KR20200109891A - Thermoelectric based energy harvester - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a thermoelectric element-based energy harvester. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric element-based energy harvester comprises: a first thermoelectric conductive plate (10); a second thermoelectric conductive plate (20) whose one surface faces one surface of the first thermoelectric conductive plate (10); a thermoelectric element unit (30) including a plurality of thermoelectric elements (31) placed by being distanced from each other between one surface of the first thermoelectric conductive plate (10) and one surface of the second thermoelectric conductive plate (20); a high-temperature fluid pipe unit (40) which includes a plurality of first branch pipes (41) distanced from each other and having outer circumferential surfaces each coming in contact with the other surface of the first thermoelectric conductive plate (10), and transfers a high-temperature fluid; and a low-temperature fluid pipe unit (50) which includes a plurality of second branch pipes (51) distanced from each other and having outer circumferential surfaces each coming in contact with the other surface of the second thermoelectric conductive plate (20), and transfers a low-temperature fluid. The thermoelectric element-based energy harvester is able to separately transfer high-temperature heat source fluid and low-temperature heat source fluid.

Description

Thermoelectric device-based energy harvester{THERMOELECTRIC BASED ENERGY HARVESTER}

The present invention relates to a thermoelectric device-based energy harvester, and to a thermoelectric device-based energy harvester that recovers energy from an unused fluid heat source that is generally not used and is discarded by using a thermoelectric device using the Seebeck effect.

As fossil fuels have been pointed out as the cause of rapid increase in energy demand and climate change, global efforts are being made to secure energy sources to replace existing fossil fuels. However, nuclear power generation, which has been evaluated as the most economical alternative energy source, has raised questions about its stability due to nuclear accidents, and alternative energy such as solar, wind and tidal power has made great progress due to limitations in technological progress and lack of economic feasibility. I can't.

In this situation, as disclosed in the patent document of the following prior art document, energy harvesting technology for improving fuel efficiency by recovering waste heat and the like and converting it into electrical energy is attracting attention. The thermoelectric device used for this is a device that directly converts thermal energy into electrical energy, and uses the Seebeck effect, which is a thermoelectric phenomenon that generates electromotive force by moving a carrier inside the device when there is a temperature difference at both ends.

However, conventional power generation devices using thermoelectric elements are difficult to commercialize. This is because, since one flow path is disposed in each of the high temperature heat source and the low temperature heat source, as the flow rate of the heat source fluid increases, a high loss head occurs, which requires a lot of energy for practical use, and it is impossible to manufacture a large size.

Accordingly, there is an urgent need for a method to solve the problem of a power generation device based on a conventional thermoelectric device.

KR 10-2010-0025234 A

The present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art described above, in one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of flow paths are disposed on each of the heat conduction plates facing each other with the thermoelectric element unit interposed therebetween, thereby providing high and low temperature heat source fluids. It is to provide an energy harvester based on thermoelectric elements that branch and transport each.

In addition, another aspect of the present invention is to provide a thermoelectric element-based energy harvester capable of simultaneously performing the function of a heat exchanger in an existing air conditioning system by maintaining a constant temperature at the outlet side from which the high-temperature heat source fluid is discharged.

A thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first heat conduction plate; A second heat conduction plate facing each other with the first heat conduction plate and one surface thereof; A thermoelectric element unit including a plurality of thermoelectric elements spaced apart from each other between one surface of the first heat conduction plate and one surface of the second heat conduction plate; A high-temperature fluid pipe portion disposed spaced apart from each other, each outer circumferential surface including a plurality of first branch pipes in contact with the other surface of the first heat conductive plate, and transporting a high-temperature fluid; And a plurality of second branch pipes disposed spaced apart from each other and having respective outer circumferential surfaces in contact with the other surface of the second heat conduction plate, and a low-temperature fluid pipe portion for transporting a low-temperature fluid.

In addition, in the thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to an embodiment of the present invention, the other surface of the first heat-conducting plate and the outer peripheral surface of the first branch are integrally covered so that the first metal is formed and the first branch is fixed. A first pinned layer; And a second fixing layer made of a second metal and integrally covering the other surface of the second heat conductive plate and the outer peripheral surface of the second branch pipe so that the second branch pipe is fixed.

