding these heat transfer plates without sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion module, and without sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion module. A temperature difference power generation device, wherein a second flow path through which a refrigerant flows is formed by two adjacent heat transfer plates and an outer frame that holds the heat transfer plates. A plurality of units stacked on each other, each unit being a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules that generate electric power due to a temperature difference between both sides, a high thermal conductivity material provided on both sides of the thermoelectric conversion module, and the thermoelectric conversion module And a plurality of units including a high thermal conductivity plate that is in contact with fluids having different temperatures from each other.
A first flow path through which a heat medium flows is formed by two adjacent high thermal conductivity plates and an outer frame that holds these high thermal conductivity plates without sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion module. First, a second flow path for flowing a refrigerant is formed by two adjacent high thermal conductivity plates and an outer frame that holds the high thermal conductivity plates. A plurality of units stacked on each other, each unit being a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules that generate electric power due to a temperature difference between both sides, a high thermal conductivity material provided on both sides of the thermoelectric conversion module, and the thermoelectric conversion module And a plurality of units including a high thermal conductivity plate that is in contact with fluids having different temperatures from each other.
Without sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion module, adjacent two high thermal conductivity plates, an outer frame holding the high thermal conductivity plate, and a first flow path for flowing a heat medium between the water supply and drainage pipes are formed. First, a temperature difference power generator characterized in that two adjacent high heat conductive plates, an outer frame holding the high heat conductive plates, and a second flow path for flowing a refrigerant through a water supply / drain pipe are formed.   The temperature difference power generator according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the outer frame is made of metal, ceramics, or an organic material having strength, heat resistance, and corrosion resistance. A plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules that generate power due to a temperature difference between both surfaces, a high thermal conductivity material provided on both sides of these thermoelectric conversion modules, and a thermoelectric conversion module provided so as to be sandwiched via the high thermal conductivity material A thermoelectric conversion element frame comprising a high thermal conductivity plate and provided with a hole for flowing a heat medium and a hole for flowing a refrigerant .   The thermoelectric conversion element frame according to claim 7, further comprising a heat insulating material arranged to be sandwiched between the high heat conductive plates, and fixing the high heat conductive plates and serving as heat insulating and spacers.   9. The thermoelectric conversion element frame according to claim 7, wherein the high thermal conductivity plate has a substrate pattern on which electrical wiring is formed.   Furthermore, a heat insulating spacer with a printed wiring function is provided that performs insulation and arrangement by filling a gap other than the area where the thermoelectric conversion module transfers heat while arranging and wiring the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules sandwiched between the high heat conductive plates or the heat transfer plates. The temperature difference power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: The temperature difference power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the first flow path and the second flow path is installed so that a fluid flows in a vertical direction. . Each of said first flow path and second flow paths are arranged alternately, one of claims 1 to 6, 10 and the second flow path for flowing the refrigerant, characterized in that it is arranged on the outermost side The temperature difference power generator of Claim 1. The direction of flow of the first flow path is a heat medium, the direction of flow of the second flow path is refrigerant, claims 1 to 6, 10 any one, characterized in that opposed The temperature difference power generator described. A first supply pipe for supplying a heat medium through the upper side of the first flow path; a second supply pipe for supplying a refrigerant through the lower side of the second flow path; and the first flow path. the first and discharge pipe for discharging the heat medium through the bottom, according to claim 13, characterized by comprising a second discharge pipe for discharging the refrigerant through the upper side of the second flow path Temperature difference generator. A first supply pipe for supplying a refrigerant through the upper side of the first flow path; a second supply pipe for supplying a heat medium through the lower side of the second flow path; and the first flow path. the first and discharge pipe for discharging the refrigerant through the lower, according to claim 13, characterized by comprising a second discharge pipe for discharging the heat medium through the upper side of the second flow path Temperature difference generator. Anticorrosion treatment is applied to at least the fluid contact surface of two adjacent heat transfer plates or high thermal conductivity plates that form the first flow path or the second flow path through the fluid seal packing. The temperature difference power generation device according to claim 1 , wherein the temperature difference power generation device is provided.   An anticorrosion treatment is performed on at least a fluid contact surface of two heat transfer plates or high heat conductive plates adjacent to the outer frame forming the first flow path or the second flow path. The temperature difference power generation device according to any one of claims 3 to 5. 18. The temperature difference according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric conversion module is made of a BiTe-based or Fe ₂ VAl-based Heusler alloy or Mg ₂ Si-based material. Power generation device. The temperature difference power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 10 to 18, wherein the thermoelectric conversion module has a material configuration that varies depending on a temperature range. The temperature difference power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 10 to 18, wherein the thermoelectric conversion module has a structure in which modules of the same type or different types are stacked. The temperature difference power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 10 to 20, wherein the high thermal conductivity material is any one of a silicone resin-based high thermal conductivity sheet, thermal conductive grease, and wax material. . The heat transfer plate is any one of a copper plate, a carbon steel plate, a stainless steel plate, and a titanium plate, and has a heat transfer promoting structure of any one of a corrugated plate structure, a fin structure, a protruding structure, and a porous nano fine structure on the surface. The temperature difference power generation device according to any one of claims 1, 3, 10 to 21 . 23. The temperature difference power generator according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer plate is made of a shape memory alloy.   The high thermal conductive plate is any one of a copper plate, a carbon steel plate, a stainless steel plate, and a titanium plate, and has a heat transfer promoting structure of any one of a corrugated plate structure, a fin structure, a protruding structure, and a porous nano fine structure on the surface. The thermoelectric conversion element frame according to claim 7, wherein:

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