JP6601317B2 - Thermoelectric generator - Google Patents

Description

  The disclosure in this specification relates to a thermoelectric generator that converts thermal energy into electric energy by the Seebeck effect.

  In the exhaust heat power generator described in Patent Document 1, the temperature of the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas passage in the exhaust pipe largely fluctuates depending on the load of the engine, and in some cases, the temperature exceeds the upper limit temperature of use of the thermoelectric conversion element. . Therefore, when the temperature on the high temperature end side of the thermoelectric conversion element is likely to exceed the upper limit temperature, the outside air pressurizing device such as an air compressor is driven to flow outside air into the exhaust gas passage in the exhaust pipe, and the surface temperature of the exhaust pipe To suppress the temperature rise of the thermoelectric conversion element.

JP 2000-18095 A

  According to the apparatus of Patent Document 1, since it is a cooling system that introduces compressed air into the exhaust gas passage, the effect of cooling the thermoelectric conversion element located at the uppermost stream of the exhaust gas flow, which can reach the highest temperature, is not sufficient and improved. There is room for. Furthermore, the apparatus of Patent Document 1 requires a device for introducing compressed air into the exhaust gas passage, and the power energy for supplying the compressed air is large, and there is room for improvement in this respect.

  In view of such a problem, an object of the disclosure in this specification is to provide a thermoelectric power generation device that suppresses power energy and suppresses a rise in temperature of a thermoelectric conversion element located at the uppermost stream of an exhaust gas flow.

  A plurality of aspects disclosed in this specification adopt different technical means to achieve each purpose. In addition, the reference numerals in the parentheses described in the claims and in this section are examples showing the correspondence with the specific means described in the embodiments described later as one aspect, and limit the technical scope. is not.

One of the disclosed thermoelectric generators includes an exhaust gas passage member (2) that forms an exhaust gas passage (2a) through which exhaust gas discharged from an engine flows, and a low-temperature passage (40) in which a low-temperature fluid that is lower in temperature than exhaust gas flows. ) And the one side part (30L) of each thermoelectric conversion element is provided so as to be able to transfer heat between the low temperature fluid and the other side part (30H) is heated between the exhaust gas and the exhaust gas. A plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements (30) provided movably and arranged along the flow direction of the exhaust gas, and the other of the first elements (30a) located at the most upstream of the exhaust gas flow among the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements A heat transfer member (33) for connecting the side part and the other side part of at least one second element (30b; 30c) located downstream of the first element on the exhaust gas passage side; Move to first element Heat quantity adjusting member (5; 105) having thermal conductivity provided between the exhaust gas passage member and the heat transfer member so as to make the heat flux to be smaller than the heat flux moving from the exhaust gas passage member to the second element. 6; 106 ; 7 ; 107), and the calorific value adjustment member forms a gap (23) between the exhaust gas passage member and the heat transfer member at a position corresponding to the first element in the flow direction of the exhaust gas. and, that is configured to connect the exhaust passage member and the heat transfer member at a position corresponding to the downstream of the element adjacent to the first element.

According to this thermoelectric power generation device, the first element is reached by including the heat amount adjusting member that makes the heat flux moving from the exhaust gas passage member to the first element smaller than the heat flux moving to the second element. The amount of heat is smaller than the amount of heat reaching the second element. Thereby, since the amount of heat that moves to the first upstream element that is most likely to rise in temperature can be suppressed from the amount of heat that moves to the downstream element, the temperature rise of the first element can be suppressed. . Further, since this effect can be realized by the arrangement configuration of the calorific value adjusting member, it does not require motive energy as in the prior art in order to exhibit the cooling performance. As described above, according to this thermoelectric power generation apparatus, it is possible to suppress the motive energy and to suppress the temperature rise of the thermoelectric conversion element on the most upstream side of the exhaust gas flow.
One of the disclosed thermoelectric generators includes an exhaust gas passage member (2) that forms an exhaust gas passage (2a) through which exhaust gas discharged from an engine flows, and a low-temperature passage (40) in which a low-temperature fluid that is lower in temperature than exhaust gas flows. ) And the one side part (30L) of each thermoelectric conversion element is provided so as to be able to transfer heat between the low temperature fluid and the other side part (30H) is heated between the exhaust gas and the exhaust gas. A plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements (30) provided movably and arranged along the flow direction of the exhaust gas, and the other of the first elements (30a) located at the most upstream of the exhaust gas flow among the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements A heat transfer member (33) for connecting the side part and the other side part of at least one second element (30b; 30c) located downstream of the first element on the exhaust gas passage side; Move to first element Heat quantity adjusting member (5; 105) having thermal conductivity provided between the exhaust gas passage member and the heat transfer member so as to make the heat flux to be smaller than the heat flux moving from the exhaust gas passage member to the second element. 6; 106; 306; 7; 107) and a module case (31; 131) for accommodating a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements, and the heat quantity adjusting member has thermal conductivity and insulation, and is a module case. First adjustment member (5; 105) sandwiched between the outer surface of the gas and the exhaust gas passage member, or a second adjustment member (6; 106) sandwiched between the inner surface of the module case and the heat transfer member having thermal conductivity It is comprised including.

One of the disclosed thermoelectric generators includes an exhaust gas passage member (2) that forms an exhaust gas passage (2a) through which exhaust gas discharged from an engine flows, and a low-temperature passage (40) in which a low-temperature fluid that is lower in temperature than exhaust gas flows. ) And the one side part (30L) of each thermoelectric conversion element is provided so as to be able to transfer heat between the low temperature fluid and the other side part (30H) is transferred to the exhaust gas. A plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements (30) that are provided and arranged along the flow direction of the exhaust gas, and have thermal conductivity so as to contact the inner wall surface of the exhaust gas passage member and extend along the flow direction of the exhaust gas And a heat transfer promoting part (120; 220; 320) provided in the exhaust gas passage. In the heat transfer promotion part, the most upstream end of the heat transfer promotion part is a position corresponding to a downstream element adjacent to the first element (30a) located in the most upstream of the exhaust gas flow among the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements. Thus, it is provided in the exhaust gas passage.

  According to this thermoelectric generator, since the most upstream end of the heat transfer promoting part is provided in the exhaust gas passage so as to be located at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element downstream from the first upstream element, The promoting portion does not exist at a position corresponding to the first element. With this configuration, the heat path transmitted from the exhaust gas to the heat transfer promoting portion moves in the order of the heat transfer promoting portion and the heat transfer member, and in the heat transfer member to the downstream element at a position corresponding to the element downstream of the first element. It is divided into the amount of heat that moves and the amount of heat that moves to the first element via the heat transfer member. At this time, the amount of heat moving to the first element is smaller than the amount of heat moving to the downstream element because the heat moves to the first element after moving the heat transfer member to the exhaust gas upstream side. By this heat distribution, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the most upstream first element whose temperature is most likely to rise. Furthermore, since this effect can be realized by the arrangement configuration of the heat transfer promoting portion, it does not require motive energy as in the prior art. According to this thermoelectric generator, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the thermoelectric conversion element on the most upstream side of the exhaust gas flow while suppressing the motive energy.

  One of the disclosed thermoelectric generators includes an exhaust gas passage member (102) that forms an exhaust gas passage (102a) through which exhaust gas discharged from an engine flows, and a low-temperature passage (40) in which a low-temperature fluid that is cooler than exhaust gas flows. ) And one side (30L) of each thermoelectric conversion element is provided so as to be able to transfer heat between the low-temperature fluid and the other side (30H) is transferred to the exhaust gas. A plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements (30) that are provided and lined up in the flow direction of the exhaust gas, and the other side of the first element (30a) located at the most upstream of the exhaust gas flow among the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements And a heat transfer member (33) for connecting the other side of at least one second element (30b) located downstream of the first element on the exhaust gas passage side, and a heat transfer member provided in the exhaust gas passage. Parts and A module case (231) that accommodates a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements in a movable state, and a module at a position corresponding to the second element without contacting the module case at a position corresponding to the first element in the exhaust gas flow direction And a calorific value adjusting member (108) provided in the exhaust gas passage so as to come into contact with the case.

