JPH08335722A - Thermoelectric conversion module - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a safety thermoelectric conversion module resistant to thermal stress caused by thermal expansion and holding a larger difference in temperature between a high-temperature part and a low-temperature part. CONSTITUTION: A thermoelectric conversion module 1 has a plurality of pairs of thermoelectric elements 2 made up of a p-type thermoelectric material 2p and an n-type thermoelectric material 2n arranged linearly and put alternately. An electrode 3 for connecting the adjoining thermoelectric pairs 2 is provided, and a high-temperature heat source is put in contact with an interfacial part 2H between the p-type thermoelectric material 2p and the n-type thermoelectric material 2n in the thermionic element couple 2. A low temperature unit 2L on the opposite side is isolated thermally from the heat source, and a heat insulating and isolating material 5 is provided for isolating electrically the adjoining low temperature units 2L from each other in the thermoelectric pairs 2.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a generator using a thermoelectric material used for thermoelectric power generation by the Seebeck effect and so-called thermoelectric conversion (direct conversion of energy without moving parts) such as electronic refrigeration by the Peltier effect. Or, it relates to a thermoelectric conversion module used for a cooler.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Thermoelectric effects in thermoelectric conversion such as thermoelectric power generation and electronic refrigeration are Seebeck effect, Peltier effect,
There is a Thomson effect and the like. Among them, the Seebeck effect is such that when different conductors or semiconductors p and n are joined to raise one junction to a high temperature and the other junction to a low temperature, a thermoelectromotive force according to a temperature difference is generated. The Peltier effect is a phenomenon in which, when different conductors or semiconductors p and n are joined and a current is passed, one junction absorbs heat and the other junction releases heat. The Thomson effect is a phenomenon in which one of a uniform conductor or semiconductor is heated to a high temperature and the other is cooled to a low temperature, and a direct current is applied along a temperature gradient, whereby heat is absorbed or released inside the material depending on the direction of the current. , With no moving parts that cause vibration, noise, wear, etc., simple structure, high reliability, long life and easy maintenance If, or obtained directly DC power by the combustion of various fossil fuels, and being suitable for or temperature control without using a coolant.

As such a thermoelectric conversion module,
Cascade type thermoelectric conversion module in which a plurality of π-shaped thermoelectric element pairs are arranged in parallel and both the high temperature side and the low temperature side are fixed to the substrate, and a plurality of U-shaped thermoelectric element pairs are arranged to form the substrate on the low temperature side. Known are thermoelectric conversion modules fixed to the. The general technology relating to such a thermoelectric conversion module is described in detail, for example, in "Thermoelectric semiconductor and its application" (Isao Nishida, Kinichi Uemura, published by Nikkan Kogyo Co., Ltd.).

As a thermoelectric cooling module having improved heat exchange efficiency, a thermoelectric conversion module has been proposed in which a p-type thermoelectric material, an n-type thermoelectric material, and heat radiation fins also serving as electrodes are linearly arranged ( For example, JP-A-3-9127
No. 2, JP-A-4-107973, JP-A-4-107973.
114485, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-212481).

[0005]

However, in the cascade type thermoelectric conversion module in which a plurality of π-shaped thermoelectric element pairs are arranged in parallel and both the high temperature side and the low temperature side are fixed to the substrate, the high temperature side substrate is When heated, the high temperature side of the substrate and the high temperature end of the thermoelectric element expand, and stress is generated between the non-expanding low temperature end, so if the temperature difference between the low temperature side and the high temperature side becomes large, at each joint There was a problem that destruction could occur.

Therefore, in order to prevent the destruction due to the stress caused by the thermal expansion difference between the high temperature portion and the low temperature portion, the area of the single module must be reduced, and a large large power module cannot be realized. Therefore, there has been a problem that the application to thermoelectric power generation technology that requires a high temperature difference is prevented.

