JP6546822B2 - 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] A power generating element that is electrically polarized by temperature rising and lowering with time, a power receiving device to which power extracted from the power generating element is supplied, and a first power storage body for applying a voltage to the power generating element And a second power storage body for applying a voltage to the power generation element separately from the first power storage body, and a third power storage body to which power extracted from the power generation element is separately supplied from the power reception device. And a lead wire connecting the 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 lead wire, the lead wire being the power generation A first circuit to which the element, the second power storage body and the third power storage body are connected, and the power receiving device and the first power storage body are not connected, and the power generating element and the first power storage body are connected A second circuit to which the second storage body and the third storage body are not connected, the power generation element, the power receiving device, the second storage body, and the third storage body are connected, and the first storage body is not connected A fourth circuit to which a third circuit, the power generation element, the power reception device, and the first power storage body are connected, and the second power storage body and the third power storage body are not connected, the power generation element and the third power storage body Constitute a fifth circuit to which the power receiving device, the first power storage body, and the second power storage body are not connected, and the switch system closes the second circuit and the third circuit, and A first state in which the first circuit, the fourth circuit and the fifth circuit are in an open state, and a state in which the first circuit and the fourth circuit are in a closed state, and the second circuit and the third circuit And the fifth A second state in which the path is open, and a third state in which the fifth circuit is closed and the first circuit, the second circuit, the third circuit, and the fourth circuit are open. Power generation circuit, characterized in that
[2] Based on the power generation circuit according to the above [1], a heat source that raises and lowers the temperature of the power generation element with time, a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the power generation element, and detection by the temperature detection unit A control means for controlling the switch system.

  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.

  In particular, according to the power generation circuit and the power generation system of the present invention, power can be efficiently extracted from the power generation element at the initial stage of cooling.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a power generation circuit of the present invention. FIG. 2 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. 3 is a schematic view showing a state during heating of the element in the power generation circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the start of cooling of the element in the power generation circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a state in which the element is cooling in the power generation circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a heating start state of the element in the power generation circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a heating start state of the element, following FIG. 6 in the power generation circuit shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the power generation circuit of the present 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 power generation element 9 and a pair of electrodes (not shown) disposed opposite to each other with the power generation element 9 interposed therebetween. In FIG. 1, the power generation element 9 is represented by a capacitor symbol.

  The power generation element 9 is a device that is 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 that an electromotive force occurs in a material, such as effects.

  More specifically, examples of such a power generation element 9 include a device that performs electrical polarization by the piezo effect, a device that performs electrical polarization by the pyroelectric effect, and the like.

  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 the power generation element 9, the piezo element is fixed, for example, by a fixing member around its periphery. 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.

Specifically as such a power generation element 9, 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 acid (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 ), Langa Site (La ₃ Ga ₅ SiO ₁₄ ), aluminum nitride (AlN), tourmaline (tourmaline), polyvinylidene fluoride (P VDF 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 generating element 9, _{further, 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 / i may also be used dielectrics such.

  These power generation elements 9 can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  In addition, the power generation element 9 is usually used after being subjected to a polling process by a known method.

  The Curie point of the power generation element 9 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 dielectric constant of the power generation element 9 (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 9 (insulator (dielectric)), the higher the energy conversion efficiency, and power can be taken out with high voltage. However, the relative dielectric constant of the power generation element Is less than the above lower limit, the energy conversion efficiency may be low, and the voltage of the obtained power may be low.

  Although the power generation element 9 (insulator (dielectric)) is electrically polarized by a 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 generation element 9 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.

  In addition, in the power generation element 9, the electrode on one side (left side in the drawing) is negatively charged during cooling, and the electrode on the other side (right side in the drawing) is electrically polarized so as to be electrostatically charged.

  The power reception unit 3 is a unit to which the power extracted from the power generation element 9 described above is supplied, and includes a power reception capacitor 10 as a power reception device.

  The power receiving capacitor 10 is a device that receives and accumulates the power extracted from the power generation element 9 and is electrically connected to the power generation element 9 through a diode or the like (not shown).

  In addition, the power receiving unit 3 can apply a voltage to the power generation element 9 by including the power receiving capacitor 10.

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

  The first capacitor 11 is a known capacitor employed in an electric circuit, and is provided so as to be interposed between the second circuit B (described later) and the fourth circuit D (described later) of the conducting wire 6, and the electric energy Can be stored. The capacitance of the first capacitor 11 is not particularly limited, and is appropriately set according to the purpose and application, and the capacitance of the second capacitor 12 (described later), the third capacitor 13 (described later) and the power receiving capacitor 10 Balance is adjusted.

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

  The second capacitor 12 is a known capacitor employed in an electric circuit, and is provided so as to be interposed between the first circuit A (described later) and the third circuit C (described later) of the conducting wire 6, Can be stored. The capacitance of the second capacitor 12 is not particularly limited, and is appropriately set according to the purpose and application, and the balance with the capacitance of the first capacitor 11, the third capacitor 13 (described later) and the power receiving capacitor 10 is adjusted Be done.

  The third storage unit 8 is provided separately from the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12, and is separately provided with the third capacitor 13 to which the power extracted from the power generation element 9 is supplied. .

  The third capacitor 13 is a known capacitor employed in an electric circuit, and is interposed in the first circuit A (described later) of the conducting wire 6 and the third circuit C (described later) and the fifth circuit E (described later). It is provided and capable of storing electrical energy. The capacitance of the third capacitor 13 is not particularly limited, and is appropriately set according to the purpose and application, and the balance with the capacitance of the first capacitor 11, the second capacitor 12, and the power receiving capacitor 10 is adjusted.

  The conducting wire 6 is connected to the power generation element 9, the power receiving 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 and a fifth circuit E are configured.

  In the first circuit A, the power generation element 9 is connected to the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13, and the power generation element 9 is not connected to the power reception capacitor 10 and the first capacitor 11. It is a circuit comprised in a cyclic | annular part.

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

  In the second circuit B, the power generation element 9 and the first capacitor 11 are connected, and the power generation element 9 is not connected with the power reception capacitor 10, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13. It is a circuit comprised in a cyclic | annular part.

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

  In the third circuit C, the ring of the conducting wire 6 is connected so that the power generation element 9 and the power reception capacitor 10, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 are connected, and the power generation element 9 and the first capacitor 11 are not connected. It is a circuit comprised in a part.

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

  In the fourth circuit D, the power generation element 9 is connected to the power receiving capacitor 10 and the first capacitor 11, and the power generation element 9 is not connected to the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13. It is a circuit comprised in a cyclic | annular part.

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

  In the fifth circuit E, the ring of the conducting wire 6 is connected so that the power generation element 9 and the third capacitor 13 are connected and the power generation element 9 is not connected with the power reception capacitor 10, the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12. It is a circuit comprised in a part.

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

  The first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C, the fourth circuit D, and the fifth circuit E are configured by partially sharing the conducting wire 6.

  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 shared conductor 27 and an eighth dedicated conductor 28.

  The first common conducting wire 21 is disposed to connect between the power reception capacitor 10 and the second capacitor 12.

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

  The third common conducting wire 23 is disposed to connect between the first capacitor 11 and the third capacitor 13.

  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 so as to branch from the middle part of the third common conducting wire 23, and is provided so as to connect between the middle part of the third common conducting wire 23 and the power generation element 9. .

  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 electric power generation element 9 may be connected.

  The eighth dedicated conducting wire 28 is provided to branch from a midway portion of the second shared conducting wire 22 and is arranged to connect between the midway portion of the second shared conducting wire 22 and the midway portion of the seventh shared conducting wire It is set up.

  Then, in FIG. 1, in the vicinity of the power generation element 9, a part of the sixth common lead 26 and the seventh common lead 27 (specifically, between the connection portion of the eighth dedicated lead 28 and the power generation element 9 Region) is shared as the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C, the fourth circuit D, and the fifth circuit E.

  That is, a part of the sixth shared conductor 26 and a part of the seventh shared conductor 27 (specifically, a region between the connection portion of the eighth dedicated conductor 28 and the power generation element 9) And a portion of the second circuit B, and a portion of the third circuit C, and a portion of the fourth circuit D, and a fifth circuit E. Make up a part of

  Further, the other part of the seventh common conducting wire 27 (specifically, the region between the connecting portion of the eighth dedicated conducting wire 28 and the connecting portion of the fifth common conducting wire 25) is the first circuit A, the second circuit It is shared as B, the 3rd circuit C, and the 4th circuit D.

That is, the other part of the seventh common conducting wire 27 (specifically, the region between the connecting portion of the eighth dedicated conducting wire 28 and the connecting portion of the fifth common conducting wire 25) is a part of the first circuit A. It constitutes, constitutes a part of the second circuit B, constitutes a part of the third circuit C, and constitutes a part of the fourth circuit D.
Further, in the vicinity of the receiving capacitor 10, a part of the first common conducting wire 21 (specifically, a region between the connection portion of the fifth common conducting wire 25 and the receiving capacitor 10) and one of the fourth common conducting wire 24 A part (specifically, a region between the connection part of the fifth shared conductor 25 and the receiving capacitor 10) is shared as the third circuit C and the fourth circuit D.

  That is, a part of the first common conducting wire 21 (specifically, an area between the connection portion of the fifth common conducting wire 25 and the receiving capacitor 10) and a part of the fourth common conducting wire 24 (specifically, The region between the connection portion of the fifth common conducting wire 25 and the power receiving capacitor 10) constitutes a part of the third circuit C and constitutes a part of the fourth circuit D.

  Further, in the vicinity of the first capacitor 11, a part of the third shared conductor 23 (specifically, a region between the connection portion of the sixth shared conductor 26 and the first capacitor 11) and the fourth shared conductor 24. A portion (specifically, a region between the connection portion of the fifth dedicated wire 25 and the first capacitor 11) is shared as the second circuit B and the fourth circuit D.

  That is, a part of the third shared conductor 23 (specifically, a region between the connection portion of the sixth shared conductor 26 and the first capacitor 11) and a part of the fourth shared conductor 24 (specifically, The region between the connection portion of the fifth dedicated conducting wire 25 and the first capacitor 11 constitutes a part of the second circuit B and constitutes a part of the fourth circuit D.

  Further, in the vicinity of the second capacitor 12, a part of the first common conducting wire 21 (specifically, a region between the connection portion of the fifth common conducting wire 25 and the second capacitor 12), and the second common conducting wire 22 A portion (specifically, a region between the connection portion of the eighth dedicated wire 28 and the second capacitor 12) is shared as the first circuit A and the third circuit C.

  That is, a part of the first common conducting wire 21 (specifically, an area between the connection portion of the fifth common conducting wire 25 and the second capacitor 12) and a part of the second common conducting wire 22 (specifically, The region between the connection portion of the eighth dedicated conducting wire 28 and the second capacitor 12 constitutes a part of the first circuit A and constitutes a part of the third circuit C.

  Further, in the vicinity of the third capacitor 13, a part of the second common conducting wire 22 (specifically, a region between the connection portion of the eighth dedicated conducting wire 28 and the third capacitor 13), and the third common conducting wire 23 (Specifically, a region between the connection portion of the sixth dedicated wire 26 and the third capacitor 13) is shared as the first circuit A, the third circuit C, and the fifth circuit E. .

  That is, a part of the second common conducting wire 22 (specifically, an area between the connection portion of the eighth dedicated conducting wire 28 and the third capacitor 13) and a part of the third common conducting wire 23 (specifically, , The region between the connection portion of the sixth dedicated conducting wire 26 and the third capacitor 13) constitute a part of the first circuit A, and a part of the third circuit C, and 5 Configure a part of the circuit E.

  In addition, a part of the fifth shared conductor 25 (specifically, a region between the connection portion of the first shared conductor 21 and the connection portion of the seventh shared conductor 27) corresponds to the first circuit A and the fourth circuit. Shared as D.

  That is, a part of the fifth shared conductor 25 (specifically, a region between the connection portion of the first shared conductor 21 and the connection portion of the seventh shared conductor 27) is a part of the first circuit A. And constitute a part of the fourth circuit D.

  Further, the other part of the fifth common conducting wire 25 (specifically, the region between the connection portion of the fourth common conducting wire 24 and the connecting portion of the seventh common conducting wire 27) is the second circuit B and the third circuit Shared as C.

  That is, the other part of the fifth common conducting wire 25 (specifically, the region between the connection part of the fourth common conducting wire 24 and the connection part of the seventh common conducting wire 27) forms a part of the second circuit B. And constitute part of the third circuit C.

  Furthermore, the eighth dedicated conductor 28 is used as the fifth circuit E.

  That is, the eighth dedicated conducting wire 28 constitutes a part of the fifth circuit E.

  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) Of the second circuit B and the third circuit C can be controlled.

  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 and the fourth circuit D.

  The third switch SW3 is interposed in the sixth common conducting wire 26, and can control the opening and closing of the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C, the fourth circuit D, and the fifth circuit E.

  The fourth switch SW4 is interposed in the eighth dedicated conducting wire 28, and can control the opening and closing of the fifth circuit E.

  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, the first circuit SW1 and the third switch SW3 are closed, and the second switch SW2 and the fourth switch SW4 are opened, whereby the second circuit B and the third circuit B are formed. The circuit C is closed, and the first circuit A, the fourth circuit D and the fifth circuit E are opened (first state).

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

  Also, for example, the third circuit SW is closed by the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 being closed and the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 being opened, and The first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C, and the fourth circuit D are opened (third state).

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

  In FIG. 2, 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 element 9 in the power generation circuit 1 with time, and temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the power generation element 9. A temperature sensor 33 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. 2 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. are adopted.

  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 9 in order to heat and / or cool the power generation element 9.

  The temperature sensor 33 is provided in proximity to or in contact with the power generation element 9 in order to detect the temperature of the power generation element 9. The temperature sensor 33 directly detects the surface temperature of the power generation element 9 as the temperature of the power generation element 9 or detects the ambient temperature around the power generation element 9. 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 according to the temperature of the power generation element 9 detected by the above-described temperature sensor 33, whereby each circuit (conductor 6) in the power generation circuit 1 can be opened and closed. And

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

  For example, the electrode on one side (upper side in FIG. 1) of the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12 is positively charged, and the electrode on the other side (lower side in FIG. 1) is negatively charged. Energy is stored.

  The method of storing electrical energy is not particularly limited, and, for example, electrical energy may be stored in advance from an external power supply, or, for example, even if electrical energy generated by electrical polarization of power generation element 9 is stored. Good.

  Moreover, the magnitude | size of the electrical energy accumulate | stored in the 1st capacitor | condenser 11 and the 2nd capacitor | condenser 12 is suitably set according to the objective and a use.

  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 periodically, and the heat source 32 heats the power generation element 9 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 power generation element 9 described above is preferably subjected to periodic electrical polarization.

  More specifically, when a piezo element is used as the power generation element 9, for example, the piezo element is fixed by the fixing member at its periphery and contacts the heat source 32 or transfers the heat of the heat source 32. It is arranged to be in contact (exposure) with a heat carrier (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.

  In this manner, the temperature of the power generation element 9 changes with time, and is electrically polarized according to the temperature change.

  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 9 in accordance with the temperature state of the power generation element 9.

  Therefore, as described below, the switch system 7 is controlled by the control unit 34, and a voltage is applied to the power generation element 9 by the power generated by the power generation element 9.

More specifically, in this power generation system 31, for example,
(1) First, as shown in FIG. 3, the power generation element 9 is heated to raise its temperature.

  In this power generation system 31, when the power generation element 9 is heated and the temperature rises, in the power generation element 9, the electrode on one side (left side in the paper surface) is positively charged and the electrode on the other side (right side in paper surface) negatively charged. To be electrically polarized.

  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 second circuit B and the third circuit C are closed, and the first circuit A, the fourth circuit D, and the fifth circuit E are opened (first state of the power generation circuit 1).

  As a result, the electrical energy (pyroelectric current) generated by the power generation element 9 is supplied to the power reception capacitor 10 as a current around the right side of the drawing sheet via the third circuit C (see arrow C).

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

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 the power generation system 31, as shown in FIG. 4, the power generation element 9 is cooled and temperature is reduced by the control of the heat source 32.

  At this time, in the power generation element 9, the electrode on one side (the left side of the sheet) is positively charged while the electrode on the other side (the right side of the sheet) is negatively charged due to the heating in (1). It is polarized.

  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. Thereby, the first circuit A and the fourth circuit D are closed, and the second circuit B, the third circuit C, and the fifth circuit E are opened (second state of the power generation circuit 1).

  As a result, the electric energy stored in the second capacitor 12 is supplied to the power generation element 9 as a current around the paper surface via the first circuit A, and further, the electricity stored in the third capacitor 13 Energy is also supplied to the power generation element 9 through the first circuit A as a current around the right of the drawing (see arrow A). In addition, the electric energy stored in the power receiving capacitor 10 is supplied to the power generation element 9 through the fourth circuit D. That is, a voltage is applied to the 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. 5, the power generation element 9 is cooled continuously from the above (2).

  In the power generation system 31, when the power generation element 9 is cooled and the temperature is lowered, the electrode of one side (left side in the paper surface) is negatively charged and the electrode on the other side (right side in the paper surface is positively charged) Electrically polarized to take on.

  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. Thereby, the first circuit A and the fourth circuit D are closed, and the second circuit B, the third circuit C, and the fifth circuit E are opened (second state of the power generation circuit 1).

  Thereby, the electrical energy (pyroelectric current) generated by the power generation element 9 is supplied to the power reception capacitor 10 as a current around the right side of the paper surface via the fourth circuit D (see arrow C).

  At the same time, the electric energy (pyroelectric current) generated by the power generation element 9 is accumulated in the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 as a current on the left side of the paper surface via the first circuit A (arrow B).

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. 6, the power generation element 9 is heated and the temperature is raised by the control of the heat source 32.

  In this state, for example, it is also considered to supply the electric energy stored in the first capacitor 11 (voltage application) to the power generation element 9 to improve the power generation performance of the power generation element 9.

  However, at this time, in the power generation element 9, the electrode on one side (left side in the paper surface) is negatively charged and the electrode on the other side (right side in paper surface) positively charged due to the influence of cooling in (3). , Electrically polarized. Electric power can be taken from the power generation element 9 in this state, and when the electric energy stored in the first capacitor 11 is supplied (voltage application) to the power generation element 9, the electric energy of the power generation element 9 is neutralized. Will not be able to extract power.

  Therefore, in this method, in order to extract electric energy efficiently, the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 are closed, and the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are opened. Thus, the fifth circuit E is closed, and the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C, and the fourth circuit D are opened (third state of the power generation circuit 1).

  As a result, the electrical energy (pyroelectric current) generated in the power generation element 9 is supplied to the third capacitor 13 as a current on the left side of the drawing surface via the fifth circuit E (see arrow E). That is, at the initial stage of cooling of the power generation element 9, the power of the power generation element 9 is supplied to the third capacitor 13.

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.
(5) Next, in the power generation system 31, as shown in FIG. 7, the power generation element 9 is heated continuously from the above (4).