In addition, in the thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first heat conduction plate and the second heat conduction plate are made of aluminum (Al), and the first metal and the second metal are , May be copper (Cu).

In addition, in the thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first heat insulating material integrally covering the other surface of the first heat conduction plate and the outer peripheral surface of the first branch pipe; And a second insulating material integrally covering the other surface of the second heat conduction plate and the outer peripheral surface of the second branch pipe.

In addition, in the thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to an embodiment of the present invention, the high-temperature fluid pipe portion is in communication with one end of each of the first branch pipes, and a high-temperature fluid supply manifold supplying the high-temperature fluid to the first branch pipe. Fold; And a high-temperature fluid discharge manifold which is in communication with the other end of each of the first branch pipes and integrally discharges the high-temperature fluid flowing out from the first branch pipe, wherein the low-temperature fluid pipe portion includes each of the second branch pipes. A low temperature fluid supply manifold communicating with one end of the low temperature fluid to supply the low temperature fluid to the second branch pipe; And a low-temperature fluid discharge manifold communicating with the other end of each of the second branch pipes to integrally discharge the low-temperature fluid flowing out from the second branch pipe.

In addition, in the thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of the high temperature fluid pipe portion and the low temperature fluid pipe portion are sequentially spaced apart from each other, and between the high temperature fluid pipe portion and the low temperature fluid pipe portion facing each other A thermoelectric module including the first heat conduction plate, the second heat conduction plate, and the thermoelectric element unit is disposed one by one, and communicates with each of the high temperature fluid supply manifolds, and the high temperature fluid is supplied to the high temperature fluid supply manifold. A high-temperature fluid supply main manifold for supplying; A high-temperature fluid discharge main manifold communicating with each of the high-temperature fluid discharge manifolds to integrally discharge the high-temperature fluid discharged from the high-temperature fluid discharge manifold; A low temperature fluid supply main manifold communicating with each of the low temperature fluid supply manifolds to supply the low temperature fluid to the low temperature fluid supply manifold; And a low temperature fluid discharge main manifold communicating with each of the low temperature fluid discharge manifolds to integrally discharge the low temperature fluid discharged from the low temperature fluid discharge manifold.

In addition, in the thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first heat insulator that integrally covers the other surface of the first heat conduction plate and the outer peripheral surface of the first branch pipe, disposed at the outermost side in one direction and in contact with each other. ; And a second heat insulator disposed at the outermost side in the other direction and in contact with each other, integrally covering the other surface of the second heat conduction plate and the outer peripheral surface of the second branch pipe.

In addition, in the thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to an embodiment of the present invention, a bypass unit configured to control a temperature of the high temperature fluid discharged through the high temperature fluid discharge manifold may further be included.

In addition, in the thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to an embodiment of the present invention, the bypass unit includes: a high-temperature fluid supply pipe for supplying the high-temperature fluid to the high-temperature fluid supply manifold; A high-temperature fluid discharge pipe receiving and discharging the high-temperature fluid from the high-temperature fluid discharge manifold; A first auxiliary pipe connecting the high temperature fluid supply pipe and the high temperature fluid discharge pipe to pass all or part of the supplied high temperature fluid; And a bypass valve for bypassing all or part of the high-temperature fluid through the first auxiliary pipe.

In addition, in the thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to an embodiment of the present invention, the bypass unit includes: a first temperature sensor disposed in the high-temperature fluid supply pipe to measure the temperature of the high-temperature fluid before being bypassed; And a second temperature sensor disposed on the high-temperature fluid discharge pipe to measure the temperature of the discharged high-temperature fluid.

In addition, in the thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to an embodiment of the present invention, the bypass unit is disposed in the high-temperature fluid supply pipe and measures a flow rate of the high-temperature fluid supplied to the high-temperature fluid supply manifold. ; And a second flow meter disposed on the first auxiliary pipe to measure the flow rate of the bypassed high-temperature fluid.

