JP6534339B2 - Power generation circuit and power generation system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a power generation circuit and a power generation system, and more particularly to a power generation system mounted on a vehicle such as a car and a power generation circuit employed in the power generation system.

  Conventionally, in various energy utilization devices such as internal combustion engines such as automobile engines, heat exchangers such as boilers and air conditioners, electric engines such as generators and motors, and light emitting devices such as lights, for example, as exhaust heat and light A lot of thermal energy is released and lost.

  In recent years, from the viewpoint of energy saving, it has been required to recover emitted thermal energy and reuse it as an energy source. As such a system, specifically, for example, a heat source whose temperature rises and falls with time, and a first device which is electrically polarized by a piezo effect, a pyroelectric effect, a Seebeck effect or the like according to a temperature change of the heat source A power generation system has been proposed that includes a dielectric and a second device (such as an electrode) disposed opposite to sandwich the first device in order to extract power from the first device, and further more efficiently. In order to generate power, it has been proposed that a voltage application device applies a voltage to the first device while the temperature of the first device is rising, and stops the application of the voltage during the temperature decrease. In addition, it has been proposed to load the power generation system in a car or the like and, in such a case, to arrange the first device (such as a dielectric) in the exhaust pipe to which the exhaust gas of the car is supplied ( See, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the power generation system described above, the obtained power is stored in the battery from the first device through the second device, and can be consumed as needed.

JP, 2014-113028, A

  On the other hand, in such a power generation system, since the voltage application device is used for power generation by the first device (dielectric or the like), there is a problem that power input from the outside of the circuit is required.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a power generation circuit and a power generation system capable of efficiently extracting power from a power generation element without the need to supply power from the outside.

  The present invention [1] is characterized in that the first power generating element that is electrically polarized when the temperature rises and falls with time and the second that the temperature is temporally raised and lowered separately from the first power generating element A power generation element, a power receiving device to which power extracted from the first power generation element and the second power generation element is supplied, and a first for applying a voltage to both the first power generation element and the second power generation element A second power storage body for applying a voltage to only the first power generation element separately from the power storage body and the first power storage body, and the first power storage body and the second power storage body separately from the first power storage element. A third power storage body for applying a voltage to both the power generation element and the second power generation element, the first power generation element, the second power generation element, the power reception device, the first power storage body, and the second power storage body And a lead connecting the third power storage unit, and the lead A switch system for opening and closing, wherein the lead wire is connected to the first power generation element, the power receiving device and the third power storage body, and the second power generation element, the first power storage body and the second power storage body are connected A second circuit in which the second power generation element, the power receiving device, the second power storage body, and the third power storage body are connected, and the first power generation element and the first power storage body are not connected; A third circuit to which the first power generation element, the first power storage body, and the second power storage body are connected, and the second power generation element, the power reception device, and the third power storage body are not connected; A fourth circuit to which the first power storage unit is connected and the first power generation element, the power reception device, the second power storage unit, and the third power storage unit are not connected, and the first power generation element and the third power storage unit Connection And a fifth circuit to which the second power generation element, the power reception device, the first power storage body and the second power storage body are not connected, the second power generation element and the third power storage body, and the first power generation A sixth circuit to which the element, the power receiving device, the first power storage body and the second power storage body are not connected, and the first power generation element, the power receiving device, the first power storage body and the second power storage body are connected; A seventh circuit to which the second power generation element and the third power storage body are not connected, the second power generation element, the power reception device, the first power storage body, and the second power storage body are connected, and the first power generation element and And an eighth circuit to which the third power storage unit is not connected, the switch system closing the first circuit, the second circuit, the third circuit, and the fourth circuit, and the fifth circuit Circuit, the sixth Path, the first state in which the seventh circuit and the eighth circuit are opened, and the fifth circuit, the sixth circuit, the seventh circuit and the eighth circuit in the closed state, and the first state. A power generation circuit is included that enables switching between the circuit, the second circuit, the third circuit, and the second state in which the fourth circuit is opened.

  The present invention [2] includes the power generation circuit according to the above-mentioned [1], a heat source that raises and lowers the temperature of the first power generation element and the second power generation element with time, the first power generation element and the second power generation. And temperature control means for detecting the temperature of the element, and control means for controlling the switch system based on the detection by the temperature detection means, wherein the first power generation element of the power generation circuit is the second power generation. The power generation system further includes a power generation system that is closer to the heat source than the element, and the temperature of the heat source is transmitted to the first power generation element with higher transfer rate than the second power generation element.

  The present invention [3] is characterized in that the first power generation element, which is electrically polarized when the temperature is raised and lowered with time, and the second electricity generation element, where the temperature is raised and lowered with time, separately from the first power generation element. A power generation element, a power receiving device to which power extracted from the first power generation element and the second power generation element is supplied, and a first for applying a voltage to both the first power generation element and the second power generation element A second power storage body for applying a voltage only to the second power generation element separately from the power storage body and the first power storage body, and the first power storage body and the second power storage body separately from the first power storage element. A third power storage body for applying a voltage to both the power generation element and the second power generation element, the first power generation element, the second power generation element, the power reception device, the first power storage body, and the second power storage body And a lead connecting the third power storage unit, and the lead A switch system for opening and closing, wherein the lead wire is connected to the first power generation element, the power reception device, the second power storage body, and the third power storage body, and the second power generation element and the first power storage body are connected A second circuit in which the second power generation element, the power receiving device, the second power storage body, and the third power storage body are connected, and the first power generation element and the first power storage body are not connected; A third circuit to which the first power generation element and the first power storage body are connected and the second power generation element, the power reception device, the second power storage body, and the third power storage body are not connected; A fourth circuit to which the first power storage unit is connected and the first power generation element, the power reception device, the second power storage unit, and the third power storage unit are not connected, and the first power generation element and the third power storage unit Connection And a fifth circuit to which the second power generation element, the power reception device, the first power storage body and the second power storage body are not connected, and the second power generation element, the second power storage body and the third power storage body And a sixth circuit to which the first power generation element, the power reception device, and the first power storage body are not connected, and the first power generation element, the power reception device, the first power storage body, and the second power storage body are connected. A seventh circuit to which the second power generation element and the third power storage body are not connected, the second power generation element, the power reception device, and the first power storage body are connected, and the first power generation element, the second power storage body, and And an eighth circuit to which the third power storage unit is not connected, the switch system closing the first circuit, the second circuit, the third circuit, and the fourth circuit, and the fifth circuit Circuit, the sixth Path, the first state in which the seventh circuit and the eighth circuit are opened, and the fifth circuit, the sixth circuit, the seventh circuit and the eighth circuit in the closed state, and the first state. A power generation circuit is included that enables switching between the circuit, the second circuit, the third circuit, and the second state in which the fourth circuit is opened.

  The present invention [4] includes the power generation circuit according to the above-mentioned [3], a heat source that raises and lowers the temperature of the first power generation element and the second power generation element with time, the first power generation element and the second power generation. And temperature control means for detecting the temperature of the element, and control means for controlling the switch system based on the detection by the temperature detection means, wherein the first power generation element of the power generation circuit is the second power generation. The power generation system further includes a power generation system that is closer to the heat source than the element, and the temperature of the heat source is transmitted to the first power generation element with higher transfer rate than the second power generation element.

  According to the power generation circuit and the power generation system of the present invention, the energy can be applied to the power generation element by using the energy generated in the power generation unit, thereby eliminating the need for external power input and efficiently extracting power from the power generation element. be able to.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the power generation circuit of the first invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing first to fourth circuits in the power generation circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing fifth to eighth circuits in the power generation circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a power generation system in which the power generation circuit shown in FIG. 1 is employed. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a state during heating of the element in the power generation circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the start of cooling of the element in the power generation circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a state in which the element is cooling in the power generation circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a heating start state of the element in the power generation circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the power generation circuit of the first invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the power generation circuit of the second invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing first to fourth circuits in the power generation circuit shown in FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing fifth to eighth circuits in the power generation circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a power generation system in which the power generation circuit shown in FIG. 10 is employed. FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing a state in which the element is heated in the power generation circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing the start of cooling of the element in the power generation circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing a state in which the element is cooling in the power generation circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing a heating start state of the element in the power generation circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the power generation circuit according to the second aspect of the present invention.

1. First Invention FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of the first invention.

  In FIG. 1, the power generation circuit 1 includes a power generation unit 2, a power reception unit 3, a first power storage unit 4, a second power storage unit 5, a third power storage unit 8, a lead wire 6 connecting them, and a lead wire 6. And a switch system 7 for controlling the flow of current.

  The power generation unit 2 includes a first power generation element 9, and a pair of electrodes (not shown) disposed opposite to each other with the first power generation element 9 interposed therebetween, a second power generation element 19, and a second power generation element 19 thereof. And a pair of electrodes (not shown) disposed opposite to each other. In FIG. 1, the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are represented by a capacitor symbol.

  The first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 (hereinafter, sometimes collectively referred to as a power generation element) are devices that are electrically polarized as the temperature rises and falls with time.

  Here, the term “electric polarization” refers to a phenomenon that dielectric polarization is caused by displacement of positive and negative ions due to distortion of a crystal to generate a potential difference, such as a piezoelectric effect and / or a phenomenon that a dielectric constant changes to cause a potential difference, such as pyroelectric It is defined as a phenomenon in which an electromotive force occurs in a material, such as an effect.

  More specifically, as such a power generation element, for example, a device that performs electrical polarization by a piezo effect, a device that performs electrical polarization by a pyroelectric effect, and the like can be given.

  The piezo effect is an effect (phenomenon) of electrical polarization when stress or strain is applied, depending on the magnitude of the stress or strain.

  The power generation element to be electrically polarized by such a piezoelectric effect is not particularly limited, and a known piezoelectric element (piezoelectric element) can be used.

  When a piezo element is used as a power generation element, for example, the periphery of the piezo element is fixed by a fixing member. The fixing member is not particularly limited, and for example, an electrode (not shown) may be used.

  The pyroelectric effect is, for example, an effect (phenomena) in which the insulator is electrically polarized according to the temperature change when heating and cooling the insulator (dielectric) or the like, and includes the first effect and the second effect. It is.

  The first effect is that when the insulator is heated and cooled, it spontaneously polarizes due to the temperature change, and is considered as an effect of generating a charge on the surface of the insulator.

  The second effect is the effect that pressure deformation occurs in the crystal structure due to temperature change during heating and cooling of the insulator, and piezoelectric polarization is caused by stress or strain applied to the crystal structure (piezo effect, piezoelectric effect ).

  It does not restrict | limit especially as a device electrically polarized by such a pyroelectric effect, A well-known pyroelectric element can be used.

