JP5939143B2 - Thermoelectric generator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermoelectric generator that performs thermoelectric generation using exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile.

  A conventional thermoelectric generator includes a thermoelectric element as a thermoelectric conversion module. This thermoelectric element is arranged between the exhaust passage and the cooling water passage, and uses the Seebeck effect to generate a temperature difference between the high temperature exhaust gas and the low temperature cooling water. Yes.

  As one form of such a thermoelectric generator, a heat receiving fin is provided in the exhaust passage, and heat received from the exhaust gas through the fin is transferred to one surface (high temperature contact surface) of the thermoelectric element, A thermoelectric unit is known in which the other surface (low temperature contact surface) of the thermoelectric element is cooled by cooling water (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-275975 A

  In the conventional thermoelectric generator as described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when the thermoelectric element is actually mounted, a cable (or electrode) for connecting the thermoelectric element between the thermoelectric elements is required. For this reason, a gap for a cable or the like is generated between the thermoelectric elements, and the heat of the exhaust gas is radiated from the gap. When such heat radiation occurs, the amount of heat transferred to the subsequent thermoelectric elements decreases (decrease in heat transfer efficiency), and the power generation amount decreases.

  Further, due to the heat radiated between the thermoelectric elements, the temperature of the cooling medium located between the thermoelectric elements rises, and the temperature difference between the upper and lower surfaces (high temperature contact surface and low temperature contact surface) of the thermoelectric elements decreases. As a result, the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric generator decreases, leading to a decrease in power generation.

  Also, since heat is radiated between thermoelectric elements, there is a risk that the thermal load on the cable, etc. due to the temperature rise between the thermoelectric elements may be excessive, and in some cases, thermal damage such as damage to the cable or thermoelectric element, etc. Can occur.

  The present invention was made to solve the conventional problems as described above, suppresses heat radiation between the thermoelectric conversion modules, increases the heat transfer efficiency to the thermoelectric conversion modules and increases the amount of power generation, It is an object of the present invention to provide a thermoelectric generator that can contribute to prevention of heat damage to cables between thermoelectric conversion modules.

In order to achieve the above object, the thermoelectric power generator according to the present invention is (1) a plurality of thermoelectric conversions arranged between a first pipe through which a high-temperature medium flows and a second pipe through which a low-temperature medium flows. A thermoelectric generator including a module, wherein the flow of the high-temperature medium is changed so that the high-temperature medium between adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules is kept away from the thermoelectric conversion module in a heat receiving passage formed in the first pipe. It is comprised from what the guide part is provided.

  In this thermoelectric generator, since the flow of the high-temperature medium is kept away from the thermoelectric conversion module between the thermoelectric conversion modules by the guide portion provided in the first pipe, the heat radiation from the high-temperature medium to the thermoelectric conversion modules is performed. Can be suppressed. Thereby, the thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention can increase the amount of heat transferred to the thermoelectric conversion modules after the thermoelectric conversion module (improvement of heat transfer efficiency), and can increase the amount of power generation.

  Further, by suppressing the heat radiation between the thermoelectric conversion modules, the temperature rise of the low temperature medium in the second pipe located between the thermoelectric conversion modules is suppressed, and the temperature difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion modules is relatively To increase. Thereby, the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generator is increased, and the amount of power generation can be increased.

  In addition, since the amount of heat radiation between the thermoelectric conversion modules is reduced, it is possible to contribute to prevention of thermal damage such as damage to the cables connecting the thermoelectric conversion modules.

  In the thermoelectric generator according to (1) above, (2) the guide portion is provided so as to guide the high temperature medium toward a contact portion between the thermoelectric conversion module and the first tube. It is configured.

  In this thermoelectric generator, the high-temperature medium is guided toward the contact portion between the thermoelectric conversion module and the first pipe by the guide portion provided in the first pipe, so that the high-temperature medium is directly transmitted from the high-temperature medium to the thermoelectric conversion module. Can be heated. That is, the structure is such that heat is easily transferred from the high-temperature medium to the thermoelectric conversion module by the guide portion.

  As a result, the thermoelectric power generator of the present invention has a structure in which heat is transmitted to the thermoelectric element through the fins (that is, a structure in which heat is not easily transmitted to the thermoelectric element) as seen in the heat recovery fins of the state of the art. Compared to the thermoelectric power generator, the heat transfer efficiency to the thermoelectric conversion module can be increased, and the amount of power generation can be further increased.

  In the thermoelectric generator according to (2) above, (3) the guide portion is a heat absorption fin that is thermally coupled to the thermoelectric conversion module via the first tube, and is provided on a wall surface of the heat absorption fin. A plurality of ribs for defining a flow direction of the high temperature medium, the plurality of ribs flowing the high temperature medium along the contact portion at a contact portion between the thermoelectric conversion module and the first pipe; And a second rib arranged to flow the high temperature medium away from the thermoelectric conversion module between adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules in the flow direction of the high temperature medium. It is composed of

  In this thermoelectric generator, the first rib can actively flow the high-temperature medium toward the contact portion between the thermoelectric conversion module and the first tube, so that the heat transfer to the thermoelectric conversion module is further enhanced. Therefore, the amount of power generation can be further increased.

  Moreover, since the high temperature medium can be actively moved away from the thermoelectric conversion module by the second rib, heat radiation from the high temperature medium to the thermoelectric conversion module can be further suppressed. This contributes to the improvement of the heat transfer efficiency to the subsequent thermoelectric conversion module and contributes to further increase in the amount of power generation.

  In the thermoelectric generator according to (3) above, (4) a first recess is provided in a portion of the first tube corresponding to the space between the adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules, and the first recess is provided. On the surface on the side opposite to the side on which the thermoelectric conversion module is provided, a portion corresponding to the contact portion between the thermoelectric conversion module and the first tube is provided with a second recess.

  In this thermoelectric generator, the flow of the high-temperature medium can be surely kept away from the thermoelectric conversion module by the first recess, so that the thermoelectric generator between the thermoelectric conversion modules is higher than the thermoelectric generator described in (3) above. The amount of heat radiated can be further reduced. Thereby, the heat transfer efficiency to the subsequent thermoelectric conversion module can be further improved, and it can contribute to the further increase in the electric power generation amount.

  Further, since the flow of the high temperature medium can be actively directed to the contact portion by the second dent, the heat transfer efficiency from the high temperature medium to the thermoelectric conversion module can be improved as compared with the thermoelectric generator described in (3) above. It can be further increased.