In addition, in the thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to an embodiment of the present invention, the bypass unit includes: a low temperature fluid supply pipe for supplying the low temperature fluid to the low temperature fluid supply manifold; A third temperature sensor disposed on the low temperature fluid supply pipe and measuring a temperature of the supplied low temperature fluid; And a third flow meter disposed in the low temperature fluid supply pipe and measuring a flow rate of the supplied low temperature fluid.

In addition, in the thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to an embodiment of the present invention, the bypass unit connects the low-temperature fluid supply pipe and the high-temperature fluid discharge pipe to discharge all or part of the supplied low-temperature fluid, and the discharged high-temperature fluid. A second auxiliary pipe integrated into the fluid; And a flow path switching valve for passing and blocking all or part of the low temperature fluid through the second auxiliary pipe.

In addition, in the thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to an embodiment of the present invention, the discharged high-temperature fluid may be controlled in a temperature range of 30 to 50°C.

Features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description based on the accompanying drawings.

Prior to this, terms or words used in the present specification and claims should not be interpreted in a conventional and dictionary meaning, and the inventor may appropriately define the concept of the term in order to describe his own invention in the best way. It should be interpreted as a meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention based on the principle that there is.

According to the present invention, the high-temperature heat source fluid and the low-temperature heat source fluid are supplied/discharged through a plurality of branch pipes taking into account the flow rate of the heat source fluid, generating a temperature difference between both ends of the thermoelectric element to generate power. As the heat exchange structure between the thermoelectric element and the fluid is simple, it is possible to increase the size and the possibility of practical commercialization is high.

In addition, it is applied to an existing air conditioning system and a system in which high-temperature and low-temperature heat source fluids are used, and while performing a heat exchange function, electric energy can be produced from waste heat that may not be recovered and discarded during heat exchange between the two fluids.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing an energy harvester based on a thermoelectric device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 1.
3 is a perspective view schematically showing an energy harvester based on a thermoelectric device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
4A is a block diagram illustrating a thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to an embodiment of the present invention applied to an existing air conditioning system, and FIGS. 4B and 4C are cross-sectional views showing a thermoelectric device-based energy harvester applied to an existing air conditioning system by example to be.

Objects, specific advantages and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and preferred embodiments associated with the accompanying drawings. In adding reference numerals to elements of each drawing in the present specification, it should be noted that, even though they are indicated on different drawings, only the same elements are to have the same number as possible. In addition, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish one component from other components, and the component is not limited by the terms. Hereinafter, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known technologies that may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention will be omitted.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing an energy harvester based on a thermoelectric device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA′ of FIG. 1.

1 and 2, a thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes: a first heat conduction plate 10; A first heat conduction plate 10 and a second heat conduction plate 20 facing each other; A thermoelectric element unit 30 including a plurality of thermoelectric elements 31 spaced apart from each other between one surface of the first heat conduction plate 10 and one surface of the second heat conduction plate 20; A high-temperature fluid pipe portion 40 disposed spaced apart from each other and including a plurality of first branch pipes 41 in which each outer circumferential surface is in contact with the other surface of the first heat conduction plate 10, and transports a high-temperature fluid; And a plurality of second branch pipes 51 disposed spaced apart from each other and each having an outer circumferential surface in contact with the other surface of the second heat conduction plate 20, and a low-temperature fluid pipe part 50 for transporting a low-temperature fluid.

The present invention relates to a thermoelectric element-based energy harvester that recovers energy from an unused fluid heat source that is generally not used and is discarded by using a thermoelectric element using the Seebeck effect. Energy harvesting, which recovers waste heat and converts it into electric energy in a situation where questions about the stability and economics of nuclear, solar, wind, tidal power, etc., which were considered as energy sources to replace fossil fuels, are recovered. Although the technology has recently begun to attract attention, conventional power generation devices using thermoelectric devices are difficult to commercialize and increase in size, and as a solution to this, a thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to the present invention has been devised.

Specifically, the thermoelectric element-based energy harvester according to the present invention includes a first heat conduction plate 10, a second heat conduction plate 20, a thermoelectric element unit 30, a high-temperature fluid pipe part 40, and a low-temperature fluid pipe part 50. ).