  According to this thermoelectric generator, the heat quantity adjusting member does not contact the module case at a position corresponding to the first element, but contacts the module case at a position corresponding to the second element. With this configuration, the heat path transmitted from the exhaust gas to the heat quantity adjustment member moves in the order of the heat quantity adjustment member, the module case, and the heat transfer member, and moves to the second element at a position corresponding to the second element in the heat transfer member. It is divided into the amount of heat and the amount of heat transferred to the first element via the heat transfer member. At this time, the amount of heat transferred to the first element is smaller than the amount of heat transferred to the second element because the heat moves to the first element after moving the heat transfer member to the exhaust gas upstream side. By this heat distribution, the temperature rise of the first element on the most upstream side where the temperature is most likely to rise can be suppressed. Further, since this effect can be realized by the arrangement configuration of the calorific value adjusting member, no motive energy is required as in the prior art. According to this thermoelectric power generation device, it is possible to suppress the motive energy and suppress the temperature rise of the thermoelectric conversion element on the most upstream side of the exhaust gas flow.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the thermoelectric generator of 1st Embodiment. It is the elements on larger scale which show the structure of the thermoelectric generator of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows providing the other calorie | heat amount adjustment member in the thermoelectric generator of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the thermoelectric generator of 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows providing the other calorie | heat amount adjustment member in the thermoelectric generator of 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the thermoelectric power generator of 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows providing the other calorie | heat amount adjustment member in the thermoelectric generator of 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the thermoelectric generator of 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows providing the other calorie | heat amount adjustment member in the thermoelectric generator of 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the thermoelectric power generator of 5th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows providing the other calorie | heat amount adjustment member in the thermoelectric generator of 5th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the thermoelectric generator of 6th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows providing the other calorie | heat amount adjustment member in the thermoelectric generator of 6th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the thermoelectric generator of 7th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows providing the other heat-transfer promotion part which contacts waste gas in the thermoelectric generator of 7th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the thermoelectric power generator of 8th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows providing the other heat-transfer promotion part which contacts exhaust gas in the thermoelectric generator of 9th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a plurality of modes for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to the matters described in the preceding embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted. When only a part of the configuration is described in each mode, the other modes described above can be applied to the other parts of the configuration. Not only combinations of parts that clearly indicate that the combination is possible in each embodiment, but also a combination of the embodiments even if they are not clearly specified unless there is a problem with the combination. It is also possible.

(First embodiment)
The thermoelectric generator 1 of 1st Embodiment is demonstrated with reference to FIGS. 1-3. The thermoelectric generator 1 is an apparatus that can generate electric power by converting thermal energy into electric power energy by the Seebeck effect. The thermoelectric generator 1 generates electric power by utilizing a phenomenon in which, when a temperature difference is given between one side and the other side of the thermoelectric conversion element 30, a potential difference is generated and electrons flow. The thermoelectric generator 1 is a device that converts thermal energy into electric power energy by the Seebeck effect. In the thermoelectric generator 1, a temperature difference is given to both sides of the thermoelectric conversion element 30 using exhaust gas and a low-temperature fluid that is lower in temperature than the exhaust gas. As the low temperature fluid, any fluid capable of giving a temperature difference from the exhaust gas can be adopted. In this embodiment, a case where cooling water of an automobile engine is used as an example of an arbitrarily selectable low-temperature fluid will be described.

  The thermoelectric generator 1 is installed in a state in which heat transfer is possible with respect to the exhaust pipe 2 connected to the engine. The exhaust pipe 2 is formed of a material having excellent thermal conductivity. The engine is applied to, for example, a gasoline engine or a diesel engine.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the thermoelectric generator 1 includes an exhaust gas passage 2a through which exhaust gas of a high-temperature fluid flows, a low-temperature passage 40 through which cooling water of a low-temperature fluid flows, and a plurality of thermoelectric devices arranged along the exhaust gas flow direction. Conversion element 30. The thermoelectric generator 1 is transmitted from the exhaust pipe 2 to the heat transfer member 33, the heat transfer member 32 in contact with the low temperature side portion of the thermoelectric conversion element 30, the heat transfer member 33 in contact with the high temperature side portion of the thermoelectric conversion element 30. A heat quantity adjusting member 5 having a configuration capable of adjusting the amount of heat transfer. The plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 30 are provided such that the low temperature end 30L on one side of each thermoelectric conversion element is capable of heat transfer with the low temperature fluid, and the high temperature end 30H on the other side is heat transferable with the exhaust gas. Provided.

  The thermoelectric generator module 3 has a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 30. The thermoelectric generator module 3 has a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 30 arranged along the exhaust gas passage 2a. Of the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 30, the first element located on the most upstream side of the exhaust gas flow is the thermoelectric conversion element 30a, which is the element that is most likely to reach the highest temperature due to heat from the exhaust gas. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the thermoelectric conversion element 30a will reach the use upper limit temperature early among the elements of the thermoelectric generation module 3.

  The thermoelectric conversion element 30 is configured by connecting alternately arranged P-type semiconductor elements and N-type semiconductor elements in a mesh pattern. A plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 30 are housed inside a module case 31 that is a flat box. Inside the module case 31, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 30 are arranged side by side in the exhaust gas flow direction. In order to prevent oxidation of the thermoelectric conversion element 30, the inside of the module case 31 is, for example, in a vacuum state or filled with an inert gas. The module case 31 is also an airtight case that seals the internal space. The module case 31 is made of, for example, a stainless material. The module case 31 may be formed of aluminum or aluminum alloy having excellent thermal conductivity.

  The low temperature end 30L is in contact with the wall portion on the low temperature passage 40 side of the module case 31 or the low temperature passage member 4 through the heat transfer member 32 having thermal conductivity. The high temperature end 30H is in contact with the wall portion of the module case 31 on the exhaust gas passage 2a side via a heat transfer member 33 having thermal conductivity. Further, the heat transfer member 32 may be in direct contact with the low temperature fluid without passing through the low temperature passage member 4 or the module case 31. The heat transfer member 32 is formed of a material having thermal conductivity and insulation. The heat transfer member 32 can be formed of, for example, ceramic. The heat transfer member 33 may be configured by a single member that contacts the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 30 included in the thermoelectric generation module 3, or may be configured by a plurality of members arranged along the exhaust gas passage 2a. Good. The heat transfer member 33 is formed of a material having thermal conductivity and insulation. The heat transfer member 33 can be formed of ceramic, for example.

  When the heat transfer member 33 is configured by a plurality of members, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the heat transfer member 33 includes at least a first member 330 and a second member 331 arranged along the exhaust gas passage 2a. Composed. The first member 330 connects the high temperature end 30H of the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the high temperature end 30H of the thermoelectric conversion element 30b adjacent to the downstream side of the exhaust gas flow from the thermoelectric conversion element 30a on the exhaust gas passage 2a side. The second member 331 exhausts the high temperature end 30H of the thermoelectric conversion element 30c adjacent to the downstream side of the thermoelectric conversion element 30b and the high temperature end 30H of at least one element located downstream of the thermoelectric conversion element 30c. It connects on the channel | path 2a side. Therefore, the heat transfer member 33 exhausts the high temperature end 30H of the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the high temperature end 30H of at least one thermoelectric conversion element located downstream of the thermoelectric conversion element 30a among the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 30. It is a heat conductive member connected in the channel | path 2a side.

  The calorie adjusting member 5 has thermal conductivity and is provided between the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 and has a function of transferring heat of the exhaust gas to the heat transfer member 33. As shown in FIG. 2, the calorific value adjusting member 5 contacts the exhaust pipe 2 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30 b and an element downstream of the element, and is attached to the module case 31 that contacts the heat transfer member 33. In contact. The heat quantity adjusting member 5 is not in contact with both the exhaust pipe 2 and the module case 31 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a located at the most upstream. At this position, a gap 23 is formed between the exhaust pipe 2 and the module case 31, and the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 are not thermally connected.

  The heat quantity adjusting member 5 forms a gap 23 between the exhaust pipe 2 and the module case 31 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a in the exhaust gas flow direction, and further, the heat quantity adjusting member 5 is connected to the exhaust pipe 2 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. The second member 331 is connected. The heat quantity adjusting member 5 forms a heat branch path in the heat transfer path from the exhaust gas passage 2a to the thermoelectric conversion element 30 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. This heat branching path branches from the path of the heat flux q2 and the path of the heat flux q2 that are transmitted from the exhaust gas path 2a to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b, is transmitted to the upstream side of the first member 330, and is transferred to the most upstream thermoelectric conversion element 30a. And a path of the bundle q1. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the heat transfer path of the heat flux q3 transmitted from the exhaust gas passage 2a to the thermoelectric conversion element 30c is formed at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30c. Since q3 corresponds to a path downstream of the path of the heat flux q2, it is considered that the value is smaller than the heat flux before branching to q1 and q2 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b.