As such a power generation element, specifically, known pyroelectric elements (for example, BaTiO ₃ , CaTiO ₃ , (CaBi) TiO ₃ , BaNd ₂ Ti ₅ O ₁₄ , BaSm ₂ Ti ₄ O ₁₂ , zirconate titanate) Lead (PZT: Pb (Zr, Ti) O ₃ ), etc., known piezo elements (eg, quartz (SiO ₂ ), zinc oxide (ZnO), Rochelle salt (potassium sodium tartrate) (KNaC ₄ H ₄ O ₆₎ ), Lead zirconate titanate (PZT: Pb (Zr, Ti) O ₃ ), lithium niobate (LiNbO ₃ ), lithium tantalate (LiTaO ₃ ), lithium tetraborate (Li ₂ B ₄ O ₇ ), langasite (La ₃ Ga ₅ SiO ₁₄ ), aluminum nitride (AlN), tourmaline (tourmaline), polyvinylidene fluoride (PV) DF) etc.), Ca ₃ (VO ₄ ) ₂ , Ca ₃ (VO ₄ ) ₂ / Ni, LiNbO ₃ , LiNbO ₃ / Ni, LiTaO ₃ , LiTaO ₃ / Ni, Li (Nb _0.4 Ta _0.6 ) Using O ₃ , Li (Nb _0.4 Ta _0.6 ) O ₃ / Ni, Ca ₃ {(Nb, Ta) O ₄ } ₂ , Ca ₃ {(Nb, Ta) O ₄ } ₂ / Ni, etc. Can.

Further, as the power generation element, LaNbO ₃ , LiNbO ₃ , KNbO ₃ , MgNbO ₃ , CaNbO ₃ , (K _1/2 Na _1/2 ) NbO ₃ , (K _1/2 Na _1/2 ) NbO ₃ / Ni, (Bi _1/2 K _1/4 Na _1/4 ) NbO ₃ , (Sr _1/100 (K _1/2 Na _1/2 ) _99/100 ) NbO ₃ , (Ba _1/100 (K _{1 / 2} Na _1/2 ) _99/100 ) NbO ₃ , (Li _1/10 (K _1/2 Na _1/2 ) _9/10 ) NbO ₃ , Sr ₂ NaNb ₅ O ₁₅ , Sr _19/10 Ca _{1/10 NaNb 5 O 15, Sr 19/10 Ca} 1/10 NaNb 5 O 15 / Ni, Ba 2 NaNbO 15, Ba 2 Nb 2 O 6, Ba 2 NaNbO 15 / Ni, Ba 2 Nb 2 O 6 / N It is also possible to use a dielectric such as.

  These power generation elements can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  In addition, the power generation element is usually used after being subjected to polling processing by a known method.

  The Curie point of the power generation element is, for example, −77 ° C. or more, preferably −10 ° C. or more, and for example, 1300 ° C. or less, preferably 900 ° C. or less.

  The relative permittivity of the power generation element (insulator (dielectric)) is, for example, 1 or more, preferably 100 or more, and more preferably 2000 or more.

  In such a power generation circuit 1, the higher the relative dielectric constant of the power generation element (insulator (dielectric)), the higher the energy conversion efficiency, and power can be taken out at a high voltage, but the relative dielectric constant of the power generation element is If it is less than the said lower limit, energy conversion efficiency may be low and the voltage of the obtained electric power may become low.

  Although the power generation element (insulator (dielectric)) is electrically polarized by temperature change, the electrical polarization may be any of electronic polarization, ion polarization and orientation polarization.

  For example, in materials (such as liquid crystal materials and the like) in which polarization is induced by orientation polarization, it is expected that the power generation efficiency can be improved by changing the molecular structure.

  In FIG. 1, the power generating element is electrically polarized so that the electrode on one side (left side in the drawing) has a positive charge and the electrode on the other side (right side in the drawing) has a negative charge during heating.

  In addition, in the power generation element, the electrode on one side (the left side in the drawing) is negatively charged during cooling, and the electrode on the other side (the right side in the drawing) is electrically polarized so that the electrostatic charge is obtained.

  The first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are separately provided, and each individually polarizes in response to a temperature change.

  The power receiving unit 3 is a unit to which the power extracted from the power generating element described above is supplied, and includes a power receiving capacitor 10 as a power receiving device.

  The power receiving capacitor 10 is a device that receives and accumulates the power extracted from the power generation element, and is electrically connected to each of the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 via a diode or the like (not shown). ing.

  The first storage unit 4 includes a first capacitor 11 as a first storage body for applying a voltage to the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19.

  The first capacitor 11 is a known capacitor employed in an electric circuit, and is interposed in a third circuit C (described later) of the conducting wire 6, a fourth circuit D (described later), a seventh circuit G and an eighth circuit H It is designed to be able to store electrical energy. The electrostatic capacity and rated voltage of the first capacitor 11 are not particularly limited, and are appropriately set according to the purpose and application, and the electrostatics of the second capacitor 12 (described later), the third capacitor 13 (described later) and the power receiving capacitor 10 Balance with capacity and rated voltage is adjusted. Specifically, the rated voltage of the first capacitor 11 is 12 to 400 V, for example.

  The first capacitor 11 is supplied with the electric power extracted from the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 and is stored, which will be described in detail later.

  The second storage unit 5 includes a second capacitor 12 as a second storage body for applying a voltage only to the first power generation element 9 separately from the first capacitor 11.

  The second capacitor 12 is a known capacitor employed in an electric circuit, and includes a second circuit B (described later) of the lead 6, a third circuit C (described later), a seventh circuit G (described later) and an eighth circuit H. It is provided so as to be interposed (described later), and can store electrical energy. The capacitance and rated voltage of the second capacitor 12 are not particularly limited, and are appropriately set according to the purpose and application, and the capacitance and rating of the first capacitor 11, the third capacitor 13 (described later) and the power receiving capacitor 10 The balance with the voltage is adjusted. Specifically, the rated voltage of the second capacitor 12 is 12 to 400 V, for example. Moreover, the sum total of the rated voltage of the first capacitor 11 and the rated voltage of the second capacitor 12 is, for example, 24 to 800 V, preferably 24 to 400 V. It is.

  Further, the second capacitor 12 is supplied with the electric power extracted from the first power generation element 9 and is stored, which will be described in detail later.

  The third storage unit 8 includes a third capacitor 13 as a third storage body for applying a voltage to the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 separately from the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12. ing.

  The third capacitor 13 is a known capacitor employed in an electric circuit, and includes a first circuit A (described later), a second circuit B (described later), a fifth circuit E (described later) and a sixth circuit F of the conductive wire 6. It is provided so as to be interposed (described later), and can store electrical energy. The capacitance and rated voltage of the third capacitor 13 are not particularly limited, and are appropriately set according to the purpose and application, and the capacitance and rated voltage of the first capacitor 11, the second capacitor 12 and the receiving capacitor 10 are not particularly limited. Balance is adjusted. Specifically, the rated voltage of the third capacitor 13 is, for example, 0 to 12 V, preferably 5 to 12 V.

  The third capacitor 13 is supplied with the electric power extracted from the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 and is stored, which will be described in detail later.

  The lead wire 6 is connected to the first power generation element 9, the second power generation element 19, the power reception capacitor 10, the first capacitor 11, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13, and the first circuit A, the second circuit B, The third circuit C, the fourth circuit D, the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, the seventh circuit G, and the eighth circuit H are configured.

  In the following, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, first circuit A, second circuit B, third circuit C, fourth circuit D, fifth circuit E, sixth circuit F, seventh circuit G and eighth The circuit H will be described. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the reference numerals of the respective members described in FIG. 1 are not described, and the loop of the circuit is schematically shown.

  As described in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first circuit A is connected to the first power generation element 9, the power reception capacitor 10, and the third capacitor 13, and also with the second power generation element 19 and the first capacitor. 11 is a circuit configured in an annular portion of the conductor 6 so that the 11 and the second capacitor 12 are not connected.

  That is, the first power generation element 9, the power reception capacitor 10 and the third capacitor 13 are connected to the first circuit A, and the second power generation element 19, the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12 are not connected.

  In the second circuit B, as described in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second power generation element 19, the power reception capacitor 10, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 are connected, and the first power generation element 9 is a circuit configured in an annular portion of the lead wire 6 so that 9 and the first capacitor 11 are not connected.

  That is, the second power generation element 19, the power reception capacitor 10, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 are connected to the second circuit B, and the first power generation element 9 and the first capacitor 11 are not connected. .

  In the third circuit C, as described in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first power generation element 9, the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12 are connected, and the second power generation element 19 and the power reception capacitor It is a circuit configured in the annular portion of the conductor 6 so that the 10 and the third capacitor 13 are not connected.

  That is, the first power generation element 9, the first capacitor 11, and the second capacitor 12 are connected to the third circuit C, and the second power generation element 19, the power reception capacitor 10, and the third capacitor 13 are not connected.

  As described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the fourth circuit D is connected to the second power generation element 19 and the first capacitor 11, and has a first power generation element, a power reception capacitor 10, a second capacitor 12 and a third It is a circuit configured in an annular portion of the conductor 6 so that the capacitor 13 is not connected.

  That is, the second power generation element 19 and the first capacitor 11 are connected to the fourth circuit D, and the first power generation element, the power reception capacitor 10, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 are not connected.

  In the fifth circuit E, as described in FIGS. 1 and 3, the first power generation element 9 and the third capacitor 13 are connected, and the second power generation element 19, the power reception capacitor 10, and the first capacitor 11 is a circuit configured in an annular portion of the conductor 6 so that the 11 and the second capacitor 12 are not connected.

  That is, the first power generation element 9 and the third capacitor 13 are connected to the fifth circuit E, and the second power generation element 19, the power reception capacitor 10, the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12 are not connected.

  In the sixth circuit F, as described in FIGS. 1 and 3, the second power generation element 19 and the third capacitor 13 are connected, and the first power generation element 9, the power reception capacitor 10, and the first capacitor 11 is a circuit configured in an annular portion of the conductor 6 so that the 11 and the second capacitor 12 are not connected.

  That is, the second power generation element 19 and the third capacitor 13 are connected to the sixth circuit F, and the first power generation element 9, the power reception capacitor 10, the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12 are not connected.

  In the seventh circuit G, as described in FIGS. 1 and 3, the first power generation element 9, the power reception capacitor 10, the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12 are connected, and the second power generation element It is a circuit configured in an annular portion of the conductor 6 so that the 19 and the third capacitor 13 are not connected.

  That is, the first power generation element 9, the power reception capacitor 10, the first capacitor 11, and the second capacitor 12 are connected to the seventh circuit G, and the second power generation element 19 and the third capacitor 13 are not connected.

  In the eighth circuit H, as described in FIGS. 1 and 3, the second power generation element 19, the power reception capacitor 10, the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12 are connected, and the first power generation element It is a circuit configured in the annular portion of the conductor 6 so that the 9 and the third capacitor 13 are not connected.

  That is, the second power generation element 19, the power reception capacitor 10, the first capacitor 11, and the second capacitor 12 are connected to the eighth circuit H, and the first power generation element 9 and the third capacitor 13 are not connected.

  In the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C, the fourth circuit D, the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, the seventh circuit G and the eighth circuit H, the conductor 6 is partially shared. By

  More specifically, the conductor 6 includes the first common conductor 21, the second common conductor 22, the third common conductor 23, the fourth common conductor 24, the fifth common conductor 25, and the sixth common conductor 26. , A seventh common lead 27, an eighth common lead 28, a ninth common lead 29, and a tenth common lead 30.

  The first common conducting wire 21 is disposed to connect between the power reception capacitor 10 and the third capacitor 13.

  The second common conducting wire 22 is disposed to connect between the third capacitor 13 and the second capacitor 12.

  The third common conducting wire 23 is disposed to connect between the second capacitor 12 and the first capacitor 11.

  The fourth common flow line 24 is disposed to connect between the first capacitor 11 and the power receiving capacitor 10.

  The fifth common conducting wire 25 is provided to branch from the middle part of the first common conducting wire 21, and connects the middle part of the first common conducting wire 21 and the middle part of the fourth common conducting wire 24, It is arranged.

  The sixth common conducting wire 26 is provided to branch from the middle part of the second common conducting wire 22, and is arranged to connect between the middle part of the second common conducting wire 22 and the first power generating element 9. ing.

  The seventh shared conductor 27 is provided to branch from an intermediate portion of the fifth shared conductor 25 (specifically, between the first switch SW1 (described later) and the second switch SW2 (described later)), It arrange | positions so that between the middle part of the common conducting wire 25 and the 1st electric power generation element 9 may be connected.

  The eighth common conducting wire 28 is provided to branch from the middle part of the third common conducting wire 23, and is provided to connect between the middle part of the third common conducting wire 23 and the second power generating element 19. ing.

  The ninth common conducting wire 29 is provided to branch from the middle part of the seventh common conducting wire 27, and is provided to connect between the middle part of the seventh common conducting wire 27 and the second power generating element 19. ing.

  The tenth common conducting wire 30 is provided to branch from the middle part of the sixth common conducting wire 26, and connects the middle part of the sixth common conducting wire 26 and the middle part of the eighth common conducting wire 28, It is arranged.

  In the conductor 6, all or part of the first common conductor 21, the second common conductor 22, the sixth common conductor 26, the seventh common conductor 27, the fifth common conductor 25 and the fourth common conductor 24 is annular The first circuit A is formed.

  The first shared conductor 21, the second shared conductor 22, the third shared conductor 23, the eighth shared conductor 28, the ninth shared conductor 29, the seventh shared conductor 27, the fifth shared conductor 25 and the fourth shared conductor 24. , In whole or in part form a circular second circuit B.

  In addition, all or a part of the sixth shared conductor 26, the second shared conductor 22, the third shared conductor 23, the fourth shared conductor 24, the fifth shared conductor 25 and the seventh shared conductor 27 is an annular third circuit C is formed.

  In addition, all or a part of the eighth shared conductor 28, the third shared conductor 23, the fourth shared conductor 24, the fifth shared conductor 25, the seventh shared conductor 27 and the ninth shared conductor 29 is an annular fourth circuit It forms D.

  Further, all or a part of the seventh shared conductor 27, the fifth shared conductor 25, the first shared conductor 21, the second shared conductor 22 and the sixth shared conductor 26 form an annular fifth circuit E. .

  The ninth shared conductor 29, the seventh shared conductor 27, the fifth shared conductor 25, the first shared conductor 21, the second shared conductor 22, the sixth shared conductor 26, the tenth shared conductor 30 and the eighth shared conductor 28 , All or a part form a circular sixth circuit F.

  Further, all or part of the seventh shared conductor 27, the fifth shared conductor 25, the first shared conductor 21, the fourth shared conductor 24, the third shared conductor 23, the second shared conductor 22 and the sixth shared conductor 26 are , Forms an annular seventh circuit G.

  The ninth common conductor 29, the seventh common conductor 27, the fifth common conductor 25, the first common conductor 21, the fourth common conductor 24, the third common conductor 23, the second common conductor 22, the sixth common conductor 26, All or a part of the tenth common conductor 30 and the eighth common conductor 28 form an annular eighth circuit H.

  The switch system 7 is a switch system for opening and closing the conducting wire 6 and controlling (determining the direction of) the current flow in the conducting wire 6. The switch system 7 includes a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, a third switch, and a fourth switch. A switch SW4 is provided.

  The first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are provided to be spaced apart from each other so as to be interposed by the fifth shared conductor 25.

  More specifically, the first switch SW1 is a part of the fifth shared conductor 25 (specifically, a region between the connection portion of the fourth shared conductor 24 and the connection portion of the seventh shared conductor 27) , And can control the opening and closing of the first circuit A to the eighth circuit H.

  In addition, the second switch SW2 is interposed in the other part of the fifth common conducting wire 25 (specifically, an area between the connecting portion of the first common conducting wire 21 and the connecting portion of the seventh common conducting wire 27) It is possible to control the opening and closing of the first circuit A to the eighth circuit H.

  The third switch SW3 is interposed in an intermediate portion of the eighth shared conductor 28 (specifically, in a region between a connection portion of the third shared conductor 23 and a connection portion of the tenth shared conductor 30), The opening and closing of the first circuit A to the eighth circuit H can be controlled.

  The fourth switch SW4 is interposed in the tenth common conducting wire 30, and can control the opening and closing of the first circuit A to the eighth circuit H.

  The first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3, and the fourth switch SW4 are electrically connected to control means such as a control unit 34 (described later), and the opening / closing of the first switch SW1 is controlled.

  More specifically, for example, when the first switch SW1 and the third switch SW3 are closed and the second switch SW2 and the fourth switch SW4 are opened, the first circuit A, the second circuit A The circuit B, the third circuit C and the fourth circuit D are closed, and the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, the seventh circuit G and the eighth circuit H are opened (first state) .

  Also, for example, the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, the fourth circuit SW, and the fourth circuit F are opened by closing the second switch SW2 and the fourth switch SW4 and opening the first switch SW1 and the third switch SW3. The seventh circuit G and the eighth circuit H are closed, and the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C and the fourth circuit D are opened (second state).

  Such a power generation circuit 1 takes power from a power generation system 31 described below, specifically, the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19, and receives the power from the power reception unit 3, the first power storage unit 4, It is suitably used in the power generation system 31 that supplies the second power storage unit 5 and the third power storage unit 8.

  In FIG. 4, the power generation system 31 includes the power generation circuit 1 described above, a heat source 32 that raises and lowers the temperature of the power generation elements (the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19) in the power generation circuit 1 with time. A temperature sensor 33 as temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the element, and a control unit 34 as control means for controlling each switch of the power generation circuit 1 based on the detection of the temperature sensor 33 are provided. Note that FIG. 4 schematically shows the power generation circuit 1.

  The heat source 32 is not particularly limited as long as the temperature rises and falls with time, and examples thereof include various energy utilization devices such as an internal combustion engine and a light emitting device.

  The internal combustion engine is, for example, a device that outputs power of a vehicle or the like, and for example, a single-cylinder type or a multi-cylinder type is adopted, and in each cylinder, a multi-cycle type (for example, a two-cycle type, four cycles) System, 6 cycle system, etc.

  In such an internal combustion engine, the raising and lowering motion of the piston is repeated in each cylinder, whereby, for example, in the 4-cycle system, the intake process, the compression process, the explosion process, the exhaust process, etc. It is burned and power is output.

  In such an internal combustion engine, in the exhaust process, high temperature exhaust gas is exhausted through the exhaust gas pipe, thermal energy is transmitted using the exhaust gas as a heat medium, and the internal temperature of the exhaust gas pipe rises.

  On the other hand, in the other processes (processes excluding the exhaust process), the amount of exhaust gas in the exhaust gas pipe is reduced, so the internal temperature of the exhaust gas pipe drops compared to the exhaust process.

  In this way, the temperature of the internal combustion engine rises in the exhaust process and falls in the intake process, the compression process and the explosion process, that is, rises and falls over time.

  In particular, since each of the above-described steps is cyclically and sequentially repeated according to the piston cycle, the inside of the exhaust gas pipe of each cylinder in the internal combustion engine is periodically cycled with the repetition of each of the above-described steps. The temperature change, more specifically, the high temperature state and the low temperature state are periodically repeated.

  The light emitting device uses, for example, light such as infrared light or visible light as a heat medium during lighting (light emission), and the temperature rises due to the heat energy, while the temperature decreases when the light is turned off. Therefore, the temperature of the light emitting device rises and falls with time by turning on (emitting light) and turning off.

  In particular, for example, in the case where the light emitting device is a light emitting device in which lighting on and off is repeated intermittently over time (flashing type light emitting device), the light emitting device is turned on (light emitting) Due to the heat energy of the light at the temperature, the temperature change, more specifically, the high temperature state and the low temperature state are periodically repeated.

  Further, the heat source 32 may further include, for example, a plurality of heat sources, and a temperature change can be generated by switching between the plurality of heat sources.

  More specifically, for example, two heat sources of a low temperature heat source (such as a coolant) and a high temperature heat source (such as a heating material) having a temperature higher than that of the low temperature heat source are prepared as heat sources. The form which uses a low temperature heat source and a high temperature heat source alternately and uses it is mentioned.

  As a result, the temperature as the heat source can be raised and lowered over time, and the temperature can be changed periodically by repeating the switching between the low temperature heat source and the high temperature heat source, among others.

  The heat source 32 having a plurality of switchable heat sources is not particularly limited, and for example, a high temperature air provided with a low temperature air supply system for combustion, a heat storage type heat exchanger, a high temperature gas exhaust system, and a supply / exhaust switching valve. Combustion furnace (for example, high temperature gas generator described in re-publication 96-5474), for example, high temperature heat source, low temperature heat source, seawater exchange device using hydrogen storage alloy (hydrogen storage alloy actuator type seawater exchange device), etc. Can be mentioned.

  As these heat sources 32, the said heat source can be used individually or in combination of 2 or more types.

  The heat source 32 preferably includes a heat source that changes its temperature periodically with time.

  Further, as the heat source 32, preferably, an internal combustion engine can be mentioned.

  Such a heat source 32 is placed in contact with or in proximity to the power generation element in order to heat and / or cool the power generation element.

  Specifically, the heat source 32 is disposed closer to the first power generation element 9 than the second power generation element 19. In other words, the first power generation element 9 is disposed closer to the heat source 32 than the second power generation element 19, and the second power generation element 19 is separated from the heat source 32 more than the first power generation element 9. To be arranged.

  Thereby, the heat of the heat source 32 can be transmitted to the first power generation element 9 more efficiently than the second power generation element 19.

  The temperature sensor 33 is provided in proximity to or in contact with the power generation element in order to detect the temperature of the power generation element. Specifically, a plurality of (two) temperature sensors 33 are provided corresponding to each of the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19. The temperature sensors 33 directly detect the surface temperature of the power generation element as the temperature of the power generation element, or detect the ambient temperature around the power generation element. As the temperature sensor 33, for example, a known temperature sensor such as an infrared radiation thermometer or a thermocouple thermometer is used.

  The control unit 34 is a unit (for example, ECU: Electronic Control Unit) that executes electrical control in the power generation system 31, and is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

  The control unit 34 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 33 and the switch system 7 (see dashed line). Although this will be described in detail later, the switch system 7 is controlled in accordance with the temperature of the power generation element detected by the above-described temperature sensor 33, whereby each circuit (conductor 6) in the power generation circuit 1 can be opened and closed. There is.

  Further, in the power generation system 31, electrical energy is accumulated in advance in the first capacitor 11, the second capacitor 12 and the second capacitor 13.

  The method of storing electrical energy is not particularly limited, and, for example, electrical energy may be stored in advance from an external power source, or, for example, electrical energy generated by electrical polarization of a power generating element may be stored. .

  Then, in order to generate power by such a power generation system 31, for example, first, the temperature of the heat source 32 is temporally changed over time, preferably periodically, and the heat source 32 causes the first power generation element 9 to Heat and / or cool.

  The temperature of the heat source 32 is, for example, 200 to 1200 ° C., preferably 700 to 900 ° C. in the high temperature state, and the temperature in the low temperature state is less than the temperature in the high temperature state, more specifically, for example 100 to 800 ° C., preferably 200 to 500 ° C., and the temperature difference between the high temperature state and the low temperature state is, for example, 10 to 600 ° C., preferably 20 to 500 ° C.

  Also, the repetition cycle of the high temperature state and the low temperature state is, for example, 10 to 400 cycles / second, preferably 30 to 100 cycles / second.

  Then, in response to such a temperature change, the above-described power generation element is preferably subjected to periodic electrical polarization.

  More specifically, when a piezo element is used as a power generation element, for example, the piezo element is fixed by its fixing member by a fixing member, and contacts the heat source 32 or transfers heat of the heat source 32 It is arranged to be in contact (exposure) with a medium (exhaust gas, light, etc. described above). Then, the piezoelectric element is heated or cooled (possibly through a heat medium (such as the above-mentioned exhaust gas, light, etc.)) by the temperature change of the heat source 32 with time, thereby expanding or contracting. At this time, since the piezoelectric element is suppressed in volume expansion by the fixing member, the piezoelectric element is pressed by the fixing member and is electrically polarized by the piezoelectric effect (piezoelectric effect) or phase transformation near the Curie point. .

  Also, such a piezo element is usually maintained in a heated or cooled state, and when its temperature becomes constant (that is, the volume is constant), the electric polarization is neutralized and then cooled or heated, Electrically polarized again. Therefore, as described above, when the temperature of the heat source 32 changes periodically and the high temperature state and the low temperature state are periodically repeated, etc., the piezo element is periodically heated and cooled repeatedly. Electrical polarization and its neutralization are repeated periodically.

  When a pyroelectric element is used as a power generation element, the pyroelectric element is in contact with the heat source 32 or in contact with a heat medium (exhaust gas, light, etc. described above) that transmits the heat of the heat source 32 Placed to be exposed. In such a case, the pyroelectric element is heated or cooled (possibly through a heat medium (such as the above-mentioned exhaust gas, light, etc.)) by the temperature change of the heat source 32 with time, and the pyroelectric effect (second (1) including the effect and the second effect).

  In addition, such a pyroelectric element is normally maintained in a heated or cooled state, and when its temperature becomes constant, the electric polarization is neutralized, and then it is electrically polarized again by being cooled or heated. . Therefore, as described above, when the temperature of the heat source 32 changes periodically, and the high temperature state and the low temperature state are periodically repeated, the pyroelectric element is periodically heated and cooled repeatedly. The electrical polarization of the device and its neutralization are repeated periodically.

  At this time, the first power generation element 9 is disposed closer to the heat source 32 than the second power generation element 19, and the second power generation element 19 is closer to the heat source 32 than the first power generation element 9. It is arranged to be separated. Therefore, the heat of the heat source 32 is transmitted to the first power generation element 9 more efficiently than the second power generation element 19.

  As a result, first, the first power generation element 9 receives the temperature change of the heat source 32, and is electrically polarized. At the same time, the temperature change of the heat source 32 is slightly smoothed. After that, the second power generation element 19 receives the temperature change of the heat source 32 which is slightly smoothed, and is electrically polarized.

  Thus, the temperature of the power generation element changes with time, and in response to the temperature change, the element electrically polarizes.

  On the other hand, in such a power generation system 31, in order to generate power more efficiently, it is required to apply a voltage to the power generation element according to the temperature state of the power generation element.

  In addition, in order to generate power particularly efficiently, it is required to set the voltage applied to the power generation element according to the temperature condition (temperature change amount, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, etc.) of the power generation element.

  Specifically, for example, a relatively high voltage is required to be applied to the power generation element having a large temperature change and a relatively high maximum temperature, while the temperature change is small and the maximum It may be required to apply a relatively low voltage at a temperature rise when the temperature of the power generation element is relatively low.

  In such a case, in the power generation circuit 1 and the power generation system 31 described above, first, the first power generation element 9 receives a temperature change of the heat source 32, and then the second power generation element 19 receives a temperature change of the heat source 32. The one power generation element 9 is heated more efficiently than the second power generation element 19.

  As a result, in the power generation circuit 1 and the power generation system 31 described above, the temperature change amount and the maximum temperature of the first power generation element 9 become higher than the temperature change amount and the maximum temperature of the second power generation element 19.

  That is, when the temperature rises, it is required to make the voltage applied to the first power generation element 9 larger than the voltage applied to the second power generation element 19.

  Therefore, as described below, the switch system 7 is controlled by the control unit 34, and the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are different depending on the power generated by the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19, respectively. Apply a voltage.

  Although the current and voltage in the power generation circuit 1 will be described below, in the power generation circuit 1, the flow path, flow direction, and magnitude of each current described above are switched appropriately so that the voltage of the entire circuit is balanced.

  The control method of the circuit will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 schematically show the directions of the current in the circuit without partially describing the reference numerals of the respective members described in FIG.

More specifically, in this power generation system 31, for example,
(1) First, as shown in FIG. 5, the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are heated to raise the temperature.

  In the power generation system 31, when the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are heated and the temperature rises, the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 have positive electrodes on one side (left side in the drawing). It is electrically polarized so that the electrode on the other side (right side of the sheet) bears a negative charge.

  Therefore, in the power generation system 31, under the control of the control unit 34, the first switch SW1 and the third switch SW3 are closed, and the second switch SW2 and the fourth switch SW4 are opened. As a result, the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C and the fourth circuit D are closed, and the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, the seventh circuit G and the eighth circuit H are opened. The state is set (first state of the power generation circuit 1).

  As a result, the electrical energy (pyroelectric current) generated by the first power generation element 9 is supplied to the power reception capacitor 10 as a current around the paper surface via the first circuit A (see arrow A).

  Further, the electrical energy (pyroelectric current) generated by the second power generation element 19 is supplied to the power reception capacitor 10 as a current around the right side of the drawing sheet via the second circuit B (see arrow B).

  At the same time, electrical energy (pyroelectric current) generated by the first power generation element 9 is accumulated in the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12 as a current on the left side of the drawing via the third circuit C. (See arrow C).

  At the same time, the electric energy (pyroelectric current) generated by the second power generation element 19 is accumulated in the first capacitor 11 as a current on the left side of the paper surface via the fourth circuit D (see arrow D) .

The maintenance time in such a state is, for example, 0.1 seconds or more, preferably 0.5 seconds or more, and for example, 10 seconds or less, preferably 9.8 seconds or less.
(2) Next, in this power generation system 31, as shown in FIG. 6, the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are cooled and the temperature is reduced by the control of the heat source 32.

  At this time, in the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19, the electrode on one side (left side in the paper surface) is positively charged while the electrode on the other side (right side in the paper surface) It is electrically polarized to be negatively charged.

  Therefore, in the power generation system 31, under the control of the control unit 34, the second switch SW2 and the fourth switch SW4 are closed, and the first switch SW1 and the third switch SW3 are opened. Thus, the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, the seventh circuit G and the eighth circuit H are closed, and the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C and the fourth circuit D are opened. In this state (the second state of the power generation circuit 1).

  As a result, the electrical energy stored in the third capacitor 13 is supplied to the first power generation element 9 as a current around the paper surface right via the fifth circuit E (see arrow E). That is, a voltage is applied to the first power generation element 9.

  In addition, the electric energy stored in the third capacitor 13 is supplied to the second power generation element 19 as a current around the paper surface via the sixth circuit F (see arrow F). That is, a voltage is applied to the second power generation element 19.

  Thus, the voltage is applied from the third capacitor 13 to both the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19.

The maintenance time in such a state is, for example, 0.01 seconds or more, preferably 0.1 seconds or more, and for example, 1 second or less, preferably 0.2 seconds or less.
(3) Next, in the power generation system 31, as shown in FIG. 7, the first power generation element 9 is cooled subsequently to the above (2).

  In the power generation system 31, when the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are cooled and the temperature decreases, the electrodes of one side (the left side in the drawing) of the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 Electrically polarized so that the electrode on the other side (right side of the sheet) is positively charged.

  Therefore, in the power generation system 31, subsequently to the above (2), the second switch SW2 and the fourth switch SW4 are closed, and the first switch SW1 and the third switch SW3 are opened. Thus, the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, the seventh circuit G and the eighth circuit H are closed, and the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C and the fourth circuit D are opened. In this state (the second state of the power generation circuit 1).

  As a result, the electrical energy (pyroelectric current) generated by the first power generation element 9 is supplied to the power reception capacitor 10 as a current around the paper surface via the seventh circuit G (see arrow G).

  Further, the electrical energy (pyroelectric current) generated by the second power generation element 19 is supplied to the power reception capacitor 10 as a current around the right side of the drawing via the eighth circuit H (see arrow H).

  At the same time, the electric energy (pyroelectric current) generated by the first power generation element 9 is accumulated in the third capacitor 13 as a current on the left side of the paper surface through the fifth circuit E (see arrow E) .

  At the same time, electrical energy (pyroelectric current) generated by the second power generation element 19 is accumulated in the third capacitor 13 as a current on the left side of the drawing sheet via the sixth circuit F (see arrow D) .

The maintenance time in such a state is, for example, 0.1 seconds or more, preferably 0.5 seconds or more, and for example, 10 seconds or less, preferably 9.8 seconds or less.
(4) Next, in this power generation system 31, as shown in FIG. 8, the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are heated by the control of the heat source 32, and the temperature is raised.

  At this time, in the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19, the electrode on one side (left side in the paper surface) is negatively charged due to the influence of cooling in (3) above, and the electrode on the other side (right side in paper surface) It is electrically polarized so as to be positively charged.

  Therefore, in the power generation system 31, under the control of the control unit 34, the first switch SW1 and the third switch SW3 are closed, and the second switch SW2 and the fourth switch SW4 are opened. As a result, the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C and the fourth circuit D are closed, and the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, the seventh circuit G and the eighth circuit H are opened. The state is set (first state of the power generation circuit 1).

  As a result, the electrical energy stored in the first capacitor 11 is supplied to the first power generation element 9 as a current around the right side of the drawing sheet via the third circuit C (see arrow C).

  Furthermore, the electrical energy stored in the second capacitor 12 is supplied to the first power generation element 9 as a current around the paper surface right via the third circuit C (see arrow C).

  That is, a voltage is applied to the first power generation element 9 from both the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12.

  Further, the electric energy stored in the first capacitor 11 is supplied to the second power generation element 19 as a current around the paper surface right via the fourth circuit D (see arrow D).

  Note that the electrical energy stored in the second capacitor 12 is not supplied to the second power generation element 19.

  That is, a voltage is applied to the second power generation element 19 only from the first capacitor 11.

As a result, when the temperature rises, the voltage applied to the first power generation element 9 can be larger than the voltage applied to the second power generation element 19.
(5) After that, when heating the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 successively from the above (4), as shown in the above (1), the first switch SW1 and the third switch SW3 are continuously In the closed state, the second switch SW2 and the fourth switch SW4 are opened. As a result, the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C and the fourth circuit D are closed, and the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, the seventh circuit G and the eighth circuit H are opened. The state is set (first state of the power generation circuit 1).

  Then, when the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are heated and the temperature rises, the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 have positive electrodes on one side (left side in the drawing), and the other side Electric polarization is performed so that the electrode (right side of the paper) has a negative charge.

  Thus, the above processes (1) to (5) are repeated, power is taken out from the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19, and the power is supplied to the power receiving capacitor 10 (power receiving unit 3) Be done.

  According to such a power generation circuit 1 and the power generation system 31, a voltage can be applied to the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 using energy generated in the power generation unit 2. Therefore, the power can be efficiently extracted from the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19.

  In particular, in the power generation circuit 1 and the power generation system 31 described above, the temperature change amount and the maximum temperature of the first power generation element 9 become higher than the temperature change amount and the maximum temperature of the second power generation element 19. Therefore, at the time of temperature rise, it may be required to make the voltage applied to the first power generation element 9 larger than the voltage applied to the second power generation element 19.

  In this point, in the power generation circuit 1 and the power generation system 31 described above, as shown in the above (4), when the temperature rises, the voltage from both the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12 is supplied to the first power generation element 9 While the voltage is applied to the second power generation element 19 only from the first capacitor 11. That is, when the temperature rises, the voltage applied to the first power generation element 9 can be made larger than the voltage applied to the second power generation element 19.

  As a result, according to the power generation circuit 1 and the power generation system 31 described above, the power can be extracted efficiently from the power generation element, particularly efficiently.

  Also, in the power generation system 31, when an excessive voltage is applied to the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19, the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 may be damaged. On the other hand, in the power generation system 31 described above, the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation are selected by selecting and designing the capacitance and the rated voltage of the first capacitor 11, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13. The voltage applied to element 19 can be selected and designed. As a result, application of excessive voltage to the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 can be suppressed, and damage to the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 can be suppressed. In particular, since capacitors of different capacitances and rated voltages can be selected as the first capacitor 11, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13, they are applied when the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are heated. The voltage and the voltage applied at the time of cooling the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 can be individually designed, and an excessive voltage is applied to the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 Can be suppressed, and damage to the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 can be suppressed.

  Therefore, such a power generation system 31 is mounted on, for example, an automobile, although not particularly limited. In such a case, the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are disposed, for example, inside or on the surface of a branch pipe in the exhaust manifold of a car, and the engine and exhaust gas of the car are used as the heat source 32. For example, the first power generation element 9 is disposed upstream of the branch pipe in the gas flow direction, and the second power generation element 19 is disposed downstream of the branch pipe in the gas flow direction. Then, the temperature of the exhaust gas is raised and lowered over time according to the combustion cycle of the engine, and the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are heated and / or cooled, and generated by the power generation system 31 described above. The obtained power may be stored in a battery, and may be used, for example, in an electric load device such as a headlight, or may be used as power of a car.

  In the above description, two of the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are used as the power generation elements, but the number of power generation elements is not particularly limited as long as it is two or more. The above can also be used. In such a case, a power storage body at least one more than the number of power generation elements is used.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the third power generation element 39 is connected in parallel with the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19, the first capacitor 11, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 are connected. The fourth capacitor 14 is connected in parallel with The fourth capacitor 14 is interposed between the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12.

  Although not shown, in the power generation circuit 1, the first power generation element 9 is disposed closer to the heat source 32 than the second power generation element 19, and the second power generation element 19 is closer to the third power generation element 39. Are also disposed close to the heat source 32.

  Further, in the power generation circuit 1, the third 3 ′ switch SW 3 ′ and the third power generation element 39 correspond to the relationship between the second power generation element 19 and the third switch SW 3 and the fourth switch SW 4. A 4 'switch SW4' is provided.

  Also in such a power generation circuit 1, the magnitude of the applied voltage at the time of temperature rise can be adjusted by operating in the same manner as described above. Specifically, when the temperature rises, the first switch SW, the third switch SW3 and the 3 'switch SW3' are closed, and the second switch SW2, the fourth switch SW and the fourth switch SW4 'are opened. It will be in the state.

  Thereby, a voltage is applied to the first power generation element 9 from the first capacitor 11, the second capacitor 12 and the fourth capacitor 14.

  Further, a voltage is applied to the second power generation element 19 from the first capacitor 11 and the fourth capacitor 14.

  Furthermore, a voltage is applied to the third power generation element 39 only from the first capacitor 11.

  Thus, at the time of temperature rise, the voltage applied to the first power generation element 9 is larger than the voltage applied to the second power generation element 19 and the voltage applied to the third power generation element 39. can do. In addition, the voltage applied to the second power generation element 19 can be made larger than the voltage applied to the third power generation element 39.

  In the above description, the power reception unit 3 includes the capacitor (the power reception capacitor 10) as a power reception device for receiving the power generated by the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19; The device is not particularly limited as long as power generated by 9 and the second power generation element 19 is stored or utilized, and is not limited to the receiving capacitor 10, but instead is a storage device such as a battery or an electrical load device such as a lighting device Can also be provided.

  In the above description, the capacitors (the first capacitor 11, the second capacitor 12, and the third capacitor 13) are provided as the first power storage body, the second power storage body, and the third power storage body. As the second power storage body and the third power storage body, the power generated in the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 is stored, and a voltage is applied to the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 There is no particular limitation, and it is possible to replace the capacitor with a storage battery such as a chemical battery.

  Although not shown, in the power generation circuit 1, if necessary, known electric devices such as a booster, a voltage converter, and an inductor can be interposed at any place.

  Further, the configuration of the conductor 6 is not limited to the above, and although not shown, for example, the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C, the fourth circuit D, the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, The seventh circuit G and the eighth circuit H may include a plurality of conducting wires 6 so as to be configured independently of each other.

2. Second Invention FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of the second invention.

  In the following drawings, the parts corresponding to the first invention described above are given the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof is omitted, and the differences from the first invention described above will be described in detail below. Describe.

  In FIG. 10, the power generation circuit 1 connects the power generation unit 2, the power reception unit 3, the first power storage unit 4, the second power storage unit 5, and the third power storage unit 8 as in the first invention. And a switch system 7 for controlling the flow of current by opening and closing the conductor 6.

  Similar to the first invention, the power generation unit 2 includes a first power generation element 9 and a pair of electrodes (not shown) disposed opposite to each other with the first power generation element 9 interposed therebetween, a second power generation element 19 and A pair of electrodes (not shown) disposed opposite to each other with the second power generation element 19 interposed therebetween.

  The first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as a power generation element) are separately provided, and each individually polarizes in response to a temperature change.

  Similar to the first aspect of the invention, the power receiving unit 3 is a unit to which the power extracted from the power generating element described above is supplied, and includes the power receiving capacitor 10 as a power receiving device.

  The first storage unit 4 includes a first capacitor 11 as a first storage body for applying a voltage to the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19.

  The first capacitor 11 is a known capacitor employed in an electric circuit, and is interposed in a third circuit C (described later) of the conducting wire 6, a fourth circuit D (described later), a seventh circuit G and an eighth circuit H It is designed to be able to store electrical energy. The electrostatic capacity and rated voltage of the first capacitor 11 are not particularly limited, and are appropriately set according to the purpose and application, and the electrostatics of the second capacitor 12 (described later), the third capacitor 13 (described later) and the power receiving capacitor 10 Balance with capacity and rated voltage is adjusted. Specifically, the rated voltage of the first capacitor 11 is, for example, 12 to 800 V, preferably 12 to 400 V.

  The second storage unit 5 includes a second capacitor 12 as a second storage body for applying a voltage only to the second power generation element 19 separately from the first capacitor 11.

The second capacitor 12 is a known capacitor employed in an electric circuit, and includes a first circuit A (described later), a second circuit B (described later), a sixth circuit F (described later) and a seventh circuit G of the conducting wire It is provided so as to be interposed (described later), and can store electrical energy. The capacitance and rated voltage of the second capacitor 12 are not particularly limited, and are appropriately set according to the purpose and application, and the capacitance and rating of the first capacitor 11, the third capacitor 13 (described later) and the power receiving capacitor 10 The balance with the voltage is adjusted. Specifically, the rated voltage of the second capacitor 12 is, for example, 0 to 12 V, preferably 5 to 12 V.

  Further, the second capacitor 12 is supplied with the electric power extracted from the second power generation element 19 and is stored, which will be described in detail later.

  The third storage unit 8 includes a third capacitor 13 as a third storage body for applying a voltage to the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 separately from the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12. ing.