The first heat conduction plate 10 and the second heat conduction plate 20 are made of a material capable of heat conduction. As such a material, a metal such as aluminum (Al) may be exemplified, and there is no particular limitation on the material as long as heat conduction is possible. The first heat conduction plate 10 and the second heat conduction plate 20 may be formed in a plate shape. At this time, one of the plate surfaces or the other surface on the opposite side is preferably in a flat shape, but may be provided with a curved or uneven surface. Meanwhile, the first heat conduction plate 10 and the second heat conduction plate 20 are disposed to face each other, and a thermoelectric element unit 30 is inserted therebetween.

The thermoelectric element unit 30 is a device in which a plurality of thermoelectric elements 31 are spaced apart and arranged. The thermoelectric element 31 is an element that generates an electromotive force when there is a temperature difference at both ends using the Seebeck effect, and various technologies are disclosed for this, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. One end of each of the thermoelectric elements 31 contacts one surface of the first heat conduction plate 10 and the other end of the thermoelectric element 31 contacts one surface of the second heat conduction plate 20. Here, the high-temperature fluid pipe portion 40 through which the high-temperature fluid flows is in contact with the first heat-conducting plate 10, and the low-temperature fluid pipe portion 50 through which the low-temperature fluid flows is in contact with the second heat-conducting plate 20, so that the thermoelectric element 31 ) Electricity is generated by generating a temperature difference at both ends.

The high temperature fluid pipe portion 40 includes a plurality of first branch pipes 41. The first branch pipe 41 is a hollow pipe that provides a flow path through which a fluid can flow. The first branch pipe 41 is preferably formed in a straight line shape, but may be formed in a zigzag shape. These first branch pipes 41 are arranged spaced apart from each other, and for example, may be arranged side by side. Here, the outer peripheral surface of the first branch pipe 41 is in contact with the other surface of the first heat conduction plate 10. In this case, the first branch pipe 41 may be disposed to pass through one end of the plurality of thermoelectric elements 31 with the first heat conduction plate 10 interposed therebetween. A high-temperature fluid flows through each of the first branch pipes 41 arranged in this way.

Here, one end of the plurality of first branch pipes 41 may be connected to the high-temperature fluid supply manifold 43 and the other end thereof may be connected to and communicated with the high-temperature fluid discharge manifold 45. Therefore, the hot fluid flowing along the hot fluid supply manifold 43 branches off and flows through the first branch pipe 41, and the hot fluid flowing out from the first branch pipe 41 is integrated in the hot fluid discharge manifold 45. Can be discharged.

The low temperature fluid pipe part 50 includes a plurality of second branch pipes 51. Since the second branch pipe 51 is the same as the content of the first branch pipe 41 described above, a redundant description will be omitted, and a description will be made focusing on differences hereinafter. The outer circumferential surface of the second branch pipe 51 is in contact with the other surface of the second heat conduction plate 20, wherein the second branch pipe 51 is the other end of the plurality of thermoelectric elements 31 with the second heat conduction plate 20 interposed therebetween. Can be arranged to pass through. A low-temperature fluid flows through the inside of the second branch pipe 51.

Here, since one end of the plurality of second branch pipes 51 is connected to and communicated with the low temperature fluid supply manifold 53 and the other end of the second branch pipe 51 is connected to the low temperature fluid discharge manifold 55, respectively, the low temperature fluid supply manifold ( The low temperature fluid supplied along 53 may branch and flow along the second branch pipe 51, and then may be integrated and discharged from the low temperature fluid discharge manifold 55.

Meanwhile, as a member for fixing the first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 51, a first fixing layer 60 and a second fixing layer 70 may be formed.

The first fixing layer 60 integrally covers the other surface of the first heat conduction plate 10 and the outer circumferential surface of the first branch pipe 41 in order to fix the first branch pipe 41 to the first heat conduction plate 10. Here, the first fixing layer 60 is a material capable of transferring heat from a high-temperature fluid, and may be made of a first metal. For example, it is preferable to use copper (Cu). However, the first metal is not necessarily limited to copper, and there is no particular limitation as long as it is a metal capable of heat conduction.