Even if the module is not destroyed, the warp of the substrate or the like lowers the thermal contact state with the heat source or the radiator on the high temperature side or the low temperature side, so that the necessary temperature difference can be maintained. There was a problem in that many problems such as the decrease in generated power could not be detected because of the inability to take measures.

Further, in a thermoelectric conversion module in which a plurality of U-shaped thermoelectric element pairs are arranged and the low temperature side is fixed to the substrate, when the high temperature side is heated, thermal expansion of the high temperature side causes the thermoelectric element inside or the low temperature connecting portion. May cause damage in
Since the thermoelectric element pair is fixed to the substrate only on the low temperature side, the thermoelectric element pair is easily detached from the substrate due to thermal stress or mechanical vibration, so high reliability is not obtained. There was a problem that it did not exist.

On the other hand, in the thermoelectric conversion module in which the p-type thermoelectric material, the n-type thermoelectric material, and the heat absorbing / dissipating fins also serving as electrodes are linearly arranged, the heat exchanging heat dissipating fins also serving as electrodes are exposed. Therefore, if you try to apply a fluid such as an ionized gas or a liquid with electrical conductivity to a high-temperature heat source, an undesired reverse current will flow to the thermoelectric exchange module or the high-temperature thermal fluid will decompose. In addition, there is a problem in that it is difficult to apply since it may cause an electric reaction on the surface of the heat radiation / dissipation fin to deteriorate the performance.

Further, in a high output thermoelectric conversion module having a large amount of current, there is a problem in that the structure in which a large number of electrodes are exposed has a safety problem.

Further, in this structure, since the heat radiation / radiation fin and the thermoelectric element pair can be brought into contact with each other without interposing the insulating layer serving as the resistance, the heat exchange efficiency is improved in the low output thermoelectric cooling module having a relatively small temperature difference. However, at the same time, the side surface at the high temperature end of the thermoelectric element comes into contact with the low temperature gas and the side surface at the low temperature end comes into contact with the high temperature gas. On the contrary, in the module, there is a problem that the efficiency of heat exchange is lowered and the output is lowered.

Furthermore, in this structure, it is basically impossible to apply a low-cost surface mounting technique which is effective by arranging the thermoelectric conversion elements in a large area, and the conventional general cascade type thermoelectric conversion module is not applicable. However, there is a problem in that it is disadvantageous in terms of manufacturing cost as compared with.

Therefore, there has been a problem that the development of a thermoelectric conversion module having high reliability and capable of making a large temperature difference is desired.

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been conceived in view of the conventional problems as described above, and it is possible to make a large temperature difference, resistant to thermal stress due to thermal expansion, and highly safe thermoelectric conversion. It is intended to provide a module.

[0015]

A thermoelectric conversion module according to the present invention has a suitable number of thermoelectric element pairs in which a p-type thermoelectric material and an n-type thermoelectric material are linearly arranged as described in claim 1. It is characterized in that it is arranged side by side with an adjacent thermoelectric element pair electrically connected in series.

Further, in the embodiment of the thermoelectric conversion module according to the present invention, as described in claim 2, the boundary portion between the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material linearly arranged is on the high temperature side. In addition, each end on the side opposite to the boundary becomes the low temperature side, and the high temperature side and the low temperature side can be thermally cut off, as described in claim 3. In addition, the boundary between the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material arranged in a straight line makes contact with the high-temperature heat source to exchange heat, and each end opposite to the boundary becomes a low-temperature part, and the low-temperature part has a high temperature. The heat source may be cut off so that it does not come into contact with the heat source.

Similarly, in the embodiment of the thermoelectric conversion module according to the present invention, as described in claim 4, the low temperature part of one thermoelectric element pair is arranged in parallel with the other thermoelectric element pair. The thermoelectric element pair may be adjacent to the low temperature portion via an electrically insulating heat insulating material.