  In the power generation system 31, the electric power of the power generation element 9 is supplied to the third capacitor 13 in the above (4), so that the power generation element 9 thereafter becomes electrically neutral.

  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 second circuit B and the third circuit C are closed, and the first circuit A, the fourth circuit D, and the fifth circuit E are opened (first state of the power generation circuit 1).

  As a result, the electric energy stored in the first capacitor 11 is supplied to the power generation element 9 as a current around the right side of the drawing sheet via the second circuit B (see arrow B). Further, although not shown, the electric energy stored in the power receiving capacitor 10 is supplied to the power generation element 9 through the third circuit C. That is, a voltage is applied to the 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.
(6) After that, when heating the power generation element 9 continuously from the above (5), as shown in the above (1), the first switch SW1 and the third switch SW3 are continuously closed, and the second The switch SW2 and the fourth switch SW4 are opened. As a result, the second circuit B and the third circuit C are closed, and the first circuit A, the fourth circuit D, and the fifth circuit E are opened (first state of the power generation circuit 1).

  Then, when the power generation element 9 is heated and the temperature rises, the power generation element 9 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. Do.

  In this manner, the above processes (1) to (5) are repeated, electric power is taken out from the power generation element 9, and the electric power is supplied to the power reception capacitor 10 (power reception unit 3).

  According to such a power generation circuit 1 and the power generation system 31, a voltage can be applied to the power generation element 9 by using energy generated in the power generation unit 2. Therefore, power input from the outside is unnecessary, and from the power generation element 9 Power can be extracted efficiently.

  Further, since the power generation circuit 1 and the power generation system 31 described above include the fifth circuit E and the third capacitor 13, the power of the power generation element 9 is supplied to the third capacitor 13 at the initial stage of cooling. Therefore, power can be efficiently extracted from the power generation element 9 more favorably.

  In particular, in the power generation circuit 1 and the power generation system 31 described above, since the fifth circuit E is closed at the timing when heating of the power generation element 9 is started, the case where it is closed at timing when cooling of the power generation element 9 is started. In comparison with the above, the loss of power can be reduced, and power can be extracted from the power generation element 9 particularly efficiently.

  In addition, in the power generation system 31, normally, when an excessive voltage is applied to the power generation element 9, the power generation element 9 may be damaged. On the other hand, in the power generation system 31 described above, a voltage is applied to the power generation element 9 by the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12. Therefore, the applied voltage can be selected and designed by selecting and designing the capacitances of the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12. As a result, application of an excessive voltage to the power generation element 9 can be suppressed, and damage to the power generation element 9 can be suppressed. In particular, since capacitors of different electrostatic capacitances can be selected as the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12, the voltage applied when the power generation element 9 is heated and the voltage applied when the power generation element 9 is cooled are The power generation element 9 can be designed individually, and application of an excessive voltage to the power generation element 9 can be suppressed, and damage to the power generation element 9 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 power generation element 9 is disposed, for example, inside or on a surface of a branch pipe in an exhaust manifold of a car, and the engine and exhaust gas of the car are used as the heat source 32. Then, the temperature of the exhaust gas rises and falls over time according to the combustion cycle of the engine, the power generation element 9 is heated and / or cooled, and power is 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, 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 power generation element 9, but the power generated by the power generation element 9 is stored or used. The device is not particularly limited, and may be replaced by the power receiving capacitor 10, and may be provided with a storage device such as a battery or an electrical load device such as a lighting device.

  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. The second and third power storage units are not particularly limited as long as they can store the electric power generated in the power generation element 9 and can apply a voltage to the power generation element 9, and substitute the capacitor for chemical A power storage unit such as a battery can be provided.

  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 for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the first circuit A, the second circuit B, the third circuit C, the fourth circuit D and the fifth circuit E respectively May be provided with a plurality of conductors 6 so that they are configured independently.

  In FIG. 8, the conducting wire 6 includes a first independent conducting wire 41 forming the first circuit A, a second independent conducting wire 42 forming the second circuit B, and a third independent conducting wire 43 forming the third circuit C. A fourth independent conducting wire 44 constituting the fourth circuit D and a fifth independent conducting wire 45 constituting the fifth circuit E are provided.

  The first independent conducting wire 41 is provided as an annular conducting wire in which the power generation element 9, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 are interposed (connected) and the receiving capacitor 10 and the first capacitor 11 are not interposed (connected). .

  The second independent conducting wire 42 is provided as an annular conducting wire in which the power generation element 9 and the first capacitor 11 are interposed (connected), and the receiving capacitor 10, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 are not interposed (connected). .

  The third independent conducting wire 43 is provided as an annular conducting wire in which the power generation element 9, the power receiving capacitor 10, the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 are interposed (connected) and the first capacitor 11 is not interposed (connected). .

  The fourth independent conducting wire 44 is provided as an annular conducting wire in which the power generation element 9, the power receiving capacitor 10, and the first capacitor 11 are interposed (connected), and the second capacitor 12 and the third capacitor 13 are not interposed (connected). .

  The fifth independent conducting wire 45 is provided as an annular conducting wire in which the power generation element 9 and the third capacitor 13 are interposed (connected), and the power receiving capacitor 10, the first capacitor 11 and the second capacitor 12 are not interposed (connected). .

  Further, in such a case, the switch system 7 (the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4) includes the first independent conductor 41, the second independent conductor 42, and the third independent conductor 43. , The fourth independent conductor 44 and the fifth independent conductor 45, respectively.

  Even with such a power generation system 31, a voltage can be applied to the power generation element 9 using energy generated in the power generation unit 2. Therefore, power input from the outside is unnecessary, and power is efficiently extracted from the power generation element 9. be able to. In particular, since the fifth circuit E and the third capacitor 13 are provided, the power of the power generation element 9 is supplied to the third capacitor 13 at the initial stage of cooling. Therefore, the power can be efficiently extracted from the power generation element 9 particularly well.

Reference Signs List 1 power generation circuit 6 circuit 7 switch 9 power generation element 10 power receiving capacitor 11 first capacitor 12 second capacitor 13 third capacitor A first circuit B second circuit C third circuit D fourth circuit E fifth circuit

Claims (2)

A power generation element that is electrically polarized by temperature rising and falling with time.
A power receiving device to which the power extracted from the power generating element is supplied;
A first power storage unit for applying a voltage to the power generation element;
A second storage body for applying a voltage to the power generation element separately from the first storage body;
A third power storage unit to which the power extracted from the power generation element is supplied separately from the power reception device;
A conducting wire connecting the 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 in which the power generation element, the second power storage body, and the third power storage body are connected, and the power reception device and the first power storage body are not connected;
A second circuit in which the power generation element and the first power storage body are connected and the power reception device, the second power storage body, and the third power storage body are not connected;
A third circuit in which the power generation element, the power reception device, the second power storage body, and the third power storage body are connected, and the first power storage body is not connected;
A fourth circuit in which the power generation element, the power reception device, and the first power storage unit are connected, and the second power storage unit and the third power storage unit are not connected;
And a fifth circuit to which the power generation element and the third power storage body are connected and the power reception device, the first power storage body, and the second power storage body are not connected.
The switch system is
Closing the second circuit and the third circuit, and
A first state in which the first circuit, the fourth circuit, and the fifth circuit are opened;
Closing the first circuit and the fourth circuit, and
A second state in which the second circuit, the third circuit and the fifth circuit are opened;
Closing the fifth circuit, and
A power generation circuit, wherein the first circuit, the second circuit, the third circuit, and a third state in which the fourth circuit is opened can be switched. A power generation circuit according to claim 1;
A heat source that raises and lowers the temperature of the power generation element over time;
Temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the power generation element;
A power generation system comprising: control means for controlling the switch system based on detection by the temperature detection means.

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