The second pinned layer 70 integrally covers the other surface of the second heat conduction plate 20 and the outer circumferential surface of the second branch pipe 51, and may be formed of a second metal capable of thermally conducting such as copper.

Meanwhile, each of the first fixed layer 60 and the second fixed layer 70 does not have to cover the entire outer circumferential surfaces of the first branch 41 and the second branch 51, and may cover only a part of the outer circumferential surfaces.

In addition, through the first heat conduction plate 10 and the first branch pipe 41, and the second heat conduction plate 20 and the second branch pipe 51, heat dissipation to the outside rather than to the thermoelectric element unit 30 is prevented. In order to prevent, the first heat insulator 80 and the second heat insulator 90 may be disposed.

Here, the first heat insulating material 80 integrally covers the other surface of the first heat conduction plate 10 and the outer circumferential surface of the first branch pipe 41, or when the first fixed layer 60 is formed, the first fixed layer 60 ) Can be arranged to cover the outer surface of.

Similarly, the second heat insulator 90 may integrally cover the other surface of the second heat conduction plate 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the second branch pipe 51, or may cover the outer surface of the second fixing layer 70.

Meanwhile, as described above, since the thermoelectric element-based energy harvester according to the present invention has a simple heat exchange structure between the thermoelectric element 31 and a fluid, it can be easily enlarged. This will be described below.

3 is a perspective view schematically showing an energy harvester based on a thermoelectric device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, in the structure of the thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to the present invention, a thermoelectric element unit 30 is inserted and disposed between the first heat conduction plate 10 and the second heat conduction plate 20 to form one thermoelectric element. Configure the module (TM). In addition, a plurality of high-temperature fluid pipe portions 40 and low-temperature fluid pipe portions 50 are sequentially spaced apart from each other, and the thermoelectric modules TM are arranged one by one therebetween.

At this time, the high-temperature fluid supply manifold 43 of the plurality of high-temperature fluid pipe portions 40 is connected to and communicates with the high-temperature fluid supply main manifold 100, and the high-temperature fluid discharge manifold ( 45) is connected to and communicates with the hot fluid discharge main manifold 110. Accordingly, the high-temperature fluid is branched and supplied to a plurality of high-temperature fluid supply manifolds 43 through the high-temperature fluid supply main manifold 100, and is discharged from the plurality of high-temperature fluid discharge manifolds 45 to discharge the high-temperature fluid main. It is integrally discharged by the manifold 110.

In addition, similarly, the plurality of low-temperature fluid supply manifolds 53 communicate with the low-temperature fluid supply main manifold 120, and the plurality of low-temperature fluid discharge manifolds 55 are respectively connected to the low-temperature fluid discharge main manifold 130. , Low-temperature fluid is supplied to each of the low-temperature fluid pipe portions 50 through the low-temperature fluid supply main manifold 120, and the low-temperature fluid is integrated and discharged through the low-temperature fluid discharge main manifold 130.

Under this structure, the first heat insulator 80 integrally covers the other surface of the first heat conduction plate 10 and the outer circumferential surface of the first branch pipe 41 of the high-temperature fluid pipe portion 40a, which are disposed at the outermost side in one direction and contact each other. Alternatively, it may be disposed to cover the first fixing layer 60 formed thereon. In addition, the second heat insulator 90 is disposed at the outermost side in the other direction and integrally covers the other surface of the second heat conduction plate 20 in contact with each other and the outer circumferential surface of the second branch pipe 51 of the low-temperature fluid pipe portion 50a, or Alternatively, it may be disposed to cover the second fixing layer 70 formed thereon.

The thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to the present invention can be applied to an existing air conditioning system and the like, and will be described in detail below.

4A is a block diagram illustrating a thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to an embodiment of the present invention applied to an existing air conditioning system, and FIGS. 4B and 4C are cross-sectional views illustrating a thermoelectric device-based energy harvester applied to an existing air conditioning system. to be.