Similarly, in the thermoelectric conversion module according to the present invention, as described in claim 5, a p-type thermoelectric material and an n-type thermoelectric material are provided in an appropriate number, and a proper number of thermoelectric element pairs are provided. P in adjacent thermoelectric element pairs
Type thermoelectric materials and n-type thermoelectric materials are arranged side by side in an appropriate number so that the thermoelectric element pairs are arranged side by side, and the thermoelectric element pairs arranged side by side are provided with electrodes for electrically connecting in series. A high temperature heat source is brought into contact with a boundary portion between the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material of the thermoelectric element pair, and a low temperature portion on the opposite side to the boundary portion is thermally cut off from the high temperature heat source and a low temperature portion of an adjacent thermoelectric element pair. It is characterized by being provided with an electrically insulating heat insulating material that electrically insulates the space between them, and as described in claim 6, it may have a water cooling jacket for cooling the low temperature part. As described in claim 7, it may be configured to have a radiation fin for cooling the low temperature portion.

In the thermoelectric conversion module according to the present invention, the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material are linearly arranged, and the pn boundary (or junction) of the linearly arranged thermoelectric elements is on the high temperature side. And a specific module shape in which each end on the side opposite to the boundary is on the low temperature side is, for example, on both end sides of the clearance between the linear thermoelectric element pairs arranged side by side and adjacent to each other. By filling each low temperature part with an electrically insulating heat insulating material, it is possible to make the high temperature heat fluid, which is a high temperature heat source, flow only in the clearance near the pn boundary.

Further, the high temperature heat source such as a pipe, a metal block and a heater material through which the high temperature hot fluid flows may be in contact with only the pn boundary of the clearance between the thermoelectric element pairs.

Alternatively, the thermoelectric element pair may be penetrated through a pipe for high-temperature thermal fluid or a thick plate-shaped high-temperature body so that the inside of the pipe or the thick plate comes into contact only with the pn boundary portion.

The linear thermoelectric element pair used in the thermoelectric conversion module according to the present invention may have a structure in which a p-type thermoelectric material and an n-type thermoelectric material are directly bonded to each other, at the pn boundary. A layer of metal, highly doped semiconductor, or the like may be interposed at the pn boundary for the purpose of adjusting the energy band structure, or an active metal layer or a bonding material layer may be interposed for the purpose of increasing the pn junction strength. Alternatively, the heat exchange fins may be partially inserted.

In the thermoelectric conversion module according to the present invention, the thermoelectric element pairs are arranged side by side such that the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material of the thermoelectric element pairs adjacent to each other are alternately positioned. An electrode for electrically connecting the arranged thermoelectric element pairs in series may be provided, and this electrode may be supported by a substrate, and this substrate may also serve as a heat exchanger. Alternatively, both ends of a module supporting such an electrode by a substrate may be low temperature ends, and a cooling means such as a water cooling jacket or a radiation fin may be attached to the substrate.

In the thermoelectric conversion system, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules according to the present invention are used to electrically connect in series for the purpose of adjusting the voltage / current value of the output or minimizing the output reduction due to the module disconnection. It is also possible to combine and use in parallel.

In this case, the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules may be arranged in a plane, along a spherical surface, or stacked in multiple stages. Then, in order to increase the mechanical strength and vibration resistance, the low temperature end board part of each module or a group of modules and the electrically insulating heat insulating material part should be mechanically fastened with screws or springs. You can also

In the thermoelectric conversion module according to the present invention, the electrically insulating heat insulating material interposed between the adjacent thermoelectric element pairs in the clearance at the low temperature portion on the end side has thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity higher than that of the thermoelectric material. It is a small material. Examples of the electrically insulating heat insulating material include silica glass, soda lime glass, stabilized zirconia, clay refractories, and heat insulating bricks.

When the electrically insulating heat insulating material has a higher thermal conductivity than the thermoelectric material forming the thermoelectric element pair, the temperature difference between the high temperature portion and the low temperature portion of the thermoelectric element pair is reduced. It is not preferable because it becomes difficult to attach and the thermoelectric conversion efficiency decreases.

Further, when the electric conductivity of the electrically insulating heat insulating material is higher than that of the thermoelectric material forming the thermoelectric element pair (when the electric insulation is low), the electric power generated in the thermoelectric element pair leaks. And output loss occurs, which is not preferable.

The thermoelectric material used in the thermoelectric conversion module according to the present invention may be a generally known single crystal body or sintered body of thermoelectric semiconductor, such as FeSi ₂ , PbTe. , SiGe, Bi ₂
It is possible to use semiconductors of Se compounds such as Te ₃ , GeTe-Ag, SbTe ₂ , and Gd ₂ Se ₃ and the like.

When it is a sintered body, it can be manufactured by a known powder compact-normal pressure sintering method or hot press sintering method. In the case of the hot press sintering method, it is a p-type thermoelectric material. Material and raw material powder of n-type thermoelectric material are simultaneously charged into a molding die, and pn boundary (or junction) is formed by one firing.
It is also possible to obtain a thermoelectric element pair having

Further, the thermoelectric material is used as an electrically insulating heat insulating material between low temperature parts, as well as for oxidation prevention, sublimation prevention, insulation,
For the purpose of preventing reaction with the high temperature hot fluid, a protective film of glass, alumina, silicon nitride or the like may be formed on the entire surface or a part of the thermoelectric material.

The thermoelectric conversion module according to the present invention is a thermoelectric power generation system utilizing exhaust heat of automobiles, exhaust heat of incineration equipment, exhaust heat of power plants, sunlight, or hot water supply equipment, heating equipment, heating equipment, The present invention can be applied to a thermoelectric power generation system using exhaust heat of lighting equipment, a sensor control system, or the like, or can be applied to a thermoelectric conversion refrigerating refrigerator, a local cooler, or the like.

[0033]

The thermoelectric conversion module according to the present invention comprises:
As described in claim 1, a p-type thermoelectric material and an n-type thermoelectric material are provided in an appropriate number of thermoelectric element pairs, and the adjacent thermoelectric element pairs electrically connected in series are arranged side by side. Since the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material are linearly arranged because they are arranged, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be improved and the module can be easily downsized.

Then, as described in claim 2,
The boundary between the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material arranged in a straight line becomes the high temperature side, and each end opposite to the boundary becomes the low temperature side, and the high temperature side and the low temperature side are thermally isolated By adopting the configuration described above, the change due to thermal expansion is p-
It occurs in the n direction and becomes symmetrical about the boundary of the thermoelectric material, and even if the dimension increases in the pn direction due to thermal expansion, the force for pushing the electrode or substrate provided at the end portion acts. As a result, the thermoelectric conversion module is small in size and large in capacity because it is resistant to thermal stress without warping or deformation, and has a large temperature difference between the high temperature side and the low temperature side. Further, since the substrate is not provided on the high temperature side, problems such as element breakage and substrate peeling that occur when the substrate is provided on the high temperature side are eliminated. Furthermore, since both ends of the module are on the low temperature side, it is easy to connect a plurality of modules and assemble them to other parts.

Further, as described in claim 3, the boundary portion between the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material which are linearly arranged is in contact with the high temperature heat source for heat exchange, and is opposite to the boundary portion. Each end on the side is a low temperature part, and the low temperature part is cut off from the high temperature heat source so that it does not come into contact with the high temperature heat source. Is symmetric with respect to, and becomes gradually smaller toward the low temperature part, and even if the dimension increases in the pn direction due to thermal expansion, a force acts in the direction of pushing the electrode or substrate provided at the end. However, it does not cause warping or deformation and is less likely to be damaged by repeated expansion and contraction, is resistant to thermal stress, and has a large temperature difference between the high temperature side and the low temperature side. Small size and large capacity Becomes thermoelectric conversion module, of assembly since the both ends becomes a low temperature portion, connectivity, an excellent thermoelectric conversion module in safety and the like.

Further, as described in claim 4,
The low temperature portion of one thermoelectric element pair is adjacent to the low temperature portion of the other thermoelectric element pair arranged side by side with the thermoelectric element pair via an electrically insulating heat insulating material, thereby Even if the density is increased, problems such as current leakage are unlikely to occur, and the large-capacity thermoelectric conversion module can be downsized.

Furthermore, by adopting the structure of the thermoelectric conversion module according to the fifth aspect, a large temperature difference is provided between the boundary portion of the thermoelectric material and the low temperature portions at both ends opposite to the boundary portion. In addition to being resistant to thermal stress due to thermal expansion, a thermoelectric conversion module having a large capacity can be miniaturized. Problems such as element breakage and substrate peeling are eliminated, and both ends of the module are low temperature portions, so that the connectivity of a plurality of modules and the assembling with other components are further improved.

Then, as described in claim 6,
By providing a water cooling jacket for cooling the low temperature portion, or by providing a radiating fin for cooling the low temperature portion as described in claim 7,
Since the thermoelectric element pair itself is assembled inside the water cooling jacket or the radiation fin, the cooling effect of the low temperature part is improved and a large temperature difference is provided, and the high temperature part and the electrode are water cooling jacket and the radiation fin. Since it is disposed inside the vehicle, the safety is further improved.

[0039]

EXAMPLE 1 FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional explanatory view of an example of a thermoelectric conversion module according to the present invention. This thermoelectric conversion module 1 is a p-type thermoelectric module shown with a few dots in FIG. The material 2p is provided with a large number of thermoelectric element pairs 2 in which the n-type thermoelectric material 2n shown in FIG. 1 with many dots is linearly arranged, and the p-type thermoelectric material 2p and the n-type thermoelectric material 2p are adjacent to each other. A large number of thermoelectric element pairs 2 are arranged side by side in such a manner that the materials 2n are alternately arranged, and an electrode 3 for electrically connecting the thermoelectric element pairs 2 arranged side by side in series and a substrate 4 supporting this electrode 3 are arranged. The p-type thermoelectric material 2p and the n-type thermoelectric material 2n of the thermoelectric element pair 2 arranged side by side are provided.
High temperature fluid passage 5a for contacting a high temperature heat source with the boundary portion 2H of the
And the end portion 2L on the side opposite to the boundary portion 2H is thermally cut off from the high temperature heat source and the end portion (low temperature portion) 2L. An electrically insulating heat insulating material 5 that electrically insulates between the 2L is provided, and a cooling block 6 is provided on the substrate 4.

FIG. 2 exemplifies a manufacturing process of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 shown in FIG. 1. As the thermoelectric material in this embodiment, the p-type thermoelectric material 2p and the n-type thermoelectric material containing SiGe as a main component are used. Using the material 2n, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, each of them was made of a disc-shaped sintered body by the hot press sintering method.

Then, as shown in FIG. 2B, the brazing material 7 is placed on the surface of the p-type thermoelectric material 2p on the lower side and heated, so that p, n as shown in FIG. An integrated disc-shaped sintered body was cut in the left-right direction as shown in FIG. 2 (D) to form a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and then in the front-back direction as shown in FIG. 2 (E). Then, the thermoelectric element pair 2 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape was obtained.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2F, a high temperature fluid flow path 5a having a rectangular shape wide in the front-rear direction is formed, and a large number of rectangular parallelepiped thermoelectric element pair insertion holes 5b are formed in the vertical direction. The prepared electrically insulating heat insulating material 5 is prepared, and the thermoelectric element pairs 2 are arranged such that the p-type thermoelectric material 2p and the n-type thermoelectric material 2n are alternately positioned in the thermoelectric element pairs 2 adjacent to each other. It was inserted into the insertion hole 5b.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 2G, the thermoelectric element pair 2 arranged side by side on each of the lower surface of the upper substrate 4 (4U) and the upper surface of the lower substrate 4 (4D).
Prepared by patterning the electrodes 3 so that the p-type thermoelectric material 2p and the n-type thermoelectric material 2n are electrically connected in series, and the lower substrate 4 (4D) and a large number of thermoelectric element pairs are prepared. Two
With the electrically insulating heat insulating material 5 and the upper substrate 4 (4
U) and the thermoelectric element pairs 2 arranged side by side are connected in series, and a cooling block 6 is provided outside each substrate 4.
To provide the thermoelectric conversion module 1 shown in FIG.

The manufacturing process shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the manufacturing process is not limited to such a process. For example, the lower substrate 4 (4D) on which the electrode 3 is patterned is formed. ), The electrically insulating heat insulating material 5 in which the thermoelectric element pair 2 is not inserted is placed thereon, and thereafter, the positions of p and n are respectively provided adjacent to the thermoelectric element pair insertion holes 5b of the electrically insulating heat insulating material 5. It is also possible to insert the thermoelectric element pair 2 in which the above is reversed and to assemble the upper substrate 4 (4U) on which the electrode 3 is patterned.

Further, the electrically insulating heat insulating material 5 is provided to shield the low temperature portion of the end portion 2L of the thermoelectric element pair 2 from the high temperature fluid of the boundary portion 2H and electrically insulate adjacent low temperature portions. 2F, it does not have to be a block-like one in which the high temperature fluid flow path 5a and the thermoelectric element pair insertion hole 5b are formed as shown in FIG. After joining the electrode 3 and the substrate 4 at both ends 2L, 2L, an electrically insulating heat insulating material (in the gap between the ends (low temperature part) 2L, 2L of the adjacent thermoelectric element pairs 2 by a technique such as dipping or coating ( 5) may be provided.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a concrete structure of the cooling block 6 in the thermoelectric conversion module 1 shown in FIG. 1, in the case of a water cooling jacket 6 in which cooling water flows in and out through a pipe 11. This water cooling jacket 6 is attached to the low temperature substrate 4 via a heat conductive grease.

FIG. 4 shows another specific example of the structure of the cooling block 6 in the thermoelectric conversion module 1 shown in FIG. 1, showing the case of the radiation fins 6 having an increased surface area. The heat radiation fins 6 are attached to the low temperature substrate 4 via a heat conductive grease.

Besides, needless to say, the component itself having a heat dissipation mechanism may be used instead of the substrate, instead of providing the cooling block 6 as a separate body as described above on the substrate 4.

Therefore, a pipe was connected to the high temperature fluid flow path 5a of the electrically insulating heat insulating material 5 and the high temperature N ₂ gas passed through the heater was introduced to conduct a thermoelectric generation test. As a result, the thermoelectric material 2p, It was possible to generate power with a temperature difference of 400 ° C. between the high temperature portion of the 2n boundary portion 2H and the low temperature portion which is the end portion 2L on the opposite side of the boundary portion 2H.

On the other hand, for comparison, a general cascade type thermoelectric conversion module was manufactured using the same thermoelectric material, and an attempt was made to make a temperature difference of 400 ° C. between the high temperature end and the low temperature end. Destruction and peeling have occurred at the joint between the thermoelectric material at the end and the electrode.

As described above, in the module structure according to the present invention, it is possible to make a large temperature difference, and
Even if there is a large temperature difference, the heat resistance stress balance of the entire module is good, so there is an effect that problems due to thermal expansion are unlikely to occur.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 5 shows a case where a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 1 using the radiation fins 6 as cooling blocks are used as in the case of FIG. 4, and these are integrated to form a thermoelectric power generation unit. It is a thing.

That is, as in the case of FIG. 4, a large number of thermoelectric element pairs 2 are respectively inserted in alternate directions, and an electrically insulating heat insulating material 5 having electrodes 3 for electrically connecting the thermoelectric element pairs 2 in series is provided. , The radiation fins 6 are alternately laminated, and the module fixing screw 1 is provided between the radiation fins 6.
The thermoelectric power generation unit was assembled by fixing the high temperature gas introduction flange 13 to the high temperature fluid flow path 5a formed in the electrically insulating heat insulating material 5 after fixing with the above.