  The third capacitor 13 is a known capacitor employed in an electric circuit, and includes a first circuit A (described later), a second circuit B (described later), a fifth circuit E (described later) and a sixth circuit F of the conductive wire 6. It is provided so as to be interposed (described later), and can store electrical energy. The capacitance and rated voltage of the third capacitor 13 are not particularly limited, and are appropriately set according to the purpose and application, and the capacitance and rated voltage of the first capacitor 11, the second capacitor 12 and the receiving capacitor 10 are not particularly limited. Balance is adjusted. Specifically, the rated voltage of the third capacitor 13 is, for example, 0 to 12 V, preferably 5 to 12 V. The total of the rated voltage of the second capacitor 12 and the rated voltage of the third capacitor 13 is, for example, 0 to 12 V, preferably 5 to 12 V.

  The third capacitor 13 is supplied with the electric power extracted from the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 and is stored, which will be described in detail later.

  The lead wire 6 is connected to the first power generation element 9, the second power generation element 19, the power reception capacitor 10, the first capacitor 11, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13, and the first circuit A, the second circuit B, The third circuit C, the fourth circuit D, the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, the seventh circuit G, and the eighth circuit H are configured.

  In the following, referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, a first circuit A, a second circuit B, a third circuit C, a fourth circuit D, a fifth circuit E, a sixth circuit F, a seventh circuit G and an eighth The circuit H will be described. In FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the reference numerals of the respective members described in FIG. 10 are not shown, and the loop of the circuit is schematically shown.

  In the first circuit A, as described in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first power generation element 9, the power reception capacitor 10, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 are connected, and the second power generation element 19 is a circuit configured in an annular portion of the conductor 6 so that the 19 and the first capacitor 11 are not connected.

  That is, the first power generation element 9, the power reception capacitor 10, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 are connected to the first circuit A, and the second power generation element 19 and the first capacitor 11 are not connected.

  In the second circuit B, as described in FIGS. 10 and 11, the second power generation element 19, the power reception capacitor 10, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 are connected, and the first power generation element 9 is a circuit configured in an annular portion of the lead wire 6 so that 9 and the first capacitor 11 are not connected.

  That is, the second power generation element 19, the power reception capacitor 10, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 are connected to the second circuit B, and the first power generation element 9 and the first capacitor 11 are not connected. .

  In the third circuit C, as described in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first power generation element 9 and the first capacitor 11 are connected, and the second power generation element 19, the power reception capacitor 10, and the second capacitor It is a circuit configured in an annular portion of the lead 6 so that the 12 and the third capacitors 13 are not connected.

  That is, the first power generation element 9 and the first capacitor 11 are connected to the third circuit C, and the second power generation element 19, the power reception capacitor 10, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 are not connected.

  As described in FIGS. 10 and 11, the fourth circuit D is connected to the second power generation element 19 and the first capacitor 11, and the first power generation element, the power reception capacitor 10, the second capacitor 12 and the third It is a circuit configured in an annular portion of the conductor 6 so that the capacitor 13 is not connected.

  That is, the second power generation element 19 and the first capacitor 11 are connected to the fourth circuit D, and the first power generation element, the power reception capacitor 10, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 are not connected.

  In the fifth circuit E, as described in FIGS. 10 and 12, the first power generation element 9 and the third capacitor 13 are connected, and the second power generation element 19, the power reception capacitor 10, and the first capacitor 11 is a circuit configured in an annular portion of the conductor 6 so that the 11 and the second capacitor 12 are not connected.

  That is, the first power generation element 9 and the third capacitor 13 are connected to the fifth circuit E, and the second power generation element 19, the power reception capacitor 10, the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12 are not connected.

  In the sixth circuit F, as described in FIGS. 10 and 12, the second power generation element 19, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 are connected, and the first power generation element 9 and the power reception capacitor 10 is a circuit configured in an annular portion of the conductor 6 so that the 10 and the first capacitor 11 are not connected.

  That is, the second power generation element 19, the second capacitor 12, and the third capacitor 13 are connected to the sixth circuit F, and the first power generation element 9, the power reception capacitor 10, and the first capacitor 11 are not connected.

  In the seventh circuit G, as described in FIGS. 10 and 12, the first power generation element 9, the power reception capacitor 10, the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12 are connected, and the second power generation element It is a circuit configured in an annular portion of the conductor 6 so that the 19 and the third capacitor 13 are not connected.

  That is, the first power generation element 9, the power reception capacitor 10, the first capacitor 11, and the second capacitor 12 are connected to the seventh circuit G, and the second power generation element 19 and the third capacitor 13 are not connected.

  In the eighth circuit H, as described in FIGS. 10 and 12, the second power generation element 19, the power reception capacitor 10, and the first capacitor 11 are connected, and the first power generation element 9, the second capacitor It is a circuit configured in an annular portion of the lead 6 so that the 12 and the third capacitors 13 are not connected.

  That is, the second power generation element 19, the power reception capacitor 10 and the first capacitor 11 are connected to the eighth circuit H, and the first power generation element 9, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 are not connected.

  In the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C, the fourth circuit D, the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, the seventh circuit G and the eighth circuit H, the conductor 6 is partially shared. By

  More specifically, the conductor 6 includes the first common conductor 21, the second common conductor 22, the third common conductor 23, the fourth common conductor 24, the fifth common conductor 25, and the sixth common conductor 26. , A seventh common lead 27, an eighth common lead 28, a ninth common lead 29, and a tenth common lead 30.

  The first common conducting wire 21 is disposed to connect between the power reception capacitor 10 and the third capacitor 13.

  The second common conducting wire 22 is disposed to connect between the third capacitor 13 and the second capacitor 12.

  The third common conducting wire 23 is disposed to connect between the second capacitor 12 and the first capacitor 11.

  The fourth common flow line 24 is disposed to connect between the first capacitor 11 and the power receiving capacitor 10.

  The fifth common conducting wire 25 is provided to branch from the middle part of the first common conducting wire 21, and connects the middle part of the first common conducting wire 21 and the middle part of the fourth common conducting wire 24, It is arranged.

  The sixth common conducting wire 26 is provided to branch from the middle part of the second common conducting wire 22, and is arranged to connect between the middle part of the second common conducting wire 22 and the first power generating element 9. ing.

  The seventh shared conductor 27 is provided to branch from an intermediate portion of the fifth shared conductor 25 (specifically, between the first switch SW1 (described later) and the second switch SW2 (described later)), It arrange | positions so that between the middle part of the common conducting wire 25 and the 1st electric power generation element 9 may be connected.

  The eighth common conducting wire 28 is provided to branch from the middle part of the third common conducting wire 23, and is provided to connect between the middle part of the third common conducting wire 23 and the second power generating element 19. ing.

  The ninth common conducting wire 29 is provided to branch from the middle part of the seventh common conducting wire 27, and is provided to connect between the middle part of the seventh common conducting wire 27 and the second power generating element 19. ing.

  The tenth common conducting wire 30 is provided to branch from the middle part of the sixth common conducting wire 26, and connects the middle part of the sixth common conducting wire 26 and the middle part of the eighth common conducting wire 28, It is arranged.

  In the conductor 6, the first common conductor 21, the second common conductor 22, the third common conductor 23, the tenth common conductor 30, the sixth common conductor 26, the seventh common conductor 27, the fifth common conductor 25, and the fourth All or a part of the common conducting wire 24 forms an annular first circuit A.

  The first shared conductor 21, the second shared conductor 22, the third shared conductor 23, the eighth shared conductor 28, the ninth shared conductor 29, the seventh shared conductor 27, the fifth shared conductor 25 and the fourth shared conductor 24. , In whole or in part form a circular second circuit B.

  In addition, all or part of the sixth shared conductor 26, the tenth shared conductor 30, the eighth shared conductor 28, the third shared conductor 23, the fourth shared conductor 24, the fifth shared conductor 25 and the seventh shared conductor 27 , Forms an annular third circuit C.

  In addition, all or a part of the eighth shared conductor 28, the third shared conductor 23, the fourth shared conductor 24, the fifth shared conductor 25, the seventh shared conductor 27 and the ninth shared conductor 29 is an annular fourth circuit It forms D.

  Further, all or a part of the seventh shared conductor 27, the fifth shared conductor 25, the first shared conductor 21, the second shared conductor 22 and the sixth shared conductor 26 form an annular fifth circuit E. .

  In addition, all or a part of the ninth common conductor 29, the seventh common conductor 27, the fifth common conductor 25, the first common conductor 21, the second common conductor 22, the third common conductor 23, and the eighth common conductor 28 , Form an annular sixth circuit F.

  Further, all or part of the seventh shared conductor 27, the fifth shared conductor 25, the first shared conductor 21, the fourth shared conductor 24, the third shared conductor 23, the second shared conductor 22 and the sixth shared conductor 26 are , Forms an annular seventh circuit G.

  In addition, all or a part of the ninth common conductor 29, the seventh common conductor 27, the fifth common conductor 25, the first common conductor 21, the fourth common conductor 24, the third common conductor 23, and the eighth common conductor 28 , Forms an annular eighth circuit H.

  The switch system 7 is a switch system for opening and closing the conducting wire 6 and controlling (determining the direction of) the current flow in the conducting wire 6. The switch system 7 includes a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, a third switch, and a fourth switch. A switch SW4 is provided.

  The first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are provided to be spaced apart from each other so as to be interposed by the fifth shared conductor 25.

  More specifically, the first switch SW1 is a part of the fifth shared conductor 25 (specifically, a region between the connection portion of the fourth shared conductor 24 and the connection portion of the seventh shared conductor 27) , And can control the opening and closing of the first circuit A to the eighth circuit H.

  In addition, the second switch SW2 is interposed in the other part of the fifth common conducting wire 25 (specifically, an area between the connecting portion of the first common conducting wire 21 and the connecting portion of the seventh common conducting wire 27) It is possible to control the opening and closing of the first circuit A to the eighth circuit H.

  The third switch SW3 is interposed in an intermediate portion of the sixth shared conductor 26 (specifically, in a region between a connection portion of the second shared conductor 22 and a connection portion of the tenth shared conductor 30), The opening and closing of the first circuit A to the eighth circuit H can be controlled.

  The fourth switch SW4 is interposed in the tenth common conducting wire 30, and can control the opening and closing of the first circuit A to the eighth circuit H.

  The first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3, and the fourth switch SW4 are electrically connected to control means such as a control unit 34 (described later), and the opening / closing of the first switch SW1 is controlled.

  More specifically, for example, when the first switch SW1 and the fourth switch SW4 are closed and the second switch SW2 and the third switch SW3 are opened, the first circuit A, the second circuit A The circuit B, the third circuit C and the fourth circuit D are closed, and the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, the seventh circuit G and the eighth circuit H are opened (first state) .

  Also, for example, the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, and the fifth circuit E are closed by closing the second switch SW2 and the third switch SW3 and opening the first switch SW1 and the fourth switch SW4. The seventh circuit G and the eighth circuit H are closed, and the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C and the fourth circuit D are opened (second state).

  Such a power generation circuit 1 takes power from a power generation system 31 described below, specifically, the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19, and receives the power from the power reception unit 3, the first power storage unit 4, It is suitably used in the power generation system 31 that supplies the second power storage unit 5 and the third power storage unit 8.

  In FIG. 13, the power generation system 31 includes the power generation circuit 1 described above, a heat source 32 that raises and lowers the temperature of the power generation elements (the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19) in the power generation circuit 1 with time. A temperature sensor 33 as temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the element, and a control unit 34 as control means for controlling each switch of the power generation circuit 1 based on the detection of the temperature sensor 33 are provided. Note that FIG. 13 schematically shows the power generation circuit 1.

  In order to generate electric power by such a power generation system 31, for example, first, the temperature of the heat source 32 is temporally changed over time, preferably periodically periodically, as in the first invention described above. (1) Heat and / or cool the power generation element 9.

  The temperature of the heat source 32 is, for example, 200 to 1200 ° C., preferably 700 to 900 ° C. in the high temperature state, and the temperature in the low temperature state is less than the temperature in the high temperature state, more specifically, for example 100 to 800 ° C., preferably 200 to 500 ° C., and the temperature difference between the high temperature state and the low temperature state is, for example, 10 to 600 ° C., preferably 20 to 500 ° C.

  Also, the repetition cycle of the high temperature state and the low temperature state is, for example, 10 to 400 cycles / second, preferably 30 to 100 cycles / second.

  Then, in response to such a temperature change, the above-described power generation element is preferably subjected to periodic electrical polarization.

  At this time, the first power generation element 9 is disposed closer to the heat source 32 than the second power generation element 19, and the second power generation element 19 is closer to the heat source 32 than the first power generation element 9. It is arranged to be separated. Therefore, the heat of the heat source 32 is transmitted to the first power generation element 9 more efficiently than the second power generation element 19.

  As a result, first, the first power generation element 9 receives the temperature change of the heat source 32, and is electrically polarized. At the same time, the temperature change of the heat source 32 is slightly smoothed. After that, the second power generation element 19 receives the temperature change of the heat source 32 which is slightly smoothed, and is electrically polarized.

  Thus, the temperature of the power generation element changes with time, and in response to the temperature change, the element electrically polarizes.

  On the other hand, in such a power generation system 31, in order to generate power more efficiently, it is required to apply a voltage to the power generation element according to the temperature state of the power generation element.

  In addition, in order to generate power particularly efficiently, it is required to set the voltage applied to the power generation element according to the temperature condition (temperature change amount, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, etc.) of the power generation element.

  Specifically, for example, a relatively high voltage is required to be applied to a power generation element with a relatively low minimum temperature, while a temperature drop is generated with a power generation element with a relatively low minimum temperature. At times, it may be required to apply a relatively low voltage.

  In such a case, in the power generation circuit 1 and the power generation system 31 described above, first, the first power generation element 9 receives a temperature change of the heat source 32, and then the second power generation element 19 receives a temperature change of the heat source 32. The one power generation element 9 is heated more efficiently than the second power generation element 19.

  As a result, in the power generation circuit 1 and the power generation system 31 described above, the minimum temperature of the second power generation element 19 is lower than the minimum temperature of the first power generation element 9.

  That is, when the temperature drops, it is required to make the voltage applied to the second power generation element 19 larger than the voltage applied to the first power generation element 9.

  Therefore, as described below, the switch system 7 is controlled by the control unit 34, and the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are different depending on the power generated by the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19, respectively. Apply a voltage.

  Although the current and voltage in the power generation circuit 1 will be described below, in the power generation circuit 1, the flow path, flow direction, and magnitude of each current described above are switched appropriately so that the voltage of the entire circuit is balanced.

  The control method of the circuit will be described below with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17. In FIGS. 14 to 17, the directions of the current in the circuit are schematically shown without partially describing the reference numerals of the respective members described in FIG. 10.

More specifically, in this power generation system 31, for example,
(1) First, as shown in FIG. 14, the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are heated to raise the temperature.

  In the power generation system 31, when the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are heated and the temperature rises, the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 have positive electrodes on one side (left side in the drawing). It is electrically polarized so that the electrode on the other side (right side of the sheet) bears a negative charge.

  Therefore, in the power generation system 31, under the control of the control unit 34, the first switch SW1 and the fourth switch SW4 are closed, and the second switch SW2 and the third switch SW3 are opened. As a result, the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C and the fourth circuit D are closed, and the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, the seventh circuit G and the eighth circuit H are opened. The state is set (first state of the power generation circuit 1).

  As a result, the electrical energy (pyroelectric current) generated by the first power generation element 9 is supplied to the power reception capacitor 10 as a current around the paper surface via the first circuit A (see arrow A).

  Further, the electrical energy (pyroelectric current) generated by the second power generation element 19 is supplied to the power reception capacitor 10 as a current around the right side of the drawing sheet via the second circuit B (see arrow B).

  At the same time, the electric energy (pyroelectric current) generated by the first power generation element 9 is accumulated in the first capacitor 11 as a current on the left side of the paper surface via the third circuit C (see arrow C) .

  At the same time, the electric energy (pyroelectric current) generated by the second power generation element 19 is accumulated in the first capacitor 11 as a current on the left side of the paper surface via the fourth circuit D (see arrow D) .

The maintenance time in such a state is, for example, 0.1 seconds or more, preferably 0.5 seconds or more, and for example, 10 seconds or less, preferably 9.8 seconds or less.
(2) Next, in this power generation system 31, as shown in FIG. 15, the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are cooled and the temperature is reduced by the control of the heat source 32.

  At this time, in the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19, the electrode on one side (left side in the paper surface) is positively charged while the electrode on the other side (right side in the paper surface) It is electrically polarized to be negatively charged.

  Therefore, in the power generation system 31, under the control of the control unit 34, the second switch SW2 and the third switch SW3 are closed, and the first switch SW1 and the fourth switch SW4 are opened. Thus, the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, the seventh circuit G and the eighth circuit H are closed, and the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C and the fourth circuit D are opened. In this state (the second state of the power generation circuit 1).

  As a result, the electrical energy stored in the third capacitor 13 is supplied to the first power generation element 9 as a current around the paper surface right via the fifth circuit E (see arrow E).

  Note that the electric energy stored in the second capacitor 12 is not supplied to the first power generation element 9.

  That is, a voltage is applied to the first power generation element 9 only from the third capacitor 13.

  In addition, the electric energy stored in the third capacitor 13 is supplied to the second power generation element 19 as a current around the paper surface via the sixth circuit F (see arrow F).

  Furthermore, the electrical energy stored in the second capacitor 12 is supplied to the second power generation element 19 as a current around the paper surface via the sixth circuit F (see arrow E).

  That is, a voltage is applied to the second power generation element 19 from both the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13.

  As a result, when the temperature drops, the voltage applied to the second power generation element 19 can be made larger than the voltage applied to the first power generation element 9.

The maintenance time in such a state is, for example, 0.01 seconds or more, preferably 0.1 seconds or more, and for example, 1 second or less, preferably 0.2 seconds or less.
(3) Next, in the power generation system 31, as shown in FIG. 16, the first power generation element 9 is cooled subsequently to the above (2).

  In the power generation system 31, when the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are cooled and the temperature decreases, the electrodes of one side (the left side in the drawing) of the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 Electrically polarized so that the electrode on the other side (right side of the sheet) is positively charged.

  Therefore, in the power generation system 31, subsequently to the above (2), the second switch SW2 and the third switch SW3 are closed, and the first switch SW1 and the fourth switch SW4 are opened. Thus, the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, the seventh circuit G and the eighth circuit H are closed, and the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C and the fourth circuit D are opened. In this state (the second state of the power generation circuit 1).

  As a result, the electrical energy (pyroelectric current) generated by the first power generation element 9 is supplied to the power reception capacitor 10 as a current around the paper surface via the seventh circuit G (see arrow G).

  Further, the electrical energy (pyroelectric current) generated by the second power generation element 19 is supplied to the power reception capacitor 10 as a current around the right side of the drawing via the eighth circuit H (see arrow H).

  At the same time, the electric energy (pyroelectric current) generated by the first power generation element 9 is accumulated in the third capacitor 13 as a current on the left side of the paper surface through the fifth circuit E (see arrow E) .

  At the same time, the electric energy (pyroelectric current) generated by the second power generation element 19 is accumulated in the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 as a current in the counterclockwise direction on the drawing via the sixth circuit F. (See arrow D).

The maintenance time in such a state is, for example, 0.1 seconds or more, preferably 0.5 seconds or more, and for example, 10 seconds or less, preferably 9.8 seconds or less.
(4) Next, in the power generation system 31, as shown in FIG. 17, the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are heated by the control of the heat source 32 to raise the temperature.

  At this time, in the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19, the electrode on one side (left side in the paper surface) is negatively charged due to the influence of cooling in (3) above, and the electrode on the other side (right side in paper surface) It is electrically polarized so as to be positively charged.

  Therefore, in the power generation system 31, under the control of the control unit 34, the first switch SW1 and the fourth switch SW4 are closed, and the second switch SW2 and the third switch SW3 are opened. As a result, the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C and the fourth circuit D are closed, and the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, the seventh circuit G and the eighth circuit H are opened. The state is set (first state of the power generation circuit 1).

  As a result, the electrical energy stored in the first capacitor 11 is supplied to the first power generation element 9 as a current around the right side of the drawing sheet via the third circuit C (see arrow C). That is, a voltage is applied to the first power generation element 9.

  Further, the electric energy stored in the first capacitor 11 is supplied to the second power generation element 19 as a current around the paper surface right via the fourth circuit D (see arrow D). That is, a voltage is applied to the second power generation element 19.

Thus, a voltage is applied to both of the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 from the first capacitor 11.
(5) After that, when the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are continuously heated from the above (4), as shown in the above (1), the first switch SW1 and the fourth switch SW4 are continued. In the closed state, the second switch SW2 and the third switch SW3 are opened. As a result, the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C and the fourth circuit D are closed, and the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, the seventh circuit G and the eighth circuit H are opened. The state is set (first state of the power generation circuit 1).

  Then, when the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are heated and the temperature rises, the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 have positive electrodes on one side (left side in the drawing), and the other side Electric polarization is performed so that the electrode (right side of the paper) has a negative charge.

  Thus, the above processes (1) to (5) are repeated, power is taken out from the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19, and the power is supplied to the power receiving capacitor 10 (power receiving unit 3) Be done.

  According to such a power generation circuit 1 and the power generation system 31, a voltage can be applied to the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 using energy generated in the power generation unit 2. Therefore, the power can be efficiently extracted from the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19.

  In particular, in the power generation circuit 1 and the power generation system 31 described above, the minimum temperature of the second power generation element 19 is lower than the minimum temperature of the first power generation element 9. Therefore, when the temperature drops, it may be required to make the voltage applied to the second power generation element 19 larger than the voltage applied to the first power generation element 9.

  In this point, in the power generation circuit 1 and the power generation system 31 described above, as shown in the above (2), when the temperature drops, the voltage from both the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 is supplied to the second power generation element 19. While the voltage is applied to the first power generation element 9 only from the third capacitor 13. That is, when the temperature drops, the voltage applied to the second power generation element 19 can be made larger than the voltage applied to the first power generation element 9.

  As a result, according to the power generation circuit 1 and the power generation system 31 described above, the power can be extracted efficiently from the power generation element, particularly efficiently.

  Also, in the power generation system 31, when an excessive voltage is applied to the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19, the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 may be damaged. On the other hand, in the power generation system 31 described above, similarly to the first invention, the first power generation is performed by selecting and designing the capacitances and rated voltages of the first capacitor 11, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13. The voltage applied to the element 9 and the second power generating element 19 can be selected and designed. As a result, application of excessive voltage to the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 can be suppressed, and damage to the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 can be suppressed. In particular, since capacitors of different capacitances and rated voltages can be selected as the first capacitor 11, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13, they are applied when the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are heated. The voltage and the voltage applied at the time of cooling the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 can be individually designed, and an excessive voltage is applied to the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 Can be suppressed, and damage to the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 can be suppressed.

  Therefore, such a power generation system 31 is mounted on, for example, an automobile, although not particularly limited. In such a case, the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are disposed, for example, inside or on the surface of a branch pipe in the exhaust manifold of a car, and the engine and exhaust gas of the car are used as the heat source 32. For example, the first power generation element 9 is disposed upstream of the branch pipe in the gas flow direction, and the second power generation element 19 is disposed downstream of the branch pipe in the gas flow direction. Then, the temperature of the exhaust gas is raised and lowered over time according to the combustion cycle of the engine, and the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are heated and / or cooled, and generated by the power generation system 31 described above. The obtained power may be stored in a battery, and may be used, for example, in an electric load device such as a headlight, or may be used as power of a car.

  In the above description, two of the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 are used as the power generation elements, but the number of power generation elements is not particularly limited as long as it is two or more. The above can also be used. In such a case, a power storage body at least one more than the number of power generation elements is used.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 18, when the third power generation element 39 is connected in parallel with the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19, the first capacitor 11, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 are connected. The fourth capacitor 14 is connected in parallel with The fourth capacitor 14 is interposed between the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12.

  Although not shown, in the power generation circuit 1, the first power generation element 9 is disposed closer to the heat source 32 than the second power generation element 19, and the second power generation element 19 is closer to the third power generation element 39. Are also disposed close to the heat source 32.

  In addition, in the power generation circuit 1, the third 3 ′ switch SW 3 ′ and the third power generation element 19 with respect to the second power generation element 19 correspond to the relationship between the first power generation element 9 and the third switch SW 3 and the fourth switch SW 4. A 4 'switch SW4' is provided.

  Also in such a power generation circuit 1, the magnitude of the applied voltage at the time of temperature drop can be adjusted by operating in the same manner as described above. Specifically, at the time of temperature drop, the first switch SW, the fourth switch SW4, and the fourth ′ switch SW4 ′ are closed, and the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3, and the third 3 ′ switch SW3 ′ are opened. It will be in the state.

  Thereby, a voltage is applied to the first power generation element 9 only from the third capacitor 13.

  Further, a voltage is applied to the second power generation element 19 from the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13.

  Furthermore, a voltage is applied to the fourth power generation element 29 from the second capacitor 12, the third capacitor 13 and the fourth capacitor 14.

  In this manner, the voltage applied to the second power generation element 19 can be made larger than the voltage applied to the first power generation element 9 when the temperature drops. Further, the voltage applied to the third power generation element 39 can be made larger than the voltage applied to the first power generation element 9 and the voltage applied to the second power generation element 19.

  In the above description, the power reception unit 3 includes the capacitor (the power reception capacitor 10) as a power reception device for receiving the power generated by the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19; The device is not particularly limited as long as power generated by 9 and the second power generation element 19 is stored or utilized, and is not limited to the receiving capacitor 10, but instead is a storage device such as a battery or an electrical load device such as a lighting device Can also be provided.

  In the above description, the capacitors (the first capacitor 11, the second capacitor 12, and the third capacitor 13) are provided as the first power storage body, the second power storage body, and the third power storage body. As the second power storage body and the third power storage body, the power generated in the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 is stored, and a voltage is applied to the first power generation element 9 and the second power generation element 19 There is no particular limitation, and it is possible to replace the capacitor with a storage battery such as a chemical battery.

  Although not shown, in the power generation circuit 1, if necessary, known electric devices such as a booster, a voltage converter, and an inductor can be interposed at any place.

  Further, the configuration of the conductor 6 is not limited to the above, and although not shown, for example, the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C, the fourth circuit D, the fifth circuit E, the sixth circuit F, The seventh circuit G and the eighth circuit H may include a plurality of conducting wires 6 so as to be configured independently of each other.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Power generation circuit 6 Lead wire 9 1st power generation element 10 Power receiving capacitor 11 1st capacitor 12 2nd capacitor 13 3rd capacitor 18 2nd power generation element A 1st circuit B 2nd circuit C 3rd circuit D 3rd circuit D 4th circuit E 5th circuit F sixth circuit G seventh circuit H eighth circuit

Claims (4)

A first power generation element that is electrically polarized by temperature rising and falling with time;
A second power generating element that is electrically polarized by temperature rising and lowering with time separately from the first power generating element;
A power receiving device to which power extracted from the first power generating element and the second power generating element is supplied;
A first storage body for applying a voltage to both the first power generation element and the second power generation element;
A second storage body for applying a voltage only to the first power generation element separately from the first storage body;
A third power storage body for applying a voltage to both the first power generation element and the second power generation element separately from the first power storage body and the second power storage body;
A conductor connecting the first power generation element, the second power generation element, the power reception device, the first power storage body, the second power storage body, and the third power storage body;
And a switch system for opening and closing the wire.
The wire is
A first circuit to which the first power generation element, the power reception device, and the third power storage body are connected, and the second power generation element, the first power storage body, and the second power storage body are not connected;
A second circuit in which the second power generation element, the power reception device, the second power storage body, and the third power storage body are connected, and the first power generation element and the first power storage body are not connected;
A third circuit to which the first power generation element, the first power storage body, and the second power storage body are connected, and the second power generation element, the power reception device, and the third power storage body are not connected;
A fourth circuit in which the second power generation element and the first power storage body are connected and the first power generation element, the power reception device, the second power storage body, and the third power storage body are not connected;
A fifth circuit in which the first power generation element and the third power storage body are connected and the second power generation element, the power reception device, the first power storage body, and the second power storage body are not connected;
A sixth circuit in which the second power generation element and the third power storage body are connected, and the first power generation element, the power reception device, the first power storage body, and the second power storage body are not connected;
A seventh circuit in which the first power generation element, the power reception device, the first power storage body, and the second power storage body are connected, and the second power generation element and the third power storage body are not connected;
An eighth circuit in which the second power generation element, the power reception device, the first power storage body, and the second power storage body are connected, and the first power generation element and the third power storage body are not connected;
The switch system is
Closing the first circuit, the second circuit, the third circuit and the fourth circuit, and
A first state in which the fifth circuit, the sixth circuit, the seventh circuit and the eighth circuit are opened;
Closing the fifth circuit, the sixth circuit, the seventh circuit and the eighth circuit, and
A power generation circuit characterized in that it is possible to switch between the first circuit, the second circuit, the third circuit, and a second state in which the fourth circuit is opened. A power generation circuit according to claim 1;
A heat source that raises and lowers the temperatures of the first power generation element and the second power generation element over time;
Temperature detection means for detecting the temperatures of the first power generation element and the second power generation element;
And control means for controlling the switch system based on the detection by the temperature detection means,
The first power generation element of the power generation circuit is closer to the heat source than the second power generation element, and the temperature of the heat source is more efficiently transmitted to the first power generation element than the second power generation element. A power generation system characterized in that it is transmitted. A first power generation element that is electrically polarized by temperature rising and falling with time;
A second power generating element that is electrically polarized by temperature rising and lowering with time separately from the first power generating element;
A power receiving device to which power extracted from the first power generating element and the second power generating element is supplied;
A first storage body for applying a voltage to both the first power generation element and the second power generation element;
A second storage body for applying a voltage only to the second power generation element separately from the first storage body;
A third power storage body for applying a voltage to both the first power generation element and the second power generation element separately from the first power storage body and the second power storage body;
A conductor connecting the first power generation element, the second power generation element, the power reception device, the first power storage body, the second power storage body, and the third power storage body;
And a switch system for opening and closing the wire.
The wire is
A first circuit to which the first power generation element, the power reception device, the second power storage body, and the third power storage body are connected, and the second power generation element and the first power storage body are not connected;
A second circuit in which the second power generation element, the power reception device, the second power storage body, and the third power storage body are connected, and the first power generation element and the first power storage body are not connected;
A third circuit in which the first power generation element and the first power storage body are connected, and the second power generation element, the power reception device, the second power storage body, and the third power storage body are not connected;
A fourth circuit in which the second power generation element and the first power storage body are connected and the first power generation element, the power reception device, the second power storage body, and the third power storage body are not connected;
A fifth circuit in which the first power generation element and the third power storage body are connected and the second power generation element, the power reception device, the first power storage body, and the second power storage body are not connected;
A sixth circuit to which the second power generation element, the second power storage body, and the third power storage body are connected, and the first power generation element, the power reception device, and the first power storage body are not connected;
A seventh circuit in which the first power generation element, the power reception device, the first power storage body, and the second power storage body are connected, and the second power generation element and the third power storage body are not connected;
And an eighth circuit in which the second power generation element, the power reception device, and the first power storage body are connected, and the first power generation element, the second power storage body, and the third power storage body are not connected.
The switch system is
Closing the first circuit, the second circuit, the third circuit and the fourth circuit, and
A first state in which the fifth circuit, the sixth circuit, the seventh circuit and the eighth circuit are opened;
Closing the fifth circuit, the sixth circuit, the seventh circuit and the eighth circuit, and
A power generation circuit characterized in that it is possible to switch between the first circuit, the second circuit, the third circuit, and a second state in which the fourth circuit is opened. A power generation circuit according to claim 3;
A heat source that raises and lowers the temperatures of the first power generation element and the second power generation element over time;
Temperature detection means for detecting the temperatures of the first power generation element and the second power generation element;
And control means for controlling the switch system based on the detection by the temperature detection means,
The first power generation element of the power generation circuit is closer to the heat source than the second power generation element, and the temperature of the heat source is more efficiently transmitted to the first power generation element than the second power generation element. A power generation system characterized in that it is transmitted.

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