The thermoelectric device-based energy harvester according to the present invention is applied to an existing air conditioning system and a system in which high-temperature and low-temperature heat source fluids are used, and while performing a heat exchange function, electricity from waste heat that can not be recovered and discarded during heat exchange between two fluids It can produce energy. As an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the thermoelectric element-based energy harvester (TEH) according to the present invention may be applied to a liquid dehumidification system based on an organic ranking cycle. Thus, when the thermoelectric element-based energy harvester according to the present invention is applied to an existing air conditioning system, the number of the first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 51 is the flow rate of the high temperature fluid and the low temperature heat source fluid in the existing air conditioning system, etc. It can be decided according to. In this case, the lengths of the first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 51 may be determined according to a temperature difference between fluids and a required outlet temperature.

Meanwhile, in order for the existing air conditioning system to operate normally, the temperature of the high-temperature fluid discharged through heat exchange must be maintained within a certain range. As shown in FIGS. 4B to 4C, a bypass unit 140 may be further included. I can. Here, the bypass unit 140 is provided as a means for controlling the temperature of the hot fluid discharged through the hot fluid discharge manifold 45. At this time, the temperature of the finally discharged high-temperature fluid may be maintained at 30 to 50°C, and the temperature range may be set differently if necessary.

The bypass unit 140 according to the present invention may include a high temperature fluid supply pipe 141, a high temperature fluid discharge pipe 142, a first auxiliary pipe 143a, and a bypass valve 145.

Here, the high temperature fluid supply pipe 141 is connected to the high temperature fluid supply manifold 43 to supply the high temperature fluid, and the high temperature fluid discharge pipe 142 is connected to the high temperature fluid discharge manifold 45 to receive and discharge the high temperature fluid. It is a hollow tube member. The first auxiliary pipe 143a is a hollow pipe member and connects the high temperature fluid supply pipe 141 and the high temperature fluid discharge pipe 142. Accordingly, all or part of the high-temperature fluid supplied through the high-temperature fluid supply pipe 141 is discharged to the high-temperature fluid discharge pipe 142 through the first auxiliary pipe 143a, bypassing the first branch pipe 41, and the first It is integrated with the hot fluid that has passed through the branch pipe 41. At this time, the temperature of the high-temperature fluid passing through the first branch pipe 41 decreases due to heat exchange, but the temperature of the high-temperature fluid that is finally discharged rises because the temperature is relatively higher and merges with the bypassed high-temperature fluid. Here, the bypass valve 145 is a valve that bypasses all or part of the high-temperature fluid through the first auxiliary pipe 143a. This bypass valve 145 is mounted on the connection part between the high temperature fluid supply pipe 141 and the first auxiliary pipe 143a as a three-way valve, or manufactured as a two-way valve. 1 It can be mounted on the auxiliary pipe (143a).

Meanwhile, in order to measure the temperature of the high-temperature fluid bypassed through the first auxiliary pipe 143a, the first temperature sensor 146a is disposed in the high-temperature fluid supply pipe 141, and the temperature of the finally discharged high-temperature fluid is measured. A second temperature sensor 146b for may be disposed on the high temperature fluid discharge pipe 142. Here, the first temperature sensor 146a and the second temperature sensor 146b may use a known temperature sensor such as a thermocouple.

In addition, in order to control the temperature of the hot fluid that is integrated with the bypassing hot fluid and finally discharged, the flow rate of the hot fluid supplied to the first branch pipe 41 and the flow rate of the bypassing hot fluid must be measured. (147a), and the second flow meter 147b may be mounted. Here, the first flow meter 147a is disposed on the high temperature fluid supply pipe 141 to measure the flow rate of the high temperature fluid supplied to the high temperature fluid supply manifold 43, and the second flow meter 147b is a first auxiliary pipe 143a. ), it is possible to measure the flow rate of the hot fluid bypassing. In this case, a first flow rate control valve (not shown) may be mounted on the high temperature fluid supply pipe 141 and the first auxiliary pipe 143a to control the flow rate of the high temperature fluid.