  In the thermoelectric generator according to (2) above, (5) the guide portion is an endothermic fin that is thermally coupled to the thermoelectric conversion module via the first tube, and the flow direction of the high-temperature medium A plurality of portions of the high-temperature medium that are not in contact with the thermoelectric conversion module in the width direction of the first tube orthogonal to the direction of the first tube toward the contact portion between the thermoelectric conversion module and the first tube. These ribs are constituted by those provided on the wall surface of the heat absorbing fin.

  In this thermoelectric generator, the plurality of ribs provided on the wall surface of the heat absorption fin can collect a portion of the high-temperature medium that is not in contact with the thermoelectric conversion module in the width direction of the first tube at the contact portion with the thermoelectric conversion module. Since it can do, the amount of thermal radiation from the part which is not in contact with the thermoelectric conversion module in the width direction of the 1st pipe can be reduced. Thereby, the electric power generation amount of a thermoelectric generator can be increased further.

  In addition, the amount of heat radiation from a portion not in contact with the thermoelectric conversion module is reduced, thereby preventing thermal damage such as damage to a cable or the like connecting adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules in the width direction of the first tube. be able to.

  In the thermoelectric generator according to (5) above, (6) the plurality of ribs provided on the wall surface of the heat sink fin are ribs in a portion corresponding to a thermoelectric conversion module positioned upstream in the flow direction of the high temperature medium. Is arranged so that the number of installed is less than the number of installed ribs in the portion corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion module located on the downstream side.

  Since this thermoelectric power generator relatively reduces the number of ribs of the heat-absorbing fins disposed in the portion corresponding to the upstream thermoelectric conversion module in the flow direction of the high-temperature medium, the thermoelectric generator described in (5) above is used. Compared with the power generation device, it is possible to further suppress thermal damage such as damage to a cable or the like connecting the thermoelectric conversion modules adjacent in the width direction of the first pipe on the upstream side.

  In addition, this thermoelectric power generator relatively increases the number of installed ribs of the heat absorption fins disposed in the portion corresponding to the downstream thermoelectric conversion module in the flow direction of the high-temperature medium. More high temperature medium can be collected at the contact portion with the module. Thereby, the electric power generation amount as the whole thermoelectric power generator can be increased.

  According to the present invention, the heat radiation between the thermoelectric conversion modules is suppressed, the heat transfer efficiency to the thermoelectric conversion modules is increased to increase the amount of power generation, and the heat damage to the cables between the thermoelectric conversion modules is prevented. It is possible to provide a thermoelectric power generation apparatus that can

It is a figure which shows 1st Embodiment of the thermoelectric power generation apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is a figure which shows schematic structure of the exhaust system of the engine provided with the thermoelectric power generation apparatus. It is a figure which shows 1st Embodiment of the thermoelectric power generation apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is side sectional drawing which shows the structure of a thermoelectric power generation apparatus. It is a figure which shows 1st Embodiment of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is front sectional drawing when it sees along the AA line of FIG. It is a figure which shows 1st Embodiment of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is a perspective view which shows the structure of a thermoelectric conversion module. It is a figure which shows 1st Embodiment of the thermoelectric power generation apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is a perspective view which notches and shows a part of heat absorption fin used for a thermoelectric power generation apparatus. It is a figure which shows 1st Embodiment of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is a figure for demonstrating the effect | action of the heat sink fin used for a thermoelectric power generating apparatus. It is a figure which shows 2nd Embodiment of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is side sectional drawing which shows the structure of a thermoelectric power generating apparatus. It is a figure which shows 2nd Embodiment of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is front sectional drawing when it sees along the BB line of FIG. It is a figure which shows 2nd Embodiment of the thermoelectric generator which concerns on this invention, and is a figure for demonstrating the effect | action of the heat sink fin used for a thermoelectric generator. It is a figure which shows 3rd Embodiment of the thermoelectric power generation apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is side surface sectional drawing which expands and shows the principal part of a thermoelectric power generation apparatus. It is a figure which shows 4th Embodiment of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is a plane sectional view which shows the structure of a thermoelectric power generating apparatus. It is a figure which shows 4th Embodiment of the thermoelectric generator which concerns on this invention, and is front sectional drawing when it sees along CC line of FIG. It is a figure which shows 5th Embodiment of the thermoelectric power generation apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is plane sectional drawing which shows the structure of a thermoelectric power generation apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a thermoelectric generator according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the thermoelectric generator is applied to a water-cooled multi-cylinder internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, for example, a four-cycle gasoline engine (hereinafter simply referred to as “engine”). Explains. The engine is not limited to a gasoline engine.

(First embodiment)
FIGS. 1-6 is a figure which shows 1st Embodiment of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on this invention. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an exhaust system of an engine provided with the thermoelectric generator 17 of the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows a sectional structure when the thermoelectric generator 17 is viewed from the side. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional structure when the thermoelectric generator 17 is viewed from the front along the line AA in FIG.

  First, the configuration of the exhaust system of the engine provided with the thermoelectric generator 17 of the first embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an engine 1 as an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile is formed by mixing air supplied from an intake system and fuel supplied from a fuel supply system at an appropriate air-fuel ratio. After the air-fuel mixture is supplied to the combustion chamber and combusted, the exhaust gas generated with this combustion is discharged from the exhaust system to the atmosphere.

  The exhaust system includes an exhaust manifold 2 attached to the engine 1 and an exhaust pipe 4 connected to the exhaust manifold 2 via a spherical joint 3. The exhaust manifold 2 and the exhaust pipe 4 An exhaust passage is formed.

  The spherical joint 3 allows moderate swinging of the exhaust manifold 2 and the exhaust pipe 4 and transmits vibrations and movements of the engine 1 so as not to be transmitted to the exhaust pipe 4 or attenuated. .

  On the exhaust pipe 4, first, two catalysts 5 and 6 are installed in series on the upstream side, and the exhaust gas is purified by these catalysts 5 and 6.

  The catalyst 5 installed upstream in the exhaust gas exhaust direction in the exhaust pipe 4 is a so-called start catalyst (S / C). On the other hand, the catalyst 6 installed downstream of the exhaust gas in the exhaust pipe 4 is a so-called main catalyst (M / C) or underfloor catalyst (U / F).

  These catalysts 5 and 6 are constituted by, for example, a three-way catalyst. This three-way catalyst exhibits a purifying action in which carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and nitrogen oxide (NOx) are collectively changed to harmless components by a chemical reaction.

  A water jacket is formed inside the engine 1 and the water jacket is filled with a coolant called long life coolant (LLC) (hereinafter simply referred to as “cooling water”).

  The cooling water is led out from a lead-out pipe 8 attached to the engine 1 and then supplied to the radiator 7, and is returned from the radiator 7 to the engine 1 through a cooling water recirculation pipe 9. The radiator 7 cools the cooling water circulated by the water pump 10 by heat exchange with the outside air.

  In addition, a bypass pipe 12 is connected to the reflux pipe 9, and a thermostat 11 is interposed between the bypass pipe 12 and the reflux pipe 9. The thermostat 11 adjusts the amount of cooling water flowing through the radiator 7 and the amount of cooling water flowing through the bypass pipe 12. For example, during the warm-up operation of the engine 1, the amount of cooling water on the bypass pipe 12 side is increased to promote warm-up.

  A heater pipe 13 is connected to the bypass pipe 12, and a heater core 14 is provided in the middle of the heater pipe 13. The heater core 14 is a heat source for heating the passenger compartment using the heat of the cooling water.

  The air heated by the heater core 14 is introduced into the vehicle interior by the blower fan 15. A heater unit 16 is configured by the heater core 14 and the blower fan 15.

  The heater pipe 13 is connected to an upstream pipe 18 a for supplying cooling water to a thermoelectric generator 17 described later. Between the thermoelectric generator 17 and the reflux pipe 9, the heater pipe 13 circulates from the thermoelectric generator 17. The pipe 9 is connected to a downstream pipe 18b for discharging cooling water.

  For this reason, when exhaust heat recovery is performed in the thermoelectric generator 17, the cooling water flowing through the downstream pipe 18b is higher than the temperature of the cooling water flowing through the upstream pipe 18a.

  On the other hand, in the exhaust system of the engine 1, a thermoelectric generator 17 is provided downstream of the catalyst 6. The thermoelectric generator 17 recovers the heat of the exhaust gas discharged from the engine 1 and converts the heat energy of the exhaust gas into electric energy.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the thermoelectric generator 17 is provided between the inner pipe 21 into which the exhaust gas G discharged from the engine 1 is introduced and the inner pipe 21. And an outer pipe 23 as an exhaust pipe forming the heat receiving passage 22. The outer tube 23 constitutes a first tube.

  An upstream end of the inner pipe 21 is connected to the exhaust pipe 4, and an exhaust passage 25 into which the exhaust gas G is introduced from the exhaust pipe 4 is formed inside the inner pipe 21. The inner tube 21 is fixed to the outer tube 23 via a support member 24, and the outer tube 23 is connected to the tail pipe 19 (see FIG. 1) at the downstream end thereof.

  Therefore, the exhaust gas G discharged from the engine 1 through the exhaust pipe 4 to the exhaust passage 25 of the inner pipe 21 is discharged to the tail pipe 19 through the exhaust passage 25 and then discharged from the tail pipe 19 to the outside air.

  The thermoelectric generator 17 includes a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 27 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube 23 and a cylindrical shape provided coaxially with the outer tube 23 so as to surround the thermoelectric conversion module 27. The cooling water pipe 28 is provided. The cooling water pipe 28 constitutes a second pipe.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the thermoelectric conversion module 27 includes a heat receiving substrate 29 constituting a high temperature side heat receiving portion, a heat radiating substrate 30 constituting a low temperature side heat radiating portion, and temperatures of the heat receiving portion and the heat radiating portion due to the Seebeck effect. An N-type thermoelectric conversion element 31 and a P-type thermoelectric conversion element 32 that generate thermoelectromotive force according to the difference are provided. The heat receiving substrate 29 and the heat radiating substrate 30 are made of, for example, insulating ceramics, and the N-type thermoelectric conversion element 31 and the P-type thermoelectric conversion element 32 are made of semiconductor elements.

  The thermoelectric conversion module 27 is disposed such that the heat receiving substrate 29 is in contact with the outer tube 23 and the heat radiating substrate 30 is in contact with the cooling water tube 28. A plurality of N-type thermoelectric conversion elements 31 and P-type thermoelectric conversion elements 32 are respectively installed between the heat receiving substrate 29 and the heat dissipation substrate 30, and electrodes 33 a connected to the surface in contact with the heat receiving substrate 29 and The electrodes 33b are connected alternately and in series via the electrodes 33b connected to the surface in contact with the heat dissipation substrate 30.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the thermoelectric conversion modules 27 adjacent in the flow direction of the exhaust gas G are electrically connected via a cable 34 (wiring 35 for input and output of the thermoelectric conversion module 27 shown in FIG. 4). It is connected to the. That is, the thermoelectric conversion modules 27 that are electrically connected in the flow direction of the exhaust gas G are arranged with a gap 37 for laying the cable therebetween.

  The current generated from the thermoelectric conversion module 27 arranged and electrically connected in this way is extracted from the thermoelectric generator 17 via the cable 34 and supplied to the auxiliary battery via a DC-DC converter (not shown). It has become.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion module 27 has a plate shape as shown in FIG. 4, The plane is flat. Since both surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module 27 need to be in close contact with the outer tube 23 and the cooling water tube 28, respectively, the outer tube 23 and the cooling water tube 28 with which one surface and the other surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 27 contact, Each is flat according to the shape of the thermoelectric conversion module 27. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the outer tube 23 and the cooling water tube 28 have a quadrangular cross-sectional shape.

  Further, the outer pipe 23 and the cooling water pipe 28 are not limited to a quadrangular cross section, and may be formed in a polygonal shape such as an octagon or a curved shape such as a circle or an ellipse. When the cross-sectional shapes of the outer tube 23 and the cooling water tube 28 are curved, the one surface (heat receiving substrate 29) and the other surface (heat radiating substrate 30) of the thermoelectric conversion module 27 are formed into the shapes of the outer tube 23 and the cooling water tube 28. What is necessary is just to form it so that it may curve together.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cooling water pipe 28 includes a cooling water introduction part 28a connected to the upstream pipe 18a and a cooling water discharge part 28b connected to the downstream pipe 18b. The cooling water pipe 28 has a cooling water discharge section 28b with respect to the cooling water introduction section 28a so that the cooling water W introduced into the cooling water pipe 28 from the cooling water introduction section 28a flows in the direction opposite to the exhaust direction of the exhaust gas G. Is provided upstream in the exhaust direction.

  For this reason, the cooling water W flows in the direction opposite to the exhaust direction of the exhaust gas G flowing in the heat receiving passage 22 between the inner tube 21 and the outer tube 23. Thus, the heat recovery efficiency of the thermoelectric generator 17 can be increased by a so-called logarithmic average temperature difference by adopting an arrangement in which the cooling water W and the exhaust gas G flow in opposite directions.

  The arrangement of the cooling water introduction part 28a and the cooling water discharge part 28b shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and it is needless to say that the arrangement is not limited thereto. Contrary to the example shown in the figure, the cooling water discharge portion 28b is disposed in the exhaust direction with respect to the cooling water introduction portion 28a so that the cooling water W introduced into the cooling water pipe 28 flows in the same direction as the exhaust direction of the exhaust gas G. It may be provided on the downstream side.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of communication holes 36 are formed in the inner tube 21, and the communication holes 36 communicate the inside of the inner tube 21 and the heat receiving passage 22. The communication holes 36 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner tube 21 and are not particularly shown in FIG. 2, but the exhaust direction of the exhaust gas G flowing through the inner tube 21, that is, the inner tube 21 are arranged along the extending direction. The communication holes 36 are not limited to those formed at regular intervals.

  In addition, communication holes 24 a are formed in the support member 24 at equal intervals over the circumferential direction of the support member 24. The heat receiving passage 22 communicates with the tail pipe 19 (see FIG. 1) through a communication hole 24 a formed in the support member 24. The communication holes 24a are not limited to those formed at regular intervals.

  The inner pipe 21 is provided with an on-off valve 26. The on-off valve 26 is provided at the downstream end of the inner pipe 21, and is rotatably attached to the outer pipe 23 so as to open and close the inner pipe 21. ing. The on-off valve 26 automatically opens and closes according to the pressure level of the exhaust gas G flowing through the exhaust passage 25. The on-off valve 26 may be controlled by a thermoactuator that operates according to the temperature of the cooling water or an electromagnetic actuator.

  When the pressure of the exhaust gas G is low, the on-off valve 26 closes the inner tube 21 as shown by a solid line in FIG. 2 to introduce the exhaust gas G introduced into the inner tube 21 into the heat receiving passage 22. It is supposed to be.

  For example, when the engine 1 is cold started, the idling of the engine 1 is performed and the pressure of the exhaust gas G is low, so that the on-off valve 26 is closed. Therefore, the exhaust gas G introduced from the exhaust pipe 4 into the exhaust passage 25 of the inner pipe 21 is introduced into the heat receiving passage 22, and the cooling water W flowing through the cooling water pipe 28 is increased by the exhaust gas G passing through the heat receiving passage 22. Warm-up of the engine 1 is promoted.

  Further, when the engine 1 is running at a low load after warming up, even if the temperature of the exhaust gas G becomes high, the pressure of the exhaust gas G is low. Therefore, the on-off valve 26 remains closed, and the exhaust pipe 4 The exhaust gas G introduced into the exhaust passage 25 of the inner pipe 21 is introduced into the heat receiving passage 22. At this time, the heat energy of the exhaust gas G is efficiently converted into electric energy by the thermoelectric conversion module 27.

  On the other hand, when the pressure of the exhaust gas G is high, the on-off valve 26 releases the inner pipe 21 as indicated by a broken line in FIG.

  For example, when the engine 1 is traveling at a high load, the pressure of the exhaust gas G increases because the engine 1 rotates at a high speed, so that the pressure of the exhaust gas G introduced into the inner pipe 21 increases and the on-off valve 26 is released. The When the on-off valve 26 is released, the exhaust passage 25 and the tail pipe 19 (FIG. 1) communicate with each other, and the exhaust gas G is discharged directly from the exhaust passage 25 to the tail pipe 19 without flowing through the heat receiving passage 22. For this reason, the temperature of the cooling water W flowing through the cooling water pipe 28 is not increased by the high-temperature exhaust gas G.

  At this time, the communication between the bypass pipe 12 and the reflux pipe 9 is blocked by the thermostat 11 (FIG. 1), so that the cooling water led out from the engine 1 through the lead-out pipe 8 passes through the radiator 7 to the reflux pipe 9. Derived. For this reason, low-temperature cooling water is supplied to the engine 1, and the cooling performance of the engine 1 can be enhanced.

  Further, since the on-off valve 26 is released when the engine 1 is traveling at a high load, the back pressure of the exhaust gas G flowing through the exhaust passage 25 is not increased, and the exhaust performance of the exhaust gas G is prevented from deteriorating. Can do.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, the thermoelectric power generation device 17 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the exhaust gas G is specified in the heat receiving passage 22 between the inner tube 21 and the outer tube 23. Heat-absorbing fins 40 that serve as guide portions that change the flow of the exhaust gas G so as to be guided in the direction are provided.

  In the thermoelectric generator 17 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the cooling water pipe 28 is opposed to the inner pipe 21 in the direction in which the cooling water introduction part 28a and the cooling water discharge part 28b are provided. Two heat-absorbing fins 40 are disposed on the surface.

  The endothermic fin 40 extends along the flow direction of the exhaust gas G (see FIG. 2) and has a cross-sectional shape when viewed in a plane orthogonal to the flow direction of the exhaust gas G (see FIG. 3). It has an uneven or comb-like structure. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the heat sink fin 40 has two types of ribs 42 and 43 for directing the flow direction of the exhaust gas G in a specific direction on one wall surface 41a and the other wall surface 41b. I have.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cross-sectional shape of the heat-absorbing fin 40 is formed in a concavo-convex shape or a comb-like shape, so that the first, third,. The fourth, fourth,... Ribs 42 are alternately provided on every other wall surface 41a and the other wall surface 41b. The other type of rib 43 is also provided in a similar arrangement manner.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the two types of ribs 42 and 43 are formed integrally with the heat absorbing fin 40. The endothermic fin 40 is obtained by molding a single plate-like member by pressing or the like.

  That is, at a required location of one plate-like member, three sides are cut out by leaving a rectangular shape by punching or the like, and the cut-out portion stands at an angle of about 90 ° with respect to the wall surface 41a. As a result, desired ribs 42 and 43 can be formed. Desired ribs 42 and 43 can be formed on the other wall surface 41b in the same manner.

  Of these two types of ribs 42 and 43, ribs 42 (first ribs) provided on the wall surfaces 41 a and 41 b of the heat sink fins 40 at portions corresponding to the contact portions 38 between the thermoelectric conversion module 27 and the outer tube 23. ) Are arranged to direct the flow of the exhaust gas G in the direction of the contact portion 38, as shown in FIG.

  Thereby, the exhaust gas G flowing through the heat receiving passage 22 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) between the outer tube 23 and the inner tube 21 is first in the vicinity of the contact portion 38 between the thermoelectric conversion module 27 and the outer tube 23. The ribs 42 flow along the contact portions 38 as indicated by arrows in FIG.

  Further, on the wall surfaces 41a and 41b of the heat sink fins 40, ribs 43 (second ribs) provided at portions corresponding to the adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules 27 flow the exhaust gas G as shown in FIG. Are oriented in a direction away from the thermoelectric conversion module 27.

  As a result, the exhaust gas G flowing through the heat receiving passage 22 between the outer tube 23 and the inner tube 21 is interposed between the thermoelectric conversion modules 27 by the second ribs 43 as shown by arrows in FIG. It flows away from 27.

  The thermoelectric power generation device 17 of the present embodiment has the following effects by being provided with the above-described configuration.

  First, since the second rib 43 for directing the flow of the exhaust gas G away from the thermoelectric conversion module 27 is provided on the heat absorption fin 40 disposed in the heat receiving passage 22 between the inner tube 21 and the outer tube 23 ( 6), the exhaust gas G can flow between the thermoelectric conversion modules 27 so as not to follow the inner wall portion of the outer tube 23. Thereby, the amount of heat radiated from the exhaust gas G between the thermoelectric conversion modules 27 (that is, the gap 37) can be reduced.

  Since heat radiation between the thermoelectric conversion modules 27 can be suppressed in this way, the amount of heat transferred to the subsequent thermoelectric conversion modules 27 can be increased (improvement of heat transfer efficiency), and the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric generator 17 can be increased. Can be made.

  Further, by suppressing the heat radiation between the thermoelectric conversion modules 27, the temperature rise of the cooling water W located above the thermoelectric conversion modules 27 is suppressed, and the upper and lower surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module 27 (that is, the outer tube). The temperature difference between the surface on the side in contact with 23 and the surface on the side in contact with the cooling water pipe 28 is relatively increased. Thereby, the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric generator 17 can be increased, and the amount of power generation can be increased.

  Moreover, since the amount of heat radiation between the thermoelectric conversion modules 27 is reduced, it is possible to prevent thermal damage such as damage to the cable 34 connecting the thermoelectric conversion modules 27.

  In addition, the heat absorption fins 40 disposed in the heat receiving passage 22 between the inner tube 21 and the outer tube 23 are directed to direct the flow of the exhaust gas G toward the contact portion 38 between the thermoelectric conversion module 27 and the outer tube 23. Since the rib 42 is provided (see FIG. 6), the exhaust gas G can flow along the contact portion 38 in the vicinity of the contact portion 38. Thereby, the heat of the exhaust gas G can be directly transmitted to the thermoelectric conversion module 27. That is, the heat sink fin 40 including the first rib 42 has a structure in which heat is easily transferred from the exhaust gas G to the thermoelectric conversion module 27.

  When using general heat recovery fins (for example, straight fins, wave fins, offset fins, etc.) of the current technology, exhaust gas flows along the shape of the fins. It is necessary to go through many heat transfer steps such as fin → fin base → exhaust pipe (tube wall) → thermoelectric element. That is, the general heat recovery fin used in the current technology has a structure in which heat is not easily transmitted to the thermoelectric element.

  On the other hand, the thermoelectric power generation device 17 of the present embodiment causes the exhaust gas G to flow along the contact portion 38 so that the heat transfer step transmitted from the exhaust gas G to the thermoelectric conversion module 27 is “ Exhaust gas G → base of heat-absorbing fin 40 → outer tube 23 → thermoelectric conversion module 27 ”, and heat is easily transmitted from exhaust gas G to thermoelectric conversion module 27.

  Thereby, the thermoelectric power generation device 17 of the present embodiment can increase the heat transfer efficiency to the thermoelectric conversion module 27 and further increase the power generation amount, compared with the thermoelectric power generation device having the heat recovery fins of the current technology. Can be made.

  In addition, since the exhaust gas G is allowed to flow along the contact portion 38 in a positive manner, the flow rate of the exhaust gas G during that time increases, so that the heat transfer efficiency can be further increased by Newton's law of cooling, and the amount of power generation is increased. It is possible to contribute to further increase.

  Further, since the ribs 42 and 43 are protruded in a direction substantially orthogonal to the wall surfaces 41a and 41b of the heat-absorbing fin 40 (see FIG. 5), the exhaust gas G flowing along the wall surfaces 41a and 41b is positively ribbed 42. , 43. Thereby, the heat conductivity to the heat sink fin 40 can be improved, and the amount of power generation can be increased.

  Furthermore, by providing the ribs 42 and 43 on the heat-absorbing fin 40, vortices are generated in the flow of the exhaust gas G to cause forced convection, so that the amount of heat transmitted to the heat-absorbing fin 40 increases. In addition, when the vortex disappears, the kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy, so that the amount of heat transferred to the heat absorbing fins 40 further increases. Thereby, the electric power generation amount can be further increased.

(Second Embodiment)
7 to 9 show a second embodiment of the thermoelectric generator according to the present invention. Among these, FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional structure when the thermoelectric generator 17A of the second embodiment is viewed from the side, and FIG. 8 is a front view of the thermoelectric generator 17A along the line BB in FIG. The cross-sectional structure when viewed from FIG. Of the configurations shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the same configurations as those of the thermoelectric generator 17 (FIGS. 2 and 3) of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description of overlapping portions is given. Is omitted.

  The thermoelectric generator 17 according to the first embodiment described above includes an inner pipe 21 into which the exhaust gas G discharged from the engine 1 is introduced, and an outer pipe 23 that forms a heat receiving passage 22 between the inner pipe 21. The thermoelectric generator 17A of the second embodiment includes a single structure exhaust pipe 21A into which the exhaust gas G is introduced (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

  The exhaust pipe 21A has a quadrangular cross-sectional shape, and a thermoelectric conversion module 27 is disposed on each of the four peripheral surfaces (see FIG. 8). And the cooling water pipe | tube 28 is arrange | positioned so that these each thermoelectric conversion module 27 may be in thermal contact.

  For this reason, in the thermoelectric generator 17A of the second embodiment, the heat absorption fin 45 is provided in the exhaust pipe 21A, and serves as a guide portion that guides the flow of the exhaust gas G flowing in the exhaust pipe 21A in a specific direction. Has come to play a role.

  The endothermic fin 45 extends along the flow direction of the exhaust gas G (see FIG. 7), and when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction of the exhaust gas G (see FIG. 8), its cross-sectional shape Have a structure that is uneven or comb-like. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the heat absorbing fin 45 has two types of ribs 47a, 47b for directing the flow direction of the exhaust gas G in a specific direction on one wall surface 46a and the other wall surface 46b. 48a and 48b are provided.

  Of these ribs 47a, 47b, 48a, 48b, the ribs 47a, 48a located on the upper side in the exhaust pipe 21A are arranged on the upper side of the thermoelectric conversion modules 27 arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the exhaust pipe 21A. It is provided corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion module 27. On the other hand, the ribs 47b and 48b located on the lower side in the exhaust pipe 21A are provided corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion module 27 arranged on the lower side among the thermoelectric conversion modules 27 arranged on each peripheral surface of the exhaust pipe 21A. It has been.

  Of the two types of ribs 47a, 47b and 48a, 48b, on the wall surfaces 46a, 46b of the heat absorption fin 45, ribs 47a provided at portions corresponding to the contact portions 38 between the upper and lower thermoelectric conversion modules 27 and the exhaust pipe 21A. 47b (first ribs) are arranged so as to direct the flow of the exhaust gas G in the direction of the contact portion 38, as shown in FIG.

  Thus, the exhaust gas G flowing through the exhaust pipe 21A is brought into contact with the first ribs 47a and 47b in the vicinity of the contact part 38 between the thermoelectric conversion module 27 and the exhaust pipe 21A as shown by arrows in FIG. 38 flows along.

  Further, ribs 48a and 48b (second ribs) provided on portions corresponding to the upper and lower adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules 27 on the wall surfaces 46a and 46b of the heat-absorbing fins 45 are exhausted as shown in FIG. The gas G is arranged so as to be directed in a direction away from the thermoelectric conversion module 27.

  As a result, the exhaust gas G flowing in the exhaust pipe 21A flows between the thermoelectric conversion modules 27 away from the thermoelectric conversion module 27 as indicated by arrows in FIG. 9 by the second ribs 48a and 48b. It has become.

  In the thermoelectric generator 17A of the second embodiment, the first ribs 47a and 47b and the second ribs 48a and 48b provided on the heat-absorbing fins 45 are the above-described thermoelectric generator 17 of the first embodiment. Since the first rib 42 and the second rib 43 are provided in the same arrangement manner as in the first embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment (increased power generation amount, prevention of heat damage). ) Can be played.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment of the thermoelectric generator according to the present invention, and enlarges the main part (the heat-absorbing fin 40a and its peripheral portion) of the thermoelectric generator 17B of the third embodiment. The cross-sectional structure when viewed from the side is shown. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 10, the same reference numeral is assigned to the same configuration as the thermoelectric generator 17 (FIG. 6) of the first embodiment, and the description of the overlapping portions is omitted.

  The thermoelectric generator 17B according to the third embodiment is different from the thermoelectric generator 17 according to the first embodiment described above in that a recess DP1 is provided at a predetermined position of the outer tube 23a, and the inner tube 21a. This is different in that a recess DP2 is provided at a predetermined location.

  Specifically, on the outer tube 23a, a recess DP1 is formed by denting a portion of the tube wall portion corresponding to between the adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules 27 inside the outer tube 23a (see FIG. 10). ). Further, on the inner tube 21a, the portion of the tube wall corresponding to the contact portion 38 between the thermoelectric conversion module 27 and the outer tube 23a is recessed outside the inner tube 21a (that is, inside the outer tube 23a). A recess DP2 is formed.

  The indentation DP1 provided in the outer tube 23a and the indentation DP2 provided in the inner tube 21a can be formed by pressing a sheet-like metal material used as the material of the outer tube 23a and the inner tube 21a, respectively.

  In the thermoelectric generator 17B of the third embodiment, the flow of the exhaust gas G can be reliably kept away from the thermoelectric conversion module 27 by the recess DP1 provided in the outer tube 23a. Therefore, the first embodiment described above. The amount of heat radiated from the exhaust gas G between the thermoelectric conversion modules 27 (that is, the gap 37) can be further reduced as compared with the thermoelectric generator 17 of FIG.

  Thereby, the amount of heat transferred to the thermoelectric conversion module 27 after the thermoelectric conversion module can be further increased (further improvement in heat transfer efficiency), and the power generation amount of the thermoelectric power generator 17B can be further increased. .

  Moreover, since the thermoelectric power generator 17B of the third embodiment can positively direct the flow of the exhaust gas G to the contact portion 38 by the recess DP2 provided in the inner tube 21a, the first implementation described above. Compared with the thermoelectric power generator 17 of the form, the heat transfer efficiency from the exhaust gas G to the thermoelectric conversion module 27 can be further enhanced. Thereby, it can contribute to the further increase in the electric power generation amount of the thermoelectric generator 17B.

(Fourth embodiment)
11 and 12 show a fourth embodiment of the thermoelectric generator according to the present invention. Among these, FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional structure when the thermoelectric generator 17C of the fourth embodiment is viewed in plan, and FIG. 12 shows the thermoelectric generator 17C along the line CC in FIG. The cross-sectional structure when viewed from the front is shown. Among the configurations shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the same configurations as those of the thermoelectric generator 17 (FIGS. 2 and 3) of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description of overlapping portions is performed. Is omitted.

  The thermoelectric generator 17 according to the first embodiment described above includes an inner pipe 21 into which the exhaust gas G discharged from the engine 1 is introduced, and an outer pipe 23 that forms a heat receiving passage 22 between the inner pipe 21. However, the thermoelectric generator 17C of the fourth embodiment includes a single exhaust pipe 21B into which the exhaust gas G is introduced (see FIGS. 11 and 12).

  As shown in FIG. 12, the exhaust pipe 21 </ b> B has a flat quadrangular cross-sectional shape, and thermoelectric conversion modules 27 are arranged on the peripheral surfaces in the vertical direction. A cooling water pipe 28 (not shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, see FIGS. 2 and 3) is disposed so as to be in thermal contact with each thermoelectric conversion module 27.

  For this reason, in the thermoelectric generator 17C of the fourth embodiment, the heat absorption fin 50 is provided in the exhaust pipe 21B, and serves as a guide portion that guides the flow of the exhaust gas G flowing in the exhaust pipe 21B in a specific direction. Has come to play a role.

  The endothermic fin 50 extends along the flow direction of the exhaust gas G (see FIG. 11) and has a cross-sectional shape when viewed in a plane orthogonal to the flow direction of the exhaust gas G (see FIG. 12). Have a structure that is uneven or comb-like. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the heat sink fin 50 has two types of ribs 52 and 53 for directing the flow direction of the exhaust gas G in a specific direction on one wall surface 51a or the other wall surface 51b. I have.

  In the example of FIG. 11, the display of the thermoelectric conversion module 27 and the display of the fins 50 are indicated by broken lines in order to make the arrangement of the ribs 52 and 53 easier to see.

  Of the two types of ribs 52 and 53, the position corresponding to the center line of the thermoelectric conversion module 27 along the flow direction of the exhaust gas G in the exhaust pipe 21B is located on the left side from the upstream side toward the downstream side. The ribs 52 (four or three ribs 52 in the illustrated example) are arranged so as to direct the flow of the exhaust gas G in the diagonal direction to the right (downward direction in FIG. 11). Yes.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the rib 52 is a portion (not shown) that is not in thermal contact with the thermoelectric conversion module 27 in the width direction of the exhaust pipe 21B orthogonal to the flow direction of the exhaust gas G. In the example, it plays the role of directing the flow of the exhaust gas G in the gap 37a between the adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules 27 and the portion 37b in the vicinity of both ends of the exhaust pipe 21B in the direction of the contact portion 38 with the thermoelectric conversion module 27. Yes.

  On the other hand, of the two types of ribs 52 and 53, the right side of the portion corresponding to the center line of the thermoelectric conversion module 27 along the flow direction of the exhaust gas G in the exhaust pipe 21B from the upstream side toward the downstream side. The ribs 53 (three or four rows of ribs 53 in the illustrated example) are arranged so as to direct the flow of the exhaust gas G in the diagonal direction to the left (in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 11). Has been.

  That is, as in the other rib 52, the rib 53 is a portion that is not in thermal contact with the thermoelectric conversion module 27 in the width direction of the exhaust pipe 21B (that is, a gap 37a between adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules 27). , And a portion 37 b) near the both ends of the exhaust pipe 21 </ b> B) to direct the flow of the exhaust gas G toward the contact portion 38 with the thermoelectric conversion module 27.

  The thermoelectric generator 17C according to the fourth embodiment has a width direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the exhaust gas G in the exhaust pipe 21B by two types of ribs 52 and 53 provided on the wall surfaces 51a and 51b of the heat sink fin 50. The flow of the exhaust gas G in the portion not in contact with the thermoelectric conversion module 27 (that is, the gap 37a between the adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules 27 and the portion 37b in the vicinity of both ends of the exhaust pipe 21B) The structure is oriented in the direction of the contact portion 38.

  With this structure, the thermoelectric generator 17C of the fourth embodiment collects the exhaust gas G in a portion not in contact with the thermoelectric conversion module 27 in the width direction of the exhaust pipe 21B in the contact portion 38 with the thermoelectric conversion module 27. The amount of heat radiated from the gap 37a between the adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules 27 and the portions 37b in the vicinity of both ends of the exhaust pipe 21B can be reduced. Thereby, the electric power generation amount of the thermoelectric generator 17C can be increased.

  Further, unnecessary heat radiation from a portion not in contact with the thermoelectric conversion module 27 is suppressed, so that the upper and lower surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion module 27 (that is, the surface in contact with the exhaust pipe 21B and the cooling (not shown)). The temperature difference on the side in contact with the water pipe 28 is relatively increased. Thereby, the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric generator 17C can be increased, and the power generation amount can be increased.

  Further, the amount of heat radiation from the portion not in contact with the thermoelectric conversion module 27 is reduced, so that heat damage such as damage to the cable 34 connecting the adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules 27 in the width direction of the exhaust pipe 21B can be prevented. Can be prevented.

  As described above, the thermoelectric power generation device 17C of the fourth embodiment reduces the useless amount of heat radiated from the portion not in contact with the thermoelectric conversion module 27 in the width direction of the exhaust pipe 21B and is in contact therewith. By collecting the exhaust gas G in a portion that does not exist in the contact portion 38 with the thermoelectric conversion module 27, the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric generator 17C is increased and thermal damage is prevented.

  The thermoelectric power generation device 17C of the fourth embodiment is intended to solve a problem caused by heat radiation from a portion not in contact with the thermoelectric conversion module 27 in the width direction of the exhaust pipe 21B. However, if necessary, the configuration of the thermoelectric generator 17 (FIG. 6) of the first embodiment described above may be combined with the configuration of the thermoelectric generator 17C of the fourth embodiment. Alternatively, the configuration of the thermoelectric generators 17A and 17B (FIGS. 9 and 10) of the second and third embodiments described above may be combined with the configuration of the thermoelectric generator 17C of the fourth embodiment.

  According to the configuration of the thermoelectric power generation device by such a combination, it is possible to solve the problem caused by the thermal radiation from the portion that is not in contact with the thermoelectric conversion module 27 in the width direction of the exhaust pipe 21B, and the exhaust gas in the exhaust pipe 21B. Problems due to heat radiation from the gaps between the thermoelectric conversion modules 27 adjacent in the flow direction of the gas G can also be solved.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 13 shows a fifth embodiment of a thermoelectric generator according to the present invention, and shows a cross-sectional structure when a thermoelectric generator 17D of the fifth embodiment is viewed in a plan view. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 13, the same reference numeral is assigned to the same configuration as that of the thermoelectric generator 17 </ b> C (FIG. 11) of the fourth embodiment, and the description of the overlapping portions is omitted.

  The thermoelectric power generation device 17D of the fifth embodiment is arranged on the exhaust pipe 21B along the flow direction of the exhaust gas G in the exhaust pipe 21B, compared to the thermoelectric power generation device 17C of the fourth embodiment described above. When attention is paid to a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) thermoelectric conversion modules 27 arranged, heat absorbing fins disposed in a portion corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion module 27 located on the upstream side (left side in the illustrated example). The number of installed ribs 52 and 53 of the 50a is less than the number of installed ribs 52 and 53 of the heat-absorbing fin 50a disposed in the portion corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion module 27 located on the downstream side (right side in the illustrated example). It is different in point.

  In the thermoelectric generator 17D according to the fifth embodiment, the arrangement directions of the two types of ribs 52 and 53 provided on the heat-absorbing fin 50a are two types in the thermoelectric generator 17C according to the fourth embodiment described above. Since the ribs 52 and 53 are arranged in the same direction, the same operational effects (increased power generation and prevention of heat damage) as in the fourth embodiment can be achieved.

  Further, the thermoelectric power generation device 17D of the fifth embodiment includes ribs 52 of the heat sink fins 50a disposed in portions corresponding to the upstream thermoelectric conversion module 27 in the flow direction of the exhaust gas G in the exhaust pipe 21B. Since the number of installed 53 is relatively reduced, the cable 34 connecting the thermoelectric conversion modules 27 adjacent to each other in the width direction of the exhaust pipe 21B on the upstream side as compared with the thermoelectric generator 17C of the fourth embodiment. Thermal damage such as damage to (see FIG. 12) can be further suppressed.

  Further, the thermoelectric power generation device 17D of the fifth embodiment has ribs 52 of the heat sink fins 50a arranged at portions corresponding to the downstream thermoelectric conversion module 27 in the flow direction of the exhaust gas G in the exhaust pipe 21B. Since the number of installed 53 is relatively increased, more exhaust gas G can be collected in the contact portion 38 (see FIG. 12) with the downstream thermoelectric conversion module 27. Thereby, the electric power generation amount as the thermoelectric power generator 17D whole can be increased.

  In the thermoelectric generator 17 of the first embodiment described above, two thermoelectric conversions are arranged in the vertical direction of an exhaust pipe (outer pipe 23 shown in FIG. 3) having a square cross-sectional shape through which the exhaust gas G flows. Although the case where the two heat sink fins 40 are arranged so as to be in thermal contact with the module 27 has been described as an example, the arrangement form of the heat sink fins 40 is not limited to this.

  For example, referring to the configuration of FIG. 3, two thermoelectric conversion modules 27 are additionally arranged on the circumferential surface of the outer tube 23 in the left-right direction, and two thermoelectric conversion modules 27 are in thermal contact with each other. The endothermic fins 40 may be additionally arranged. The thermoelectric power generation apparatus having such an arrangement form can further increase the amount of power generation as compared with the thermoelectric power generation apparatus 17 of the first embodiment described above.

  As described above, the thermoelectric power generation device according to the present invention suppresses heat radiation between the thermoelectric conversion modules, increases the heat transfer efficiency to the thermoelectric conversion modules and increases the amount of power generation, and the cable between the thermoelectric conversion modules. It is useful for general thermoelectric generators that perform thermoelectric generation using exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. .

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Engine (internal combustion engine) 17, 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D ... Thermoelectric power generation device, 21, 21a ... Inner pipe, 21A, 21B ... Exhaust pipe (first pipe), 23, 23a ... Outer pipe (exhaust) Tube, first tube), 27 ... thermoelectric conversion module, 28 ... cooling water tube (second tube), 29 ... heat receiving substrate, 30 ... heat dissipation substrate, 31, 32 ... thermoelectric conversion element, 34 ... cable, 35 ... wiring , 37, 37a ... gap (between thermoelectric conversion modules), 37b ... parts near both ends of the exhaust pipe, 38 ... contact part, 40, 40a, 45, 50, 50a ... heat absorbing fin (guide part), 41a, 41b, 46a , 46b, 51a, 51b ... wall surface, 42, 47a, 47b ... first rib, 43, 48a, 48b ... second rib, 52, 53 ... two kinds of ribs, DP1 ... depression (first depression), DP2 ... dent (second dent), G Exhaust gas (high temperature medium), W ... cooling water (low temperature medium)

Claims (6)

A thermoelectric generator comprising a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules arranged between a first pipe through which a high-temperature medium flows and a second pipe through which a low-temperature medium flows,
The heat receiving passage formed in the first pipe is provided with a guide portion for changing the flow of the high temperature medium so as to keep the high temperature medium between adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules away from the thermoelectric conversion module. A thermoelectric generator.   The thermoelectric generator according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion is provided so as to guide the high-temperature medium toward a contact portion between the thermoelectric conversion module and the first tube. The guide part is an endothermic fin that is thermally coupled to the thermoelectric conversion module via the first pipe, and has a plurality of ribs that define a flow direction of the high-temperature medium on a wall surface of the endothermic fin. And
The plurality of ribs are arranged so that the high temperature medium flows along the contact portion at the contact portion between the thermoelectric conversion module and the first tube, and in the flow direction of the high temperature medium. 3. The thermoelectric generator according to claim 2, comprising: a second rib arranged to flow the high temperature medium away from the thermoelectric conversion module between adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules.   A surface of the first tube corresponding to a portion between adjacent thermoelectric conversion modules in the flow direction of the high-temperature medium is provided with a first recess, and is a surface opposite to the side where the first recess is provided. The thermoelectric generator according to claim 3, wherein a second recess is provided in a portion corresponding to a contact portion between the thermoelectric conversion module and the first tube. The guide part is an endothermic fin that is thermally coupled to the thermoelectric conversion module via the first pipe,
The flow of the high-temperature medium in a portion not in contact with the thermoelectric conversion module in the width direction of the first pipe perpendicular to the flow direction of the high-temperature medium is a contact portion between the thermoelectric conversion module and the first pipe. The thermoelectric power generator according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of ribs oriented in the direction of is provided on a wall surface of the heat sink fin.   The plurality of ribs provided on the wall surface of the heat absorption fin correspond to the thermoelectric conversion module in which the number of ribs installed in the portion corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion module located on the upstream side in the flow direction of the high-temperature medium corresponds to the downstream side. The thermoelectric generator according to claim 5, wherein the thermoelectric generator is arranged so as to be smaller than the number of ribs installed in the portion to be operated.

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