Then, the high temperature gas is introduced into the boundary portion 2H of the thermoelectric element pair 2 through the high temperature gas introduction flange 13, and the cooling gas is caused to flow from the vertical direction along the heat radiating fins 6 for the thermoelectric power generation test. As a result, the problems such as the detachment of the thermoelectric element pair 2 and the peeling of the joint were not observed, and the problems such as the rattling between the radiation fins and the module and the reduction of the heat exchange efficiency were also observed. There wasn't.

As described above, since the central portion of the module is the high temperature portion and the both end portions are the low temperature ends and sandwiched by the radiation fins 6, it is easy to integrate the modules having high radiation efficiency, and a large capacity is obtained. The thermoelectric converter can be used.

Further, since it is possible to have a unit structure capable of screwing at a low temperature portion, it is possible to prevent the screws and fixtures from being exposed to high temperatures. It is possible to use.

Therefore, there is an advantage that the thermoelectric conversion system is excellent in overall durability, easy to manufacture and inexpensive.

[0058]

The thermoelectric conversion module according to the present invention is
As described in claim 1, a p-type thermoelectric material and an n-type thermoelectric material are provided in an appropriate number of thermoelectric element pairs, and the adjacent thermoelectric element pairs electrically connected in series are arranged side by side. Since the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material are arranged linearly because they are arranged, it is possible to improve thermoelectric conversion efficiency and reduce the size of the module, which results in a high temperature difference. In addition to the above, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of warpage and deformation due to the difference in thermal expansion even when a high temperature difference is applied, which is a remarkably excellent effect.

Then, as described in claim 2,
The boundary between the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material arranged in a straight line becomes the high temperature side, and each end opposite to the boundary becomes the low temperature side, and the high temperature side and the low temperature side are thermally isolated By adopting the configuration described above, the change due to thermal expansion is p-
It occurs in the n direction and becomes symmetrical about the boundary of the thermoelectric material, and even if the dimension increases in the pn direction due to thermal expansion, the force for pushing the electrode or substrate provided at the end portion acts. It is possible to make it resistant to thermal stress without warping or deformation, and it is possible to make a large temperature difference between the high temperature side and the low temperature side. In addition, since it has a structure that does not have a substrate on the high temperature side, problems such as element destruction and substrate peeling that occur when the substrate is on the high temperature side are prevented, and both ends of the module are prevented. Since the temperature is on the low temperature side, a remarkably excellent effect that the connection of a plurality of modules and the assembling to other parts can be facilitated is brought about.

Further, as described in claim 3, the boundary portion between the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material arranged in a straight line is in contact with the high temperature heat source for heat exchange, and is opposite to the boundary portion. Each end on the side is a low temperature part, and the low temperature part is cut off from the high temperature heat source so that it does not come into contact with the high temperature heat source. Is symmetric with respect to, and becomes gradually smaller toward the low temperature part, and even if the dimension increases in the pn direction due to thermal expansion, a force acts in the direction of pushing the electrode or substrate provided at the end. It is possible to make it resistant to thermal stress and to be resistant to repeated expansion and contraction without warping or deformation, and it is possible to make it resistant to thermal stress and at the same time as high temperature side and low temperature side. With a large temperature difference It becomes possible to make a small-sized and large-capacity thermoelectric conversion module, and since both ends have low temperature parts, it is possible to make a thermoelectric conversion module excellent in assemblability, connectivity, and safety. It has a remarkably excellent effect.

Further, as described in claim 4,
The low temperature portion of one thermoelectric element pair is adjacent to the low temperature portion of the other thermoelectric element pair arranged side by side with the thermoelectric element pair via an electrically insulating heat insulating material, thereby Even if the density is increased, it is possible to prevent problems such as current leakage from occurring, and it is possible to realize the miniaturization of the large-capacity thermoelectric conversion module.

Furthermore, by adopting the thermoelectric conversion module according to the fifth aspect, a large temperature difference is provided between the boundary portion of the thermoelectric material and the low temperature portions at both ends opposite to the boundary portion. In addition to being able to withstand thermal stress due to thermal expansion, it is also possible to realize miniaturization of a thermoelectric conversion module with a large capacity. It is possible to eliminate problems such as element breakage and substrate peeling when there is a substrate on the side, and both ends of the module are low temperature parts, so connectivity of multiple modules and assembly with other parts etc. The remarkably excellent effect that it can be improved further is brought about.

And, as described in claim 6,
By providing a water cooling jacket for cooling the low temperature portion, or by providing a radiating fin for cooling the low temperature portion as described in claim 7,
The thermoelectric element pair itself can be installed inside the water cooling jacket or the heat radiation fins to improve the cooling effect of the low temperature part and make a large temperature difference. Since the fins are arranged inside the fins, the safety can be further improved, which is a remarkably excellent effect.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional explanatory view showing an embodiment of a thermoelectric conversion module according to the present invention.

2A to 2G are explanatory views of an inclined surface showing an example of a manufacturing process of the thermoelectric conversion module shown in FIG. 1 separately in FIGS.

FIG. 3 is an oblique surface explanatory diagram showing another structural example of the cooling block of the thermoelectric conversion module shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing another example of the structure of the cooling block of the thermoelectric conversion module shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a thermoelectric conversion unit formed by stacking a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Thermoelectric conversion module 2 Thermoelectric element pair 2p p-type thermoelectric material 2n n-type thermoelectric material 2H Boundary part of p-type thermoelectric material and n-type thermoelectric material 2L End part (low temperature part) opposite to the boundary part 3 Electrode 4 Substrate 5 Electrical insulating insulation 6 Cooling block

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Miyoshi Mito 2-5-56 Suda-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi Prefecture Insulator Hikomoto Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor, Kazuhiko Shinohara Takara-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa No. 2 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Keiko Kushibiki 2 Takara-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Kanagawa Prefecture, Kanagawa Prefecture Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (72) Masakazu Kobayashi No. 2 Takara-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama City, Nissan Incorporated (72) Inventor Kenji Furuya 2 Takaracho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiro Takao 2 Takaracho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A p-type thermoelectric material and an n-type thermoelectric material are provided in an appropriate number of thermoelectric element pairs arranged linearly, and adjacent thermoelectric element pairs electrically connected in series are arranged side by side. And a thermoelectric conversion module. 2. The boundary portion between the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material arranged in a straight line is on the high temperature side, and each end opposite to the boundary portion is on the low temperature side. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric conversion module is thermally cut off. 3. The boundary portion between the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material, which are linearly arranged, comes into contact with a high temperature heat source to exchange heat, and each end opposite to the boundary portion becomes a low temperature portion, so that the temperature is low. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 2, wherein the portion is cut off from the high-temperature heat source and does not come into contact with it. 4. The low temperature part of one thermoelectric element pair is adjacent to the low temperature part of the other thermoelectric element pair arranged side by side with the thermoelectric element pair via an electrically insulating heat insulating material. Thermoelectric conversion module. 5. A p-type thermoelectric material and an n-type thermoelectric material are provided in an appropriate number of thermoelectric element pairs linearly arranged, and the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material are alternately located in adjacent thermoelectric element pairs. The p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material of the thermoelectric element pairs arranged side by side are provided with an electrode for electrically connecting the thermoelectric element pairs arranged side by side in an appropriate number A high-temperature heat source is brought into contact with the boundary part of the, and a low-temperature part on the side opposite to the boundary part is thermally insulated from the high-temperature heat source, and an electrically insulating heat insulating material that electrically insulates between the low-temperature parts of adjacent thermoelement A thermoelectric conversion module characterized by being provided. 6. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 5, further comprising a water cooling jacket for cooling the low temperature portion. 7. The thermoelectric conversion module according to claim 5, further comprising radiating fins for cooling the low temperature portion.