Meanwhile, since the high-temperature fluid flowing through the first branch pipe 41 undergoes heat exchange with the low-temperature fluid flowing through the second branch pipe 51, the high-temperature fluid discharged before integration with the bypassing high-temperature fluid is the temperature of the low-temperature fluid and Affected by the flow rate, a third temperature sensor 146c is disposed in the low temperature fluid supply pipe 148 connected to the low temperature fluid supply manifold 53 to supply the low temperature fluid to measure the temperature of the supplied low temperature fluid. , Here, a third flow meter 147c is mounted to measure the flow rate of the low-temperature fluid. Further, a second flow rate control valve (not shown) may be mounted to control the flow rate of the low temperature fluid.

4C, the second auxiliary pipe 143b connects the low temperature fluid supply pipe 148 and the high temperature fluid discharge pipe 142 to discharge all or part of the low temperature fluid before being supplied to the second branch pipe 51. By integrating with the hot fluid, the temperature of the finally discharged hot fluid can also be controlled. Here, passing all or part of the low-temperature fluid through the second auxiliary pipe (143b) and blocking it is made by a flow path switching valve 149, which is a three-way valve (3-way) valve) may be mounted on the connection portion between the low temperature fluid supply pipe 148 and the second auxiliary pipe 143b, or may be mounted on the second auxiliary pipe 143b as a two-way valve. At this time, although not shown, a fourth flow meter is mounted on the second auxiliary pipe 143b to measure the flow rate of the low-temperature fluid, and a third flow control valve may be additionally mounted to control the flow rate.

Although the present invention has been described in detail through specific examples, this is for explaining the present invention in detail, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and those of ordinary skill in the art within the spirit of the present invention It is clear that the transformation or improvement is possible.

All simple modifications or changes of the present invention belong to the scope of the present invention, and the specific scope of protection of the present invention will be made clear by the appended claims.

10: first heat conduction plate 20: second heat conduction plate
30: thermoelectric element unit 31: thermoelectric element
40: high temperature fluid pipe part 41: first branch pipe
43: hot fluid supply manifold 45: hot fluid discharge manifold
50: low temperature fluid pipe part 51: second branch pipe
53: low temperature fluid supply manifold 55: low temperature fluid discharge manifold
60: first fixed layer 70: second fixed layer
80: first insulating material 90: second insulating material
100: hot fluid supply main manifold 110: hot fluid discharge main manifold
120: low temperature fluid supply main manifold 130: low temperature fluid discharge main manifold
140: bypass part 141: high temperature fluid supply pipe
142: high temperature fluid discharge pipe 143a: first auxiliary pipe
143b: second auxiliary pipe 145: bypass valve
146a: first temperature sensor 146b: second temperature sensor
146c: third temperature sensor 147a: first flow meter
147b: second flow meter 147c: third flow meter
148: low temperature fluid supply pipe 149: flow path switching valve

Claims (14)

A first heat conduction plate;
A second heat conduction plate facing each other with the first heat conduction plate and one surface thereof;
A thermoelectric element unit including a plurality of thermoelectric elements spaced apart from each other between one surface of the first heat conduction plate and one surface of the second heat conduction plate;
A high-temperature fluid pipe portion disposed spaced apart from each other, each outer circumferential surface including a plurality of first branch pipes contacting the other surface of the first heat-conducting plate, and transporting a high-temperature fluid; And
Thermoelectric device-based energy harvester comprising a; a low-temperature fluid pipe portion disposed spaced apart from each other, each outer circumferential surface including a plurality of second branch pipes in contact with the other surface of the second heat conductive plate, and transporting a low-temperature fluid.
The method according to claim 1,
A first fixing layer made of a first metal and integrally covering the other surface of the first heat-conducting plate and an outer circumferential surface of the first branch pipe so that the first branch pipe is fixed; And
Thermoelectric device-based energy harvester further comprising a second fixing layer made of a second metal and integrally covering the other surface of the second heat conduction plate and the outer peripheral surface of the second branch pipe so that the second branch pipe is fixed.
The method according to claim 2,
The first heat conductive plate and the second heat conductive plate are made of aluminum (Al),
The first metal and the second metal are copper (Cu) