JP6196074B2 - Method of installing thermoelectric power generation element in piping and thermoelectric power generation apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method of installing a thermoelectric power generation element on the surface of a pipe, and further relates to a thermoelectric power generation apparatus used for the method.

  A thermoelectric power generation element is a power generation element using the Seebeck effect, and electric power can be easily obtained simply by making a temperature difference between the front and back of the thermoelectric power generation element. Here, since the electric power (power generation amount) obtained by the thermoelectric power generation element is proportional to the square of the temperature difference, it is important to increase the temperature difference between the front and back of the element in order to secure a large amount of power generation.

  The air conditioning pipe has a cooling medium, such as cold water, hot water, steam, etc., that has a temperature different from the air temperature around the pipe (for example, the temperature in the space such as the machine room or outdoor ceiling, hereinafter referred to as the ambient temperature). . For piping through which these heat media flow, piping carbon steel pipes, stainless steel pipes, and the like are used. Since the thermal conductivity of these piping materials is much larger than the thermal conductivity of air around the piping, the piping surface temperature is close to the heat medium flowing in the piping. As a result, a temperature difference tends to occur between the pipe surface and the surrounding air. Therefore, by installing a thermoelectric power generation element on the pipe surface, power can be generated from the temperature difference between the pipe surface temperature and the ambient temperature. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a thermoelectric element is provided as a temperature sensor in a hot water supply pipe to detect a change in electric power generated in proportion to a temperature difference.

  On the other hand, the air conditioning piping is generally cylindrical, and the surface shape is a curved surface. On the other hand, thermoelectric power generation elements are often flat, and if they cannot be bent freely along the pipe surface, the thermoelectric power generation element cannot be stably fixed to the pipe surface, resulting in installation errors for each operator. Is likely to occur. Thus, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses an element in which a heat radiating portion is expanded and contracted so that it can be attached to a portion having a curved surface.

  Usually, heat insulation materials such as glass wool and rock wool are wound around the air conditioning piping in order to prevent condensation and reduce energy loss. Since the heat insulating material has a large number of air layers formed therein, it is much smaller than the thermal conductivity of the pipe, and it is difficult to transmit the pipe surface temperature to the outer surface of the heat insulating material. Therefore, the surface temperature of the heat insulating material becomes a temperature close to the ambient temperature, and when a thermoelectric power generation element is installed on the surface of the heat insulating material, a sufficient temperature difference cannot be obtained and the amount of power generation is reduced. Although it is conceivable to embed the thermoelectric power generation element inside the heat insulating material, in this case, the temperature of the entire element including the surface opposite to the pipe is made uniform at a temperature close to the pipe surface temperature due to the effect of the heat insulating material. As a result, a sufficient temperature difference cannot be obtained. In addition, it is conceivable to remove the heat insulating material and install the thermoelectric generator directly on the pipe surface. However, if the heat medium flowing in the pipe is lower than the ambient temperature (for example, cold water, brine, etc.), There is a possibility that the temperature of the heat sink becomes lower than the dew point temperature of the ambient temperature, and there is a concern that dew condensation occurs on the pipe surface or the surface of the thermoelectric power generation element, leading to a failure of the thermoelectric power generation element.

  Therefore, for example, Patent Document 3 discloses a configuration in which an element is enclosed in a frame. In the invention of this Patent Document 3, a moisture-proof effect is obtained inside the frame body by blocking moisture that is going to enter from the outside with the water-repellent sealing material layer and further blocking water vapor with the water-vapor blocking sealing material layer. I am trying to do.

JP 2006-10180 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-87786 JP 2010-226103 A

  As in the invention of Patent Document 3, in order to completely prevent the intrusion of condensed moisture into the inside, there is a problem that the seal structure becomes complicated and the cost of the thermoelectric power generation element increases. In addition, when the temperature of the heat medium flowing inside the air conditioning pipe is higher than the heat resistance temperature of the thermoelectric power generation element (steam, etc.), or when the heat medium has a negative temperature such as brine, the temperature of the thermoelectric power generation element is within the heat resistance temperature range. These will also be the cause of failure.

  An object of the present invention is to make it possible to attach a thermoelectric power generation element to a pipe without causing condensation, and to prevent the thermoelectric power generation element from being out of the heat resistant temperature range.

  According to the present invention, a method of installing a thermoelectric power generation element on the surface of a pipe, wherein a jig made of a material having a thermal conductivity lower than the thermal conductivity of the pipe is attached to the surface of the pipe, By attaching the thermoelectric power generation element to the surface of the pipe via the jig, the heat of the surface of the pipe is conducted to the thermoelectric power generation element via the jig. A method for installing the thermoelectric generator is provided.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric generator installed on the surface of a pipe, the jig made of a material having a thermal conductivity lower than that of the pipe, which is attached to the surface of the pipe. And a thermoelectric power generation device that is attached to the surface of the pipe via the jig. In this thermoelectric power generation device, the thermoelectric power generation element may be attached to the surface of the pipe by supporting the thermoelectric power generation element on a flexible member and winding the flexible member around the surface of the pipe via the jig. good.

  In the present invention, by interposing a jig between the thermoelectric power generation element and the pipe, the amount of heat conducted from the pipe to the thermoelectric power generation element is adjusted, and the thermoelectric power generation element is prevented from being outside the heat resistant temperature range. To do. In this case, the amount of heat conducted to the thermoelectric generator can be adjusted by changing any of the material, number of sheets, and thickness of the jig.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to adjust the amount of heat conducted from the pipe to the thermoelectric power generation element by conducting heat on the surface of the pipe to the thermoelectric power generation element via a jig, and to prevent the occurrence of condensation. Become. In addition, even when the temperature of the heat medium flowing inside the piping is higher than the heat resistance temperature of the thermoelectric power generation element (steam, etc.) or in the case of a negative temperature heat medium such as brine, the temperature of the thermoelectric power generation element is outside the heat resistance temperature range. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the thermoelectric power generation element from failing. Further, by interposing the jig, the thermoelectric generator can be used outside the heat resistant temperature range.

It is explanatory drawing of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention by which the quantity of heat conducted to a thermoelectric power generating element is adjusted by changing the number of jigs. It is explanatory drawing of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention by which the calorie | heat amount conducted to a thermoelectric power generating element is adjusted by changing the thickness of a jig | tool. It is a top view of the thermoelectric power generation element supported by the flexible member. It is a side view of the thermoelectric power generation element supported by the flexible member. It is explanatory drawing of the thermoelectric power generating apparatus which concerns on another embodiment of this invention which shows the state which attached the thermoelectric power generating element shown to FIG. 5, 6 to piping.

  Hereinafter, a thermoelectric generator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a thermoelectric generator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a jig 3 attached to the outer surface of a pipe 2 and a thermoelectric attached to the outer surface of the pipe 2 via the jig 3. A power generation element 4 is provided. The pipe 2 is an air conditioning pipe, for example, and a hollow circular pipe such as a carbon steel pipe for piping or a stainless pipe is used. Inside the pipe 2, a heat medium having a temperature different from the air temperature around the pipe 2 (hereinafter referred to as ambient temperature) such as cold water, hot water, and steam flows. For this reason, the surface temperature of the pipe 2 becomes a temperature close to the heat medium flowing in the pipe 2. As a result, a temperature difference is generated between the surface of the pipe 2 and the surrounding air.

  The jig 3 has a configuration in which the pipe-side support portion 11 is arranged on the lower surface of the jig main body 10 that controls heat conduction, and the thermoelectric generator element 4 is arranged on the upper surface. The jig body 10 has a uniform thermal resistance, has a thermal conductivity lower than that of the pipe 2 or the pipe support 11, does not cause deformation or alteration due to the heat of the fluid flowing in the pipe 2, and has a certain pressure. However, it is desirable that the material does not deform or does not deform by handling according to usage in use (for example, it does not deform by the force of one person's hand). For example, the material is rigid urethane, silicon, aluminum, copper Made of iron. The pipe-side support portion 11 is a material having excellent thermal conductivity so that heat on the surface of the pipe 2 can be transferred to the jig body 10 and heat can be transferred from the jig body 10 to the thermoelectric generator element 4. Consists of. Moreover, the inner surface (surface facing the pipe 2) of the pipe side support part 11 is a curved surface so that it can adhere to the outer surface of the pipe 2 which is a curved surface. In addition, even if the thickness (number of sheets, material) of the jig body 10 is calculated and installed so as to prevent condensation at the time of design and be within the heat resistant temperature range, the thermal resistance of the jig body 10 itself changes when it is deformed. As a result, the temperature may not be as originally calculated, and a sufficient temperature difference may not be obtained, or condensation may occur or the temperature may be outside the heat resistant temperature range. That is, it is desirable to maintain the shape when installed.

  The thermoelectric power generation element 4 includes an element body 12 that generates power using the Seebeck effect, a heat radiating plate 15 attached to the outer surface of the element main body 12, and a plurality of heat radiating fins 16 attached to the outer surface of the heat radiating plate 15. doing. In the thermoelectric generator 4, the heat of the surface of the pipe 2 is conducted to the inner surface of the element body 12 (the surface facing the jig 3) through the jig 3, while the heat radiating plate 15 is disposed on the outer surface of the element body 12. Further, heat radiation is performed by the heat radiation fins 16.

  In the thermoelectric generator 1 configured as described above, as described above, the heat of the surface of the pipe 2 is conducted to the inner surface of the element body 12 of the thermoelectric power generation element 4 via the jig 3. On the outer surface of 12, heat radiation by the heat radiating plate 15 and the heat radiating fins 16 is performed. In this way, a temperature difference is formed between the front and back of the thermoelectric power generation element 4 (element body 12), and power generation is performed.

  Here, in the thermoelectric power generation apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a jig made of a material having a thermal conductivity lower than that of the pipe 2 between the thermoelectric power generation element 4 and the pipe 2. 3 is interposed, the amount of heat conducted from the pipe 2 to the thermoelectric generator 4 is reduced by the jig 3. By adjusting the amount of heat in this way, it becomes possible to prevent the occurrence of condensation in the thermoelectric power generation element 4. Further, even when the temperature of the heat medium flowing inside the pipe 2 is higher than the heat resistant temperature of the thermoelectric power generation element 4 (steam, etc.) or in the case of a heat medium having a negative temperature such as brine, the temperature of the thermoelectric power generation element 4 is heat resistant. It can be avoided that the temperature is outside the temperature range, and failure of the thermoelectric generator 4 can be prevented. Further, since the jig 3 is interposed, the thermoelectric generator 4 can be used outside the heat resistant temperature range.

  Here, for example, in the air conditioning piping, the heat medium temperature in the piping 2 varies depending on the piping system (cold water system, brine system, forward piping, return piping, etc.), the amount of heat consumed on the load side, and the set temperature of the refrigerator. To do. Therefore, if the jig 3 having a certain thermal resistance is used, under the predetermined conditions, the thermoelectric power generation element 4 can be prevented from becoming a temperature outside the heat-resistant temperature range and preventing condensation. However, in the pipe 2 under different conditions, the thermoelectric power generation element 4 has insufficient thermal resistance, causing condensation or the like in the thermoelectric power generation element 4, or the thermal resistance is too large. The temperature difference between the front and back becomes smaller, resulting in a problem that the amount of power generation decreases.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the amount of heat conducted to the thermoelectric power generation element 4 is adjusted by changing any of the material, the number of sheets, and the thickness of the jig 3, while avoiding condensation and the like for the pipe 2 under different conditions, The temperature difference between the front and back sides of the thermoelectric generator 4 can be increased. Next, the case of changing the material, number of sheets, and thickness of the jig 3 will be described separately.

1. The material of the jig 3 is changed according to the surface temperature of the pipe 2. That is, the material of the jig 3 is determined by the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the pipe 2, the ambient temperature and humidity (dew point temperature), and the heat resistance temperature of the thermoelectric power generation element 4. As will be described later, this determination may be performed at the time of setting before the initial installation of the jig of the present invention, or at the time of repair or the like corresponding to the environmental change after installation (after operation).
(1) When the surface temperature of the pipe 2 is always above the dew point of the ambient temperature and within the heat resistance temperature range of the thermoelectric generator 4 during the installation period, the thermal conductivity of the entire jig 3 is increased. Thus, the heat is efficiently conducted from the surface of the pipe 2 to the thermoelectric generator 4. In this case, for example, a material having high thermal conductivity (aluminum, copper, iron, etc.) is used as the material of the jig body 10, or the jig body 10 is omitted and the heat of the surface of the pipe 2 is transferred to the pipe side. The heat is directly conducted to the thermoelectric power generation element 4 through the support portion 11.
(2) Next, during the installation period, the surface temperature of the pipe 2 may be a temperature slightly lower than the dew point temperature of the ambient temperature or a temperature slightly deviating from the heat resistance temperature range of the thermoelectric power generation element 4. In some cases, the heat conductivity of the entire jig 3 is made relatively low, and the amount of heat conducted from the surface of the pipe 2 to the thermoelectric generator 4 is reduced. In this case, for example, a material having a relatively low thermal conductivity (such as silicon) is used as the material of the jig body 10.
(3) Further, during the installation period, the surface temperature of the pipe 2 may be extremely low with respect to the dew point temperature of the ambient temperature, or may be extremely high (low) with respect to the heat resistant temperature range of the thermoelectric power generation element 4. In some cases, the heat conductivity of the entire jig 3 is considerably reduced, and the amount of heat conducted from the surface of the pipe 2 to the thermoelectric generator 4 is further reduced. In this case, for example, a material having a considerably low thermal conductivity (hard urethane, glass wool plate, rock wool plate, sponge-like material, etc.) is used as the material of the jig body 10.

2. The number of jigs 3 is changed in accordance with the surface temperature of the pipe 2. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the jig body 10 disposed between the pipe-side support portion 11 and the element body 12 is divided into a plurality of jig body portions 10 a and the heat medium flowing through the pipe 2 is divided. The number of jig main body portions 10a to be used is determined according to the temperature, ambient temperature and humidity (dew point temperature), and the heat-resistant temperature of the thermoelectric generator element 4.
(1) When the surface temperature of the pipe 2 is equal to or higher than the dew point temperature of the ambient temperature or within the heat-resistant temperature range of the thermoelectric power generation element 4, the thermal conductivity of the entire jig 3 is increased so that the surface of the pipe 2 Efficiently conduct to the thermoelectric generator 4. In this case, the jig main body portion 10a used for the jig main body 10 is set to the minimum number (for example, one), or the jig main body 10 is omitted (the jig main body portion 10a is zero), and the pipe 2 The heat of the surface is directly conducted to the thermoelectric power generation element 4 through the pipe side support portion 11.
(2) Next, when the surface temperature of the pipe 2 is slightly lower than the dew point temperature of the ambient temperature or slightly deviating from the heat-resistant temperature range of the thermoelectric generator 4, the entire jig 3 The heat conductivity is reduced to a relatively low level to reduce the amount of heat from the surface of the pipe 2 to the thermoelectric generator 4. In this case, for example, the number of jig main body portions 10a used for the jig main body 10 is about 2 to 4, for example, and the amount of heat conducted from the surface of the pipe 2 to the thermoelectric power generation element 4 is reduced.
(3) Furthermore, when the surface temperature of the pipe 2 is extremely low with respect to the dew point temperature of the ambient temperature or extremely high (low) with respect to the heat resistant temperature range of the thermoelectric power generation element 4, the entire jig 3 The heat conductivity of the pipe 2 is considerably reduced, and the amount of heat conducted from the surface of the pipe 2 to the thermoelectric generator 4 is further reduced. In this case, the number of jig main body portions 10 a used for the jig main body 10 is further increased to further reduce the amount of heat conducted from the surface of the pipe 2 to the thermoelectric power generation element 4.
In this way, several pieces of jig main body portions 10a are prepared in advance, and an appropriate number of jig main body portions 10a are superposed in accordance with the temperature of the heat medium, so that the thermoelectric power generation element 4 is formed from the surface of the pipe 2. It is a method of adjusting the thermal resistance during the time. According to this method, there is an advantage that even if the temperature of the heat medium of the attachment pipe is different from the assumed temperature, it can be easily adjusted on site.

3. The thickness of the jig 3 is changed according to the surface temperature of the pipe 2. That is, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the thickness of the jig main body 10 disposed between the pipe-side support portion 11 and the element main body 12 is set to the temperature of the heat medium flowing in the pipe 2 and the surroundings. The temperature and humidity (dew point temperature) and the heat-resistant temperature of the thermoelectric generator 4 are determined.
(1) For example, the heat medium flowing in the pipe 2 is cold water or high-temperature water, and the surface temperature of the pipe 2 is higher than the dew point temperature of the ambient temperature or slightly lower than the dew point temperature, or the thermoelectric generator 4 If the temperature is within the heat-resistant temperature range or slightly outside the heat-resistant temperature range, as shown in FIG. The amount of heat is efficiently conducted from the surface of the pipe 2 to the thermoelectric generator 4.
(2) On the other hand, for example, the heat medium flowing in the pipe 2 is brine or steam, etc., where the surface temperature of the pipe 2 is extremely low with respect to the dew point temperature of the ambient temperature, or the heat resistance temperature range of the thermoelectric generator 4 When the temperature is extremely high (low), as shown in FIG. 3B, the jig body 10 is thickened to lower the overall thermal conductivity of the jig 3, and thermoelectric power generation starts from the surface of the pipe 2. The amount of heat conducted to the element 4 is reduced.
In this method, several kinds of jigs 3 having different thicknesses of the jig body 10 are prepared in advance, and the jig 3 to be used is selected in accordance with the temperature of the heat medium. The thickness of the jig body 10 in each jig 3 is such that the heat medium temperature in the pipe 2 (pipe system, set temperature of the water temperature, etc.), the dew point temperature of the ambient temperature, the heat resistance temperature of the thermoelectric generator element 4, the thermoelectric generator element 4 itself The jig 3 having a thickness of the jig body 10 is used as the condition becomes severer.

In this way, by adjusting the amount of heat conducted to the thermoelectric power generation element 4 by changing any of the material, the number of sheets, and the thickness of the jig 3, the occurrence of condensation or the thermoelectric power generation element 4 is out of the heat resistant temperature range. While avoiding this, the temperature difference between the front and back of the thermoelectric power generation element 4 is also increased, and efficient power generation can be performed. In addition, since the jig 3 is interposed, the thermoelectric generator 4 can be used outside the heat resistant temperature range. For example, the electric power necessary for the thermometer described in Japanese Patent No. 4949081 can be provided, and a measurement system that does not require a power source can be constructed.
Note that the fluid temperature in the pipe 2 (surface temperature of the pipe 2) and the ambient dew point temperature during the period in which the thermoelectric generator element 4 is installed are predicted, and the thermoelectric generator element 4 is heat resistant under all predicted temperature conditions. The material, the number of sheets, and the thickness of the jig body 10 can be set in advance so that the temperature is within the range and no condensation occurs. In addition, when the fluid temperature in the pipe 2 at the installation location changes from the initial design, such as when the operation is switched in summer and winter, or when the heat consumption on the load side changes (layout change, etc.), the fluid in the pipe 2 The predicted values of the temperature (surface temperature of the pipe 2) and the ambient dew point temperature are reviewed, and the material, number and thickness of the jig body 10 can be set and changed again.

  Next, a thermoelectric generator 1 'according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in this thermoelectric generator 1 ′, the thermoelectric generator element 4 is integrally supported by the flexible member 20. The flexible member 20 is a material having appropriate hardness at both ends of a band-shaped flexible member main body 21 made of a heat-insulating, flexible, elastic material or a thickness (for example, a rubber material such as silicon rubber). A support portion 22 made of (for example, an acrylic plate) is fixed with an adhesive or the like, and a locking tool 23 such as a hook is attached to the support portion 22. A hole having the same size as the element main body 15 of the thermoelectric power generation element 4 is opened in the center of the flexible member main body 21, and the element main body 15 of the thermoelectric power generation element 4 is fitted into the hole, whereby the thermoelectric power generation element 4. Is integrally supported by the flexible member 20. The plurality of heat radiation fins 16 of the thermoelectric power generation element 4 are in a state of protruding to the outside of the flexible member 20.

  The thermal resistance of the flexible member main body 21 is larger than the thermal resistance of the element main body 15 of the thermoelectric power generation element 4 (the heat insulation of the flexible member main body 21 is higher than that of the element main body 15 of the thermoelectric power generation element 4). desirable. This is because, if the thermal resistance of the flexible member main body 21 is larger than the thermal resistance of the element main body 15 of the thermoelectric power generation element 4, condensation or the like can be prevented even on the surface of the flexible member main body 21 itself. Further, the height (thickness) of the flexible member main body 21 in contact with the side surface of the element main body 12 is preferably equal to the height (thickness) of the element main body 15 of the thermoelectric power generation element 4. If the height of the flexible member main body 21 is lower than the height of the element main body 15, the side surface of the element main body 15 protrudes from the flexible member main body 21 and is exposed, and the influence of the ambient temperature from the side surface of the element main body 15. As a result, the temperature difference obtained is reduced. On the contrary, if the height of the flexible member main body 21 is higher than the height of the element main body 15, the element main body 15 is buried in the flexible member main body 21, and air stays in the recessed portion, so that heat dissipation is sufficient. In this case, it is difficult to obtain a temperature difference between the front and back of the element body 15.

  In the thermoelectric generator 1 ′ according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the jig 3 is attached in close contact with the outer surface of the pipe 2, and the flexible member 20 is wound from the outside of the jig 3. . In this way, the thermoelectric power generation element 4 that is integrally supported by the flexible member 20 is attached to the surface of the pipe 2 via the jig 3. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, both ends (support portions 22) of the flexible member main body 21 are pulled, and the flexible member main body 21 is covered on the surface of the pipe 2 via the jig 3. And the locking tools 23 attached to the support part 22 are connected using the chain 25 grade | etc., For example. As a result, the thermoelectric power generation element 4 integrally supported by the flexible member 20 is brought into close contact with the outside of the jig 3, and the thermoelectric power generation element 4 is firmly attached to the surface of the pipe 2 via the jig 3. be able to. In addition, for example, a spring or the like is interposed in the chain 25 or the like, and the thermoelectric power generation element 4 can be reliably brought into close contact with the pipe 2 side (the jig 3) by the force of the spring or the like. In this case, since tension such as a spring can be used, the flexible member 20 only needs to have heat insulation and flexibility, and may not have elasticity. In addition, since the locking tool 23 is being fixed with the support part 22 which consists of hard materials, such as an acrylic board, when connecting the locking tools 23 with the chain 25 etc., the force pulled with the locking tool 23 is a support part. It is possible to evenly transmit to the entire flexible member main body 21 via 22. (Without the support portion 22, the flexible member main body 21 is strongly pulled only at the portion where the locking tool 23 is present, and there is a possibility that the flexible member main body 21 may be broken by applying a large load locally. In addition, it becomes difficult to apply a force equally to the thermoelectric power generation element 4, which causes an installation error.)

  Also in the thermoelectric generator 1 ′ according to this embodiment, the amount of heat conducted from the pipe 2 to the thermoelectric generator element 4 due to the jig 3 interposed between the thermoelectric generator element 4 and the pipe 2. Is adjusted by the jig 3, and it becomes possible to prevent the occurrence of condensation in the thermoelectric power generation element 4. Further, even when the temperature of the heat medium flowing inside the pipe 2 is higher than the heat resistant temperature of the thermoelectric power generation element 4 (steam, etc.) or in the case of a heat medium having a negative temperature such as brine, the temperature of the thermoelectric power generation element 4 is heat resistant. It can be avoided that the temperature is outside the temperature range, and failure of the thermoelectric generator 4 can be prevented. Further, since the jig 3 is interposed, the thermoelectric generator 4 can be used outside the heat resistant temperature range.

  In the thermoelectric generator 1 ′ according to this embodiment, similarly, the amount of heat conducted to the thermoelectric generator 4 by changing any of the material, number, and thickness of the jig 3 (the jig body 10). It is possible to adjust the temperature difference between the front and back of the thermoelectric power generation element 4 while avoiding condensation and the like for the pipes 2 having different conditions. In addition, since the jig 3 is interposed, the thermoelectric generator 4 can be used outside the heat resistant temperature range. For example, the electric power necessary for the thermometer described in Japanese Patent No. 4949081 can be provided, and a measurement system that does not require a power source can be constructed.

  As mentioned above, although an example of embodiment of this invention was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to the form shown here. For example, it is desirable to apply grease or the like having high thermal conductivity between the pipe 2 and the jig 3 or between the jig 3 and the thermoelectric generator 4 to eliminate the generation of an air layer.

  In general, the heat insulating material is coated on the pipe 2 through which the heat medium having a temperature lower than the ambient temperature flows. When the thermoelectric generator 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 is mounted on an existing pipe, an opening having a size that allows the jig 3 and the element body 15 of the thermoelectric generator 4 to be inserted just by cutting a part of the heat insulating material. The jig 3 and the element body 15 of the thermoelectric generator 4 are inserted into the opening, and the thermoelectric generator 1 is attached to the pipe 2. In that case, the radiation fins 16 of the thermoelectric power generation element 4 are projected outward from the heat insulating material.

  In addition, when the thermoelectric generator 1 ′ described in FIGS. 4 to 6 is mounted, a part of the heat insulating material is cut out to form an opening having a size that allows the jig 3 and the flexible member 20 to be just inserted, It is preferable to insert the jig 3 and the flexible member 20 into the opening and attach the thermoelectric generator 1 ′ to the pipe 2. In that case, the seam between the flexible member 20 and the heat insulating material (as in the case of newly installed) is constructed so that the heat insulating material is stacked on the peripheral edge of the flexible member 20, so that dew condensation at the break Can also be prevented.

  When the temperature (30 ° C.) and the humidity (50%) are set as the conditions of the space (for example, the machine room) where the pipe for attaching the thermoelectric generator is installed, the limit surface temperature at which condensation occurs is 19.5 ° C. Therefore, a simulation was performed in which the thickness, number, and material of the jigs were set so that the surface temperature of the thermoelectric power generation element was 19.6 ° C. or higher.

(1) When changing the thickness of the jig according to the situation If the material used for the jig is hard urethane (thermal conductivity: 0.029 W / m · K), it is hard when the fluid temperature in the pipe is 7 ° C. If the thickness of the urethane is 3.8 mm, the surface temperature of the thermoelectric generator is 19.6 ° C. When the fluid temperature in the pipe is 12 ° C., the surface temperature of the thermoelectric generator is 2.3 mm if the thickness of the hard urethane is 2.3 mm. Is 19.6 ° C.

(2) When changing the number of jigs with a certain thickness according to the situation

If the material used for the jig is silicon rubber (thermal conductivity: 0.158 W / m · K) and the thickness of the jig is 1 mm, the number of jigs to be inserted when the fluid temperature in the pipe is 7 ° C If the number is 19 sheets, the surface temperature of the thermoelectric generator is 19.8 ° C. Further, when the fluid temperature in the pipe is 12 ° C., if the number of jigs to be inserted is 12, the surface temperature of the thermoelectric power generation element becomes 19.7 ° C.

  Also, if the material used for the jig is hard urethane (thermal conductivity: 0.029 W / m · K) and the thickness of the jig is 1 mm, the number of jigs to be inserted when the fluid temperature in the pipe is 7 ° C If the number is four, the surface temperature of the thermoelectric power generation element is 20.0 ° C. If the number of jigs to be inserted is 3 when the fluid temperature in the pipe is 12 ° C., the surface temperature becomes 20.7 ° C ..

  If only silicon rubber with relatively high thermal conductivity is used, the number of jigs used will increase, and if only hard urethane is used, it will be difficult to approach the target value of the surface temperature. It may be used. In that case, fine adjustment is made by the number of jigs made of silicon rubber.

(3) When jigs made of different materials are prepared and a material (jig) to be used is selected according to the situation, jigs made of a plurality of types of materials each having a thickness of 8 mm are prepared. When the fluid temperature in the pipe is −9 ° C. (for example, the outgoing pipe of brine, etc.), the surface temperature of the thermoelectric power generation element is 19. using a jig made of hard urethane (thermal conductivity: 0.029 W / m · K). 7 ° C. When the fluid temperature in the pipe is 15 ° C. (for example, a cold water return pipe), the surface temperature of the thermoelectric generator is 19 if a jig made of silicon rubber (thermal conductivity: 0.158 W / m · K) is used. 9 ° C.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1 'Thermoelectric power generation apparatus 2 Piping 3 Jig 4 Thermoelectric power generation element 10 Jig main body 10a Jig main body part 11 Piping side support part 12 Element main body 15 Radiation plate 16 Radiation fin 20 Flexible member 21 Flexible member main body 22 Support part 23 Locking tool 25 Chain

Claims (4)

A method of installing a thermoelectric generator on the surface of a pipe,
A jig made of a material having a thermal conductivity lower than the thermal conductivity of the pipe is attached to the surface of the pipe,
By attaching the thermoelectric power generation element to the surface of the pipe via the jig, the heat of the surface of the pipe is conducted to the thermoelectric power generation element via the jig. How to install the thermoelectric power generation element.   2. The method of installing a thermoelectric power generation element in a pipe according to claim 1, wherein the amount of heat conducted to the thermoelectric power generation element is adjusted by changing any of the material, number of sheets, and thickness of the jig. . A thermoelectric generator installed on the surface of a pipe,
A jig made of a material having a thermal conductivity lower than the thermal conductivity of the pipe, which is attached to the surface of the pipe,
A thermoelectric generator having a thermoelectric generator attached to the surface of the pipe via the jig. Supporting the thermoelectric generator on a flexible member;
The thermoelectric power generation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the thermoelectric power generation element is attached by winding the flexible member around the surface of the pipe via the jig.

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