With such a configuration, the heat quantity adjusting member 5 is configured so that the heat flux q1 moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a is smaller than the heat flux q2 moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. And the heat transfer member 33. The heat flux here is the amount of heat that crosses the unit area per unit time, and is, for example, a unit of W / m ² . Since the heat flux is proportional to the temperature gradient in the heat flow direction, the magnitude relationship between the heat fluxes can be specified by measuring the temperature gradient between the high temperature portion and each element.

  Further, the heat quantity adjusting member 5 includes the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 so that the thermal resistance t1 from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a is larger than the thermal resistance t2 from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. It is provided between. The thermal resistance t1 is not more than twice the thermal resistance of one element. Since the thermal resistance t1 has such a magnitude, heat transfer from the first member 330 to the most upstream thermoelectric conversion element 30a can be caused.

  The exhaust gas passage 2 a is a passage inside the exhaust pipe 2, and includes a passage portion 2 a 1 where the exhaust gas gives heat to the thermoelectric generator module 3. A thermoelectric generator module 3 is provided outside the passage location 2a1 via a heat quantity adjusting member 5. The passage location 2a1 is provided with a heat transfer promotion unit 20 that can increase the contact area with the exhaust gas and enhance heat exchange.

  The heat transfer promoting unit 20 contacts the inner wall surface of the exhaust pipe 2 so as to extend at least from a position corresponding to the most upstream thermoelectric conversion element 30a to a position corresponding to the most downstream thermoelectric conversion element 30 in the exhaust gas flow direction. And provided in the exhaust gas passage 2a. The heat transfer promoting unit 20 can be configured by a large number of fins. The heat transfer promoting unit 20 has thermal conductivity and is formed of a material having high heat resistance, such as stainless steel or a stainless alloy. Moreover, you may form the heat-transfer promotion part 20 with the aluminum or aluminum alloy excellent in thermal conductivity. The heat transfer promoting unit 20 may be configured to contact the inner wall surface of the exhaust pipe 2. The low-temperature passage 40 is a passage that surrounds the exhaust gas passage 2 a and is formed inside the low-temperature passage member 4. The low-temperature passage member 4 has a cylindrical body having a circular cross section.

  The cooling water flowing in from the low temperature fluid inlet 40a cools the low temperature end 30L of the thermoelectric conversion element 30 while passing through the low temperature passage member 4 and then flowing out from the low temperature fluid outlet 40b. When the exhaust gas flows through the exhaust gas passage 2a, it contacts the heat transfer promoting portion 20 and the inner wall surface of the exhaust pipe 2 at the passage location 2a1 to heat the high temperature end 30H of the thermoelectric conversion element 30. The thermoelectric conversion element 30 has a high-temperature fluid or a high-temperature portion capable of transferring heat with a high-temperature fluid on one surface, and a low-temperature portion capable of transferring heat with a low-temperature fluid or a low-temperature fluid on the other surface. A temperature difference occurs between one side and the other side of 30 and power is generated by the movement of electrons caused by the potential difference.

  The thermoelectric generator 1 may include a calorie adjusting member 105 shown in FIG. The heat quantity adjusting member 105 has the same material and function as the heat quantity adjusting member 5. As shown in FIG. 3, the heat amount adjusting member 105 contacts the exhaust pipe 2 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30 c and an element downstream of the element, and is attached to the module case 31 that contacts the heat transfer member 33. In contact. The heat amount adjusting member 105 is not in contact with both the exhaust pipe 2 and the module case 31 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. A gap 123 is formed between the exhaust pipe 2 and the module case 31 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the thermoelectric conversion element 30b, and the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 are thermally connected by the heat transfer member. Not.

  The heat quantity adjusting member 105 connects the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 at a position corresponding to the third element counted from the most upstream element. The heat quantity adjusting member 105 forms a heat branch path in the heat transfer path from the exhaust gas passage 2a to the thermoelectric conversion element 30 at a position corresponding to the third thermoelectric conversion element 30c from the most upstream. This heat branch path is a path of a heat flux that is transmitted from the exhaust gas path 2a to the thermoelectric conversion element 30c and a path that is branched from this path and is transmitted to the upstream side through the heat transfer member 33 and is divided into the most upstream element and the second element. It consists of and.

  With such a configuration, the heat amount adjusting member 105 makes each heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the thermoelectric conversion element 30b smaller than the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30c. Are provided between the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33.

  Further, the calorific value adjusting member 105 is transmitted to the exhaust pipe 2 so that the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the thermoelectric conversion element 30b is larger than the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30c. It is provided between the heat member 33.

  Next, the effect which the thermoelectric generator 1 of 1st Embodiment brings is demonstrated. The thermoelectric generator 1 includes an exhaust pipe 2 that forms an exhaust gas passage 2a through which exhaust gas discharged from an engine flows, a low-temperature passage member 4 that forms a low-temperature passage 40 through which a low-temperature fluid flows, a thermoelectric generator module 3, The heat member 33 and the heat quantity adjusting member 5 are provided. Each of the thermoelectric generator modules 3 is provided with a low temperature end 30 </ b> L so as to be capable of heat transfer with a low temperature fluid, and a high temperature end 30 </ b> H provided with heat transfer with the exhaust gas so as to line up along the flow direction of the exhaust gas. The thermoelectric conversion element 30 is provided. The heat transfer member 33 exhausts the high temperature end 30H of the first element on the most upstream side of the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 30 and the high temperature end 30H of at least one second element located downstream from the element. It connects on the channel | path 2a side. The heat quantity adjusting member 5 includes the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 so that the heat flux q1 moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the first element is smaller than the heat flux q2 moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the second element. It is provided between.

  According to this thermoelectric generator 1, by providing the heat quantity adjusting member 5 that makes the heat flux q1 moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the first element smaller than the heat flux q2 moving to the second element, The amount of heat reaching the element is smaller than the amount of heat reaching the second element. As a result, it is possible to suppress the amount of heat transferred to the first element that is most upstream and most likely to rise in temperature than the amount of heat transferred to the downstream element, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the first element. And deterioration can be suppressed. Since this effect is realizable by the calorie | heat amount adjustment member 5 which has heat conductivity, the thermoelectric generator 1 which does not require motive energy like the prior art can be provided.

  The heat amount adjusting member 5 or the heat amount adjusting member 105 forms a gap 23 or a gap 123 between the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 at a position corresponding to the first element, and further corresponds to a second element. The exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 are connected to each other.

  According to this configuration, the heat from the exhaust gas moves in the order of the heat amount adjusting member and the heat transfer member 33, and the heat amount and heat transfer that move to the second element at the position corresponding to the second element in the heat transfer member 33. The amount of heat transferred to the first element through the member 33 is divided. At this time, the amount of heat transferred to the first element is smaller than the amount of heat transferred to the second element because the heat moves toward the first element after moving the heat transfer member 33 upstream. Therefore, since the amount of heat that moves to the first element on the most upstream side where the temperature is most likely to rise can be less than the amount of heat that moves to the element on the downstream side, a thermal branch that can suppress the temperature rise of the first element is provided. Can be provided.

  The thermoelectric generator 1 has thermal conductivity and has an inner wall surface of the exhaust pipe 2 that extends from a position corresponding to the most upstream first element to a position corresponding to the most downstream element in the exhaust gas flow direction. Is provided with a heat transfer promoting part 20 provided in the exhaust gas passage 2a. According to this configuration, since the heat quantity of the exhaust gas is easily transmitted to the exhaust pipe 2 by the heat transfer promotion unit 20, it is possible to provide the thermoelectric power generator 1 that can improve the power generation performance and suppress the temperature rise of the first element.

  The thermoelectric generator 1 includes a heat amount adjusting member 5 and a heat amount adjusting member 105 as a first adjusting member having thermal conductivity and sandwiched between the outer surface of the module case 31 and the exhaust pipe 2. According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a heat amount adjusting member that can construct a heat path between the module case 31 and the exhaust pipe 2 and realize a heat branch path that can suppress the temperature rise of the first element. .

(Second Embodiment)
A thermoelectric generator 101 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. 4 and 5 are the same as those in the first embodiment, with the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment. The configuration, processing, operation, and effects not particularly described in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and only differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

  The thermoelectric generator 101 includes a heat amount adjusting member 6 that contacts the heat transfer member 33 and the inner surface of the module case 131 inside the module case 131. The module case 131 is in contact with the outer surface of the exhaust pipe 2. Therefore, the heat of the exhaust gas moves in the order of the exhaust pipe 2, the module case 131, the heat quantity adjustment member 6, and the heat transfer member 33 and is transmitted to each thermoelectric conversion element 30.

  The heat amount adjusting member 6 has heat conductivity and insulation, and is provided between the wall of the module case 131 and the heat transfer member 33, and has a function of transferring heat of exhaust gas to the heat transfer member 33. Similarly to the heat quantity adjusting member 5, the heat quantity adjusting member 6 is in contact with the module case 131 and the heat transfer member 33 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30 b and the downstream element. The heat quantity adjusting member 6 is not in contact with both the module case 131 and the heat transfer member 33 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a located at the most upstream. At this position, a gap 23 is formed between the heat transfer member 33 and the module case 31, and the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 are not thermally connected by the heat transfer member.

  The heat quantity adjusting member 6 forms a heat branch path in the heat transfer path from the exhaust gas passage 2a to the thermoelectric conversion element 30 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. This heat branching path is a heat flux path that is transmitted from the exhaust gas path 2a to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b and a heat flux that is branched from this heat flux path and is transmitted upstream through the heat transfer member 33 to the most upstream thermoelectric conversion element 30a. And is composed of the route.

  With such a configuration, the heat quantity adjusting member 6 is transferred to the exhaust pipe 2 so that the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a is smaller than the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. It is provided between the heat member 33. Further, the heat quantity adjusting member 6 is provided between the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 so that the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a is larger than the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. Is provided.

  The thermoelectric generator 101 may include a calorie adjusting member 106 shown in FIG. The heat quantity adjusting member 106 has the same material and function as the heat quantity adjusting member 6. The heat amount adjusting member 106 is in contact with the heat transfer member 33 and the module case 131 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30c and an element downstream of the element. The heat quantity adjusting member 106 is not in contact with both the heat transfer member 33 and the module case 131 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. A gap 123 is formed between the heat transfer member 33 and the module case 131 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the thermoelectric conversion element 30b, and the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 are not thermally connected.

  The heat amount adjusting member 106 connects the heat transfer member 33 and the module case 131 at a position corresponding to the third element counted from the most upstream element. The heat amount adjusting member 106 forms a heat branch path in the heat transfer path from the exhaust gas passage 2a to the thermoelectric conversion element 30 at a position corresponding to the third thermoelectric conversion element 30c from the most upstream. The heat branching path is divided into a heat flux path that is transmitted from the exhaust gas path 2a to the thermoelectric conversion element 30c, and a most upstream element and a second element that are branched from the path and are transmitted upstream through the heat transfer member 33. With the route.

  With such a configuration, the heat quantity adjusting member 106 makes each heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the thermoelectric conversion element 30b smaller than the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30c. Are provided between the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33.

  Further, the heat quantity adjusting member 106 is transmitted to the exhaust pipe 2 so that the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the thermoelectric conversion element 30b is larger than the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30c. It is provided between the heat member 33.

  The thermoelectric generator 101 includes a heat amount adjusting member 6 and a heat amount adjusting member 106 as second adjusting members sandwiched between the inner surface of the module case 131 and the heat transfer member 33. According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a heat adjustment member that can insulate the thermoelectric conversion element 30 and the module case 131 and can realize a heat branch path that can suppress the temperature rise of the first element. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of parts of the thermoelectric generator 1 that can suppress the temperature rise of the first element.

(Second Embodiment)
A thermoelectric generator 101 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. 4 and 5 are the same as those in the first embodiment, with the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment. The configuration, processing, operation, and effects not particularly described in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and only differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

  The thermoelectric generator 101 includes a heat amount adjusting member 6 that contacts the heat transfer member 33 and the inner surface of the module case 131 inside the module case 131. The module case 131 is in contact with the outer surface of the exhaust pipe 2. Therefore, the heat of the exhaust gas moves in the order of the exhaust pipe 2, the module case 131, the heat quantity adjustment member 6, and the heat transfer member 33 and is transmitted to each thermoelectric conversion element 30.

  The heat amount adjusting member 6 has heat conductivity and insulation, and is provided between the wall of the module case 131 and the heat transfer member 33, and has a function of transferring heat of exhaust gas to the heat transfer member 33. Similarly to the heat quantity adjusting member 5, the heat quantity adjusting member 6 is in contact with the module case 131 and the heat transfer member 33 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30 b and the downstream element. The heat quantity adjusting member 6 is not in contact with both the module case 131 and the heat transfer member 33 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a located at the most upstream. At this position, a gap 23 is formed between the heat transfer member 33 and the module case 31, and the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 are not thermally connected by the heat transfer member.

  The heat quantity adjusting member 6 forms a heat branch path in the heat transfer path from the exhaust gas passage 2a to the thermoelectric conversion element 30 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. This heat branching path is a heat flux path that is transmitted from the exhaust gas path 2a to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b and a heat flux that is branched from this heat flux path and is transmitted upstream through the heat transfer member 33 to the most upstream thermoelectric conversion element 30a. And is composed of the route.

  With such a configuration, the heat quantity adjusting member 6 is transferred to the exhaust pipe 2 so that the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a is smaller than the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. It is provided between the heat member 33. Further, the heat quantity adjusting member 6 is provided between the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 so that the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a is larger than the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. Is provided.

  The thermoelectric generator 101 may include a calorie adjusting member 106 shown in FIG. The heat quantity adjusting member 106 has the same material and function as the heat quantity adjusting member 6. The heat amount adjusting member 106 is in contact with the heat transfer member 33 and the module case 131 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30c and an element downstream of the element. The heat quantity adjusting member 106 is not in contact with both the heat transfer member 33 and the module case 131 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. A gap 123 is formed between the heat transfer member 33 and the module case 131 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the thermoelectric conversion element 30b, and the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 are not thermally connected.

  The heat amount adjusting member 106 connects the heat transfer member 33 and the module case 131 at a position corresponding to the third element counted from the most upstream element. The heat amount adjusting member 106 forms a heat branch path in the heat transfer path from the exhaust gas passage 2a to the thermoelectric conversion element 30 at a position corresponding to the third thermoelectric conversion element 30c from the most upstream. The heat branching path is divided into a heat flux path that is transmitted from the exhaust gas path 2a to the thermoelectric conversion element 30c, and a most upstream element and a second element that are branched from the path and are transmitted upstream through the heat transfer member 33. With the route.

  With such a configuration, the heat quantity adjusting member 106 makes each heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the thermoelectric conversion element 30b smaller than the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30c. Are provided between the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33.

  Further, the heat quantity adjusting member 106 is transmitted to the exhaust pipe 2 so that the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the thermoelectric conversion element 30b is larger than the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30c. It is provided between the heat member 33.

  The thermoelectric generator 101 includes a heat amount adjusting member 6 and a heat amount adjusting member 106 as second adjusting members sandwiched between the inner surface of the module case 131 and the heat transfer member 33. According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a heat adjustment member that can insulate the thermoelectric conversion element 30 and the module case 131 and can realize a heat branch path that can suppress the temperature rise of the first element. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of parts of the thermoelectric generator 1 that can suppress the temperature rise of the first element.

(Third embodiment)
A thermoelectric generator 201 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. 6 and 7, the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiment are the same as those in the above-described embodiment. The configuration, processing, operation, and effect not particularly described in the third embodiment are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and only differences from the above-described embodiment will be described below.

  The thermoelectric generator 201 includes both the heat amount adjusting member 5 of the first embodiment and the heat amount adjusting member 6 of the second embodiment. The module case 131 is configured to be able to move heat with the exhaust pipe 2 via the heat amount adjusting member 5. The heat transfer member 33 is configured to be capable of heat transfer with the module case 131 via the heat amount adjusting member 6. Accordingly, the heat of the exhaust gas moves in the order of the exhaust pipe 2, the heat amount adjusting member 5, the module case 131, the heat amount adjusting member 6, and the heat transfer member 33, and is transmitted to each thermoelectric conversion element 30.

  The heat quantity adjusting member 5 and the heat quantity adjusting member 6 form a heat branch path in the heat transfer path from the exhaust gas passage 2a to the thermoelectric conversion element 30 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. With such a configuration, the heat amount adjusting member 5 and the heat amount adjusting member 6 make the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a smaller than the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. It is provided between the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33. Further, the heat amount adjusting member 5 and the heat amount adjusting member 6 transfer heat with the exhaust pipe 2 so that the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a is larger than the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. It is provided between the member 33.

  The thermoelectric generator 201 may include the heat amount adjusting member 105 of the first embodiment and the heat amount adjusting member 106 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. A gap 123 in which the wall of the module case 131 is interposed is formed between the heat transfer member 33 and the exhaust pipe 2 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the thermoelectric conversion element 30b, and the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 are formed. Are not thermally connected.

  The heat amount adjusting member 105 and the heat amount adjusting member 106 are configured so that each heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the thermoelectric conversion element 30b is smaller than the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30c. It is provided between the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33. Further, the heat amount adjusting member 105 and the heat amount adjusting member 106 are configured so that the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the thermoelectric conversion element 30b is larger than the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30c. It is provided between the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33.

  Further, the heat amount adjusting member 6 and the heat amount adjusting member 106 may partially contact the heat transfer member 33 and the module case 131 at a position corresponding to the first element. The heat quantity adjusting member 5 and the heat quantity adjusting member 105 may partially contact the module case 131 and the exhaust pipe 2 at a position corresponding to the first element. According to this configuration, the heat of the exhaust gas moves to a part of the first element via the heat quantity adjusting member without forming a heat branching path, while the heat of the exhaust gas passes through the second heat quantity adjusting member. It moves to the whole element. Therefore, the heat of the exhaust gas is directly transferred to the first element at a position corresponding to a part of the first element in the heat transfer member 33 and the remaining part of the first element via the heat transfer member 33. Divided into the amount of heat transferred to. Therefore, the amount of heat that moves to the first element that is most likely to rise in temperature can be suppressed more than the amount of heat that moves to the downstream element, which contributes to suppressing deterioration of the first element.

  The heat quantity adjusting member 6 is provided so as not to contact both the heat transfer member 33 and the module case 131 at a position corresponding to the first element. The heat amount adjusting member 5 is provided so as not to contact both the module case 131 and the exhaust pipe 2 at a position corresponding to the first element. According to this configuration, the heat of the exhaust gas moves directly to the entire second element via the calorie adjusting member 5 and the calorie adjusting member 6, but cannot move directly to the first element. The heat of the exhaust gas is branched from the heat path that directly moves to the second element and is divided into the heat path that moves to the first element via the heat transfer member 33 to heat the first element. Therefore, the thermoelectric power generation apparatus 201 capable of suppressing the deterioration of the first element by the heat branch path that can suppress the amount of heat that moves to the first element that is most likely to rise in temperature than the amount of heat that moves to the downstream element. Can be provided.

(Fourth embodiment)
A thermoelectric generator 301 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiment are the same as those in the above-described embodiment. The configuration, processing, operation, and effects not particularly described in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and only differences from the above-described embodiment will be described below.

  The thermoelectric generator 301 includes a heat amount adjusting member 205 and the heat amount adjusting member 6 of the second embodiment. The heat quantity adjusting member 205 has a length extending from a position corresponding to the most upstream thermoelectric conversion element 30a to a position corresponding to the most downstream thermoelectric conversion element 30 in the exhaust gas flow direction. The heat amount adjusting member 205 is in contact with the exhaust pipe 2 and the module case 131 over the entire length direction. The module case 131 is configured to be able to move heat with the exhaust pipe 2 via a heat amount adjusting member 205. Accordingly, the heat of the exhaust gas moves in the order of the exhaust pipe 2, the heat amount adjusting member 205, the module case 131, the heat amount adjusting member 6, and the heat transfer member 33 and is transmitted to each thermoelectric conversion element 30.

  The heat quantity adjusting member 205 and the heat quantity adjusting member 6 transfer heat with the exhaust pipe 2 so that the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a is smaller than the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. It is provided between the member 33. Further, the heat amount adjusting member 205 and the heat amount adjusting member 6 transfer heat with the exhaust pipe 2 so that the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a is larger than the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. It is provided between the member 33.

  The thermoelectric generator 301 may include the heat amount adjusting member 5 and the heat amount adjusting member 206 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The heat quantity adjusting member 206 has a length extending from a position corresponding to the most upstream thermoelectric conversion element 30a to a position corresponding to the most downstream thermoelectric conversion element 30 in the exhaust gas flow direction. The heat amount adjusting member 206 is in contact with the heat transfer member 33 and the module case 131 over the entire length direction. Therefore, the module case 131 is configured to be capable of heat transfer with the heat transfer member 33 via the heat amount adjusting member 206. The heat of the exhaust gas moves in the order of the exhaust pipe 2, the heat amount adjustment member 5, the module case 131, the heat amount adjustment member 206, and the heat transfer member 33 and is transmitted to each thermoelectric conversion element 30.

  The heat quantity adjusting member 5 and the heat quantity adjusting member 206 transfer heat with the exhaust pipe 2 so that the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a is smaller than the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. It is provided between the member 33. Further, the heat amount adjusting member 5 and the heat amount adjusting member 206 transfer heat with the exhaust pipe 2 so that the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a is larger than the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. It is provided between the member 33.

  According to the thermoelectric generator 301, either the first adjustment member or the second adjustment member is not provided at a position corresponding to the first element in the exhaust gas flow direction, and the second exhaust gas flow direction is the second. It is provided at a position corresponding to the element. The first adjustment member is a heat amount adjustment member interposed between the exhaust pipe 2 and the module case 131. The second adjustment member is a heat amount adjustment member that is sandwiched between the heat transfer member 33 and the inner surface of the module case 131. According to this configuration, while ensuring electrical insulation between the heat transfer member 33 and the module case 131, the amount of heat that moves to the first element that is most likely to rise in temperature can be suppressed from the amount of heat that moves to the downstream element. A thermal branch can be provided.

(Fifth embodiment)
A thermoelectric generator 401 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. 10 and 11, the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiment are the same as those in the above-described embodiment. The configuration, processing, operation, and effects not particularly described in the fifth embodiment are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and only differences from the above-described embodiment will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the thermoelectric generator 401 is an apparatus that does not include a module case with respect to the thermoelectric generator 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the heat quantity adjusting member 7 is in contact with both the heat transfer member 33 and the exhaust pipe 2 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b and an element downstream of the element. The low temperature passage member 4 is in contact with the heat transfer member 32.

  The heat quantity adjusting member 7 is in contact with both the heat transfer member 33 and the exhaust pipe 2 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b and an element downstream of the element. The heat quantity adjusting member 7 connects the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. The heat amount adjusting member 7 is not in contact with both the heat transfer member 33 and the exhaust pipe 2 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a located at the most upstream. At this position, a gap 23 is formed between the heat transfer member 33 and the exhaust pipe 2, and the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 are not thermally connected. The heat of the exhaust gas moves in the order of the exhaust pipe 2, the heat amount adjusting member 7, and the heat transfer member 33 and is transmitted to each thermoelectric conversion element 30.

  The heat quantity adjusting member 7 forms a heat branch path in the heat transfer path from the exhaust gas passage 2a to the thermoelectric conversion element 30 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. This heat branching path is a part of the heat flux transmitted from the exhaust gas passage 2a to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b and from the heat flux path and from the heat flux path to the upstream side through the heat transfer member 33 and to the most upstream thermoelectric conversion element 30a. It consists of a route.

  With such a configuration, the heat quantity adjusting member 7 is transferred to the exhaust pipe 2 so that the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a is smaller than the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. It is provided between the heat member 33. Further, the heat quantity adjusting member 7 is provided between the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 so that the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a is larger than the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. Is provided.

  The thermoelectric generator 301 may be provided with a heat adjustment member 107 shown in FIG. 11 instead of the heat adjustment member 7. The heat quantity adjusting member 107 is different in length from the heat quantity adjusting member 7 and is in contact with the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30c and an element downstream of the element. . The heat amount adjusting member 107 is not in contact with both the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the thermoelectric conversion element 30b.

  The heat quantity adjusting member 107 connects the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 at a position corresponding to the third element counted from the most upstream element. The heat quantity adjusting member 107 forms the same heat branching path as in the first embodiment in the heat transfer path from the exhaust gas passage 2a to the thermoelectric conversion element 30 at a position corresponding to the third thermoelectric conversion element 30c from the most upstream.

  With such a configuration, the heat quantity adjusting member 107 makes each heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the thermoelectric conversion element 30b smaller than the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30c. Are provided between the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33. Further, the heat quantity adjusting member 107 is transferred to the exhaust pipe 2 so that each thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the thermoelectric conversion element 30b is larger than the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30c. It is provided between the heat member 33.

  According to the thermoelectric generator 401, the calorie adjusting member 7 or the calorie adjusting member 107 has a gap 23 or a gap 123 between the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 at a position corresponding to the first element in the exhaust gas flow direction. Form. Further, the heat amount adjusting member 7 or the heat amount adjusting member 107 is configured to connect the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 at a position corresponding to the second element.

  According to this configuration, the heat from the exhaust gas moves in the order of the heat amount adjusting member and the heat transfer member 33, and the heat amount and the heat transfer member move to the second element at the position corresponding to the second element in the heat transfer member 33. And the amount of heat that moves to the first element via 33. At this time, the amount of heat transferred to the first element is smaller than the amount of heat transferred to the second element because the heat moves toward the first element after moving the heat transfer member 33 upstream. Therefore, since the amount of heat that moves to the first element on the most upstream side where the temperature is most likely to rise can be suppressed from the amount of heat that moves to the element on the downstream side, the heat branch path that can suppress the temperature rise of the first element Can be provided.

(Sixth embodiment)
A thermoelectric generator 501 according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. 12 and 13, the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiment are the same as those in the above-described embodiment. The configuration, processing, operation, and effect not particularly described in the sixth embodiment are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and only differences from the above-described embodiment will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the thermoelectric generator 501 includes a plurality of heats provided in the module case 131, each having a predetermined number of thermoelectric conversion elements 30 arranged in the exhaust gas flow direction and spaced in the exhaust gas flow direction. A power generation module is provided. The thermoelectric generator module 103 as the most upstream module located on the most upstream side of the exhaust gas flow partially contacts the heat amount adjusting member 306 at a position where the heat transfer member 133 corresponds to the most upstream thermoelectric conversion element 30a. The thermoelectric generator module 103 contacts the heat quantity adjusting member 306 over the entire thermoelectric conversion element 30b on the downstream side of the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the position corresponding to the downstream element. A gap 223 is formed between the heat transfer member 133 and the inner surface of the module case 131 at a position where the heat quantity adjusting member 306 is not in contact with the heat transfer member 133, and the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 133 are thermally Not connected. The heat of the exhaust gas moves in the order of the exhaust pipe 2, the heat amount adjustment member 205, the heat amount adjustment member 306, and the heat transfer member 133 and is transmitted to each thermoelectric conversion element 30 of the thermoelectric generator module 103.

  The thermoelectric generator module 203 located downstream of the thermoelectric generator module 103 at a predetermined interval partially contacts the heat quantity adjusting member 306 at a position where the heat transfer member 233 corresponds to the most upstream thermoelectric conversion element 30a. . The thermoelectric generator module 203 contacts the heat quantity adjusting member 306 over the entire thermoelectric conversion element 30b downstream of the thermoelectric conversion element 30a and the position corresponding to the downstream element. The heat of the exhaust gas moves in the order of the exhaust pipe 2, the heat amount adjustment member 205, the heat amount adjustment member 306, and the heat transfer member 133 and is transmitted to each thermoelectric conversion element 30 of the thermoelectric generator module 203.

  The heat quantity adjusting member 306 forms a heat branch path in the heat transfer path from the exhaust gas passage 2a to the thermoelectric conversion element 30 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. The heat branch path is a path of a heat flux that is transmitted from the exhaust gas passage 2a to a part of the thermoelectric conversion element 30a, and a part of the heat flux that branches off from the path of the heat flux and is transmitted to the upstream side of the heat transfer member 33. And the path of the heat flux that travels to. With this configuration, the heat quantity adjusting member 306 is transferred to the exhaust pipe 2 so that the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a is smaller than the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. It is provided between the heat member 33. Further, the heat quantity adjusting member 306 is provided between the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 33 so that the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a is larger than the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b. Is provided.

  Further, the heat amount adjusting member 306 does not overlap with more than half of the portion of the first element connected to the heat transfer member 133 at a position corresponding to the first element. The heat amount adjusting member 306 further overlaps the entire second element connected to the heat transfer member 133 at a position corresponding to the second element, and connects the exhaust pipe 2 and the heat transfer member 133. According to this configuration, the heat of the exhaust gas moves from the portion of the first element surface less than half of the surface of the first element to the first element via the heat amount adjusting member 306 without forming a heat branch path, while the heat of the exhaust gas is It moves to the whole of the second element via the heat amount adjusting member 306. Therefore, the heat of the exhaust gas is directly transferred to the first element at a position corresponding to a part of the first element in the heat transfer member 133 and the remaining part of the first element through the heat transfer member 133. Divided into the amount of heat transferred to. Therefore, the amount of heat that moves to the first element, which is most likely to rise in temperature, can be suppressed more than the amount of heat that moves to the downstream element, which contributes to suppressing deterioration of the first element.

  The thermoelectric generator 501 may include a heat amount adjusting member 406 shown in FIG. 13 as heat amount adjusting means for the thermoelectric generator module 203 located on the downstream side of the thermoelectric generator module 103. The thermoelectric generator module 203 located on the downstream side contacts the heat amount adjusting member 406 throughout the position corresponding to the most downstream element from the most upstream thermoelectric conversion element 30a. In the thermoelectric generator module 203, no gap is formed between the heat transfer member 233 and the exhaust pipe 2. Accordingly, among the plurality of thermoelectric generator modules, the most upstream module located on the most upstream side has a smaller contact area with the heat amount adjusting member than the downstream module. According to this configuration, the heat quantity adjusting member 306 can make the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a smaller than the heat flux moving from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b in the most upstream module. it can. Further, the heat quantity adjusting member 306 can make the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a larger than the thermal resistance from the exhaust pipe 2 to the thermoelectric conversion element 30b.

(Seventh embodiment)
A thermoelectric generator 601 according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. In FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the same reference numerals as those in the previous embodiment are the same as those in the previous embodiment. The configuration, processing, operation, and effects not particularly described in the seventh embodiment are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and only differences from the above-described embodiment will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the thermoelectric generator 601 is different from the apparatus of the first embodiment in the means for making the amount of heat transferred from the exhaust gas to the first element smaller than the amount of heat transferred to other elements. is doing. The thermoelectric generator 601 includes a heat amount adjusting member 205 similar to that of the fourth embodiment. The heat quantity adjusting member 205 is in contact with the exhaust pipe 2 and the module case 131 over the entire length corresponding to all the thermoelectric conversion elements 30.

  The thermoelectric generator 601 has heat conductivity, and includes a heat transfer promotion unit 120 provided in the exhaust gas passage 2a so as to contact the inner wall surface of the exhaust pipe 2 and extend along the flow direction of the exhaust gas. The heat transfer promoting unit 120 corresponds to a thermoelectric conversion element provided at the most upstream end of the heat transfer promoting unit 120 downstream of the first element located at the most upstream of the exhaust gas flow among the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 30. It is provided in the exhaust gas passage 2a so as to be in a position where That is, the installation location of the heat transfer promotion unit 120 is different from that of the heat transfer promotion unit 20 of the first embodiment. The heat transfer promoting part 120 is provided in the exhaust gas passage 2a at a position corresponding to an element downstream of the exhaust gas flow from the thermoelectric conversion element 30a, for example, an element after the thermoelectric conversion element 30b, and thus heat to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a. The amount of movement is smaller than the amount of heat transfer to other elements.

  The thermoelectric generator 601 may include a heat transfer promotion unit 220 shown in FIG. The heat transfer promoting part 220 is different from the heat transfer promoting part 120 in that the downstream end of the heat transfer promoting part 220 extends further downstream than the position corresponding to the most downstream element.

  According to this thermoelectric generator 601, the most upstream end of the heat transfer promoting portions 120, 220 is provided in the exhaust gas passage 2 a so that it is located at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element downstream from the most upstream first element. Therefore, the heat transfer promoting part does not exist at a position corresponding to the first element. The heat path transmitted from the exhaust gas to the heat transfer promotion units 120 and 220 moves from the heat transfer promotion unit to the heat transfer member 33 through the exhaust pipe 2 and the like. The heat transfer member 33 is divided into a heat amount moving to the downstream element and a heat amount moving to the first element via the heat transfer member 33 at a position corresponding to the element downstream of the first element. At this time, the amount of heat transferred to the first element is smaller than the amount of heat transferred to the downstream element because the heat moves toward the first element after moving the heat transfer member 33 to the exhaust gas upstream side. By this heat distribution, the temperature rise can be suppressed for the most upstream first element whose temperature is most likely to rise. Further, since this effect can be realized by the arrangement configuration of the heat transfer promoting portions 120 and 220, it is possible to provide the thermoelectric generator 601 that does not require motive energy as in the prior art.

(Eighth embodiment)
A thermoelectric generator 701 according to an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 16, the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiment are the same as those in the above-described embodiment. The configuration, processing, operation, and effects not particularly described in the eighth embodiment are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and only differences from the above-described embodiment will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the thermoelectric generator 701 has a configuration in which the low temperature passage member 104 and the module case 231 are provided in the exhaust gas passage 102 a in the exhaust pipe 102. Therefore, the heat conductive member 8 having heat conductivity is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the module case 231. The heat conductive member 8 has a function of efficiently transferring the heat of the exhaust gas to the heat transfer member 32 on the high temperature end 30H side. A heat transfer promoting portion 320 is provided in the passage location 102a1. The heat transfer promoting unit 320 has the same configuration as the heat transfer promoting unit 220 of the seventh embodiment, and has the same effects as the heat transfer promoting unit 120 and the heat transfer promoting unit 220. According to the thermoelectric generator 701, the same operations and effects as the thermoelectric generator 601 described above are exhibited.

(Ninth embodiment)
A thermoelectric generator 801 according to a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 17, the configuration denoted by the same reference numeral as that of the above-described embodiment is the same as that of the above-described embodiment. The configuration, processing, operation, and effect not particularly described in the ninth embodiment are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and only differences from the above-described embodiment will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the thermoelectric power generation device 801 is different from the thermoelectric power generation device 801 of the eighth embodiment in a heat amount adjusting member 108 and a heat transfer promotion unit 420. The installation amount of the heat amount adjusting member 108 is different from that of the heat conductive member 8. As shown in FIG. 17, the heat quantity adjusting member 108 is in contact with the module case 231 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30 b and an element downstream of the element. The heat amount adjusting member 108 is not in contact with the module case 231 at a position corresponding to the thermoelectric conversion element 30a located at the most upstream.

  The heat transfer promotion unit 420 has at least a length from the position corresponding to the most upstream thermoelectric conversion element 30a to the position corresponding to the most downstream thermoelectric conversion element 30 in the exhaust gas flow direction.

  According to the thermoelectric generator 801, the exhaust gas passage 2a is not contacted with the module case 231 at the position corresponding to the first element with respect to the flow direction of the exhaust gas, but is contacted with the module case 231 at the position corresponding to the second element. A heat quantity adjusting member 108 is provided.

  According to this configuration, the heat path transmitted from the exhaust gas to the heat quantity adjusting member 108 moves in the order of the heat quantity adjusting member 108, the module case 231, and the heat transfer member 33. The heat transfer member 33 is divided into a heat amount that moves to the second element at a position corresponding to the second element and a heat amount that moves to the first element via the heat transfer member 33. At this time, the amount of heat that moves to the first element is smaller than the amount of heat that moves to the second element because the heat moves to the first element after moving the heat transfer member 33 to the upstream side of the exhaust gas. This heat distribution can suppress the temperature rise of the first element on the most upstream side where the temperature is most likely to rise. As described above, the thermoelectric generator 801 has the same operations and effects as the thermoelectric generator 601 described above.

  According to the thermoelectric power generation device 801, the heat transfer promotion unit 420 has the most downstream end of the heat transfer promotion unit 420 downstream of the thermoelectric conversion element 30 located at the most downstream of the exhaust gas flow among the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 30. It is provided to be located. According to this configuration, the heat transfer promoting portion 420 is provided in the exhaust gas passage 2a longer on the downstream side than the position corresponding to the most downstream thermoelectric conversion element 30. Thereby, since the amount of heat recovered from the exhaust gas can be improved, the amount of heat transferred to the high temperature end 30H can be increased, and the amount of power generation can be improved.

(Other embodiments)
The disclosure of this specification is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. The disclosure encompasses the illustrated embodiments and variations by those skilled in the art based thereon. For example, the disclosure is not limited to the combination of components and elements shown in the embodiments, and various modifications can be made. The disclosure can be implemented in various combinations. The disclosure may have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The disclosure includes those in which the components and elements of the embodiment are omitted. The disclosure encompasses parts, element replacements, or combinations between one embodiment and another. The technical scope disclosed is not limited to the description of the embodiments. The technical scope disclosed is indicated by the description of the claims, and should be understood to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the description of the claims.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, the exhaust gas passage 2 a includes the heat transfer promotion unit 20, but the thermoelectric generator may not include the heat transfer promotion unit 20.

  In the above-described embodiment, the thermoelectric generator module 3 is in contact with the exhaust pipe 2 so as to be able to move heat so as to surround the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust pipe 2, but is not limited to such an installation form. The thermoelectric generator module 3 may be in a form that comes into contact with the outer surface of a member that forms the exhaust gas passage 2a, or may be in a form that makes partial contact with the outer peripheral surface of this member.

  In the thermoelectric generator 601 of the seventh embodiment, the heat quantity adjustment member 205 may be replaced with the heat quantity adjustment member 5 or the heat quantity adjustment member 105 having a short length in the exhaust gas flow direction.

  In the above-described embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation apparatus including one power generation unit is disclosed, but the thermoelectric power generation apparatus may be configured by stacking a plurality of power generation units.

  In the above-described embodiment, a thermal communication member such as grease or a sheet excellent in heat conduction is provided between the low temperature passage member 4 and the thermoelectric generation module 3 or between the exhaust pipe 2 and the thermoelectric generation module 3. May be. This thermal communication member is preferably a member that is more easily deformed by an external force and has a lower hardness than the exhaust pipe 2 and the low temperature passage member 4. According to this configuration, the thermal communication member can be deformed according to the expansion and contraction of each member, so that the thermoelectric generation module 3 can be easily displaced with respect to the exhaust pipe 2 and the low temperature passage member 4. Therefore, even if each member expands and contracts due to a temperature difference caused by the high temperature fluid and the low temperature fluid, the thermoelectric generator module 3 is easily displaced. Therefore, stress due to distortion of each member is reduced, or a difference in thermal expansion between the members. The effect which absorbs can be heightened.

  In the above-described embodiment, the low-temperature fluid and the high-temperature fluid form counterflows that flow in opposite directions, but the flow directions of both are not limited to this relationship.

2 ... Exhaust pipe (exhaust gas passage member), 2a ... Exhaust gas passage 4 ... Low temperature passage member, 5,105 ... Heat quantity adjustment member (first adjustment member)
6,106 ... Calorie adjustment member (second adjustment member)
30 ... thermoelectric conversion element, 30a ... thermoelectric conversion element (first element)
30b, 30c ... thermoelectric conversion element (second element), 30H ... high temperature side end (the other side part)
30L ... low temperature side end (one side), 33 ... heat transfer member, 40 ... low temperature passage

Claims (15)

An exhaust gas passage member (2) forming an exhaust gas passage (2a) through which exhaust gas discharged from the engine flows;
A low-temperature passage member (4) forming a low-temperature passage (40) through which a low-temperature fluid having a temperature lower than that of the exhaust gas flows;
For each thermoelectric conversion element, one side (30L) is provided so as to be able to transfer heat with the low-temperature fluid, and the other side (30H) is provided so as to be able to transfer heat with the exhaust gas. A plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements (30) arranged along the flow direction;
Among the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements, at least one second element (on the other side of the first element (30a) located on the most upstream side of the exhaust gas flow and on the downstream side of the first element ( A heat transfer member (33) for connecting the other side portion of 30b; 30c) on the exhaust gas passage side;
Between the exhaust gas passage member and the heat transfer member, the heat flux moving from the exhaust gas passage member to the first element is smaller than the heat flux moving from the exhaust gas passage member to the second element. A calorie adjusting member (5; 105; 6; 106; 306; 7; 107) provided with heat conductivity;
A module case (31; 131) for housing a plurality of the thermoelectric conversion elements;
Equipped with a,
The heat quantity adjusting member has thermal conductivity and insulation, and is a first adjusting member (5; 105) sandwiched between an outer surface of the module case and the exhaust gas passage member, or the module having thermal conductivity. second adjustment member that is sandwiched case of the inner surface and the said heat transfer member (6; 106) thermoelectric generator in which the containing Ru is configured to.   The calorific value adjustment member (5; 105; 6; 106; 7; 107) has a gap (between the exhaust gas passage member and the heat transfer member at a position corresponding to the first element in the flow direction of the exhaust gas. 23; 123), and the exhaust gas passage member and the heat transfer member are connected to each other at a position corresponding to the second element.   The calorific value adjustment member (306) does not overlap with more than half of the portion of the first element connected to the heat transfer member at a position corresponding to the first element in the flow direction of the exhaust gas, and 2. The exhaust gas passage member and the heat transfer member are connected to each other so as to overlap the entire second element connected to the heat transfer member at a position corresponding to the second element. The thermoelectric power generator described in 1.   It has thermal conductivity and contacts the inner wall surface of the exhaust gas passage member so as to extend from a position corresponding to the first element to a position corresponding to the most downstream thermoelectric conversion element in the flow direction of the exhaust gas. The thermoelectric power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a heat transfer promotion part (20) provided in the exhaust gas passage. An exhaust gas passage member (2) forming an exhaust gas passage (2a) through which exhaust gas discharged from the engine flows;
A low-temperature passage member (4) forming a low-temperature passage (40) through which a low-temperature fluid having a temperature lower than that of the exhaust gas flows;
For each thermoelectric conversion element, one side (30L) is provided so as to be able to transfer heat with the low-temperature fluid, and the other side (30H) is provided so as to be able to transfer heat with the exhaust gas. A plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements (30) arranged along the flow direction;
Among the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements, at least one second element (on the other side of the first element (30a) located on the most upstream side of the exhaust gas flow and on the downstream side of the first element ( A heat transfer member (33) for connecting the other side portion of 30b; 30c) on the exhaust gas passage side;
Between the exhaust gas passage member and the heat transfer member, the heat flux moving from the exhaust gas passage member to the first element is smaller than the heat flux moving from the exhaust gas passage member to the second element. A heat quantity adjusting member (5; 105; 6; 106; 7; 107) having thermal conductivity provided;
With
The heat adjustment member forms a gap (23) between the exhaust gas passage member and the heat transfer member at a position corresponding to the first element in the exhaust gas flow direction, and is adjacent to the first element. thermoelectric generator which is configured to connecting the heat transfer member and the exhaust gas channel member at a position corresponding to the downstream of the element. It has thermal conductivity and contacts the inner wall surface of the exhaust gas passage member so as to extend from a position corresponding to the first element to a position corresponding to the most downstream thermoelectric conversion element in the flow direction of the exhaust gas. thermoelectric generator according to claim 5, Ru with a heat transfer enhancing portion (20) provided in the exhaust gas passage Te. A module case (31; 131) for accommodating a plurality of the thermoelectric conversion elements;
The heat quantity adjusting member has thermal conductivity and insulation, and is a first adjusting member (5; 105) sandwiched between an outer surface of the module case and the exhaust gas passage member , or the module having thermal conductivity. thermoelectric generator according to; (106 6) Ru is configured to include a claim 5 or claim 6 second adjustment member that is sandwiched case of the inner surface and the said heat transfer member. The calorific value adjusting member is configured to include the first adjusting member and the second adjusting member,
The second adjustment member partially contacts the heat transfer member and the module case at a position corresponding to the first element in the flow direction of the exhaust gas, and the first adjustment member includes the module case and the module case. exhaust passage member partially contacting to that claim 1 to claim 4, the thermoelectric generator according to any one of claims 7. The calorific value adjusting member is configured to include the first adjusting member and the second adjusting member,
The second adjustment member is provided so as not to contact both the heat transfer member and the module case at a position corresponding to the first element in the exhaust gas flow direction, and the first adjustment member is the module. case and the exhaust passage member and the claims 1 to claim 4 both that provided so as not to contact the the thermoelectric power generating device according to any one of claims 7. Either one of the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member is not provided at a position corresponding to the first element in the flow direction of the exhaust gas, and the second element in the flow direction of the exhaust gas. The thermoelectric power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and claim 7, which is provided at a position corresponding to . The plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements (30) includes a plurality of thermoelectric modules (103, 203) each having a predetermined number of the thermoelectric conversion elements arranged in the exhaust gas flow direction and provided at intervals in the exhaust gas flow direction. thermoelectric generator according to any one of claims 1 to 10 that make up. Of the plurality of thermoelectric generator modules, the most upstream module (103) located at the most upstream side of the exhaust gas flow adjusts the amount of heat more than the downstream module (203) located downstream from the most upstream module. The thermoelectric generator according to claim 11, wherein a contact area with the member is small . An exhaust gas passage member (2) forming an exhaust gas passage (2a) through which exhaust gas discharged from the engine flows;
A low-temperature passage member (4) forming a low-temperature passage (40) through which a low-temperature fluid having a temperature lower than that of the exhaust gas flows;
For each thermoelectric conversion element, one side (30L) is provided so as to be able to transfer heat between the low-temperature fluid, and the other side (30H) is provided so as to be able to transfer heat between the exhaust gases, so that the flow direction of the exhaust gas A plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements (30) arranged along
A heat transfer facilitating portion (120; 220; 320) provided in the exhaust gas passage so as to have thermal conductivity and to be in contact with the inner wall surface of the exhaust gas passage member and to extend along the flow direction of the exhaust gas;
With
The heat transfer promotion section, top upper upstream end of the heat transfer promoting portion, downstream of the elements adjacent to the first element positioned in the outermost upper stream of the exhaust gas flow among the plurality of the thermoelectric conversion element (30a) such that the corresponding position, the thermoelectric generator that provided in the exhaust gas passage.   An exhaust gas passage member (102) forming an exhaust gas passage (102a) through which exhaust gas discharged from the engine flows;
  A low-temperature passage member (104) that forms a low-temperature passage (40) through which a low-temperature fluid having a temperature lower than that of the exhaust gas flows;
  For each thermoelectric conversion element, one side (30L) is provided so as to be able to transfer heat between the low-temperature fluid, and the other side (30H) is provided so as to be able to transfer heat between the exhaust gases, so that the flow direction of the exhaust gas A plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements (30) arranged along
  Among the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements, at least one second element (on the other side of the first element (30a) located on the most upstream side of the exhaust gas flow and on the downstream side of the first element ( 30b, 30c) and the other side of the heat transfer member (33) connecting the exhaust gas passage side,
  A module case (231) which is provided in the exhaust gas passage and accommodates a plurality of the thermoelectric conversion elements in a state in which heat transfer is possible with the heat transfer member;
  The amount of heat provided in the exhaust gas passage so as to contact the module case at a position corresponding to the second element without contacting the module case at a position corresponding to the first element in the flow direction of the exhaust gas An adjustment member (108);
  A thermoelectric generator.   A heat transfer facilitating part (420) provided in the exhaust gas passage so as to have thermal conductivity and to be in contact with the inner wall surface of the exhaust gas passage member and to extend along the flow direction of the exhaust gas;
  The heat transfer promotion part is provided so that the most downstream end of the heat transfer promotion part is located downstream of the thermoelectric conversion element located at the most downstream of the exhaust gas flow among the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements. The thermoelectric generator according to claim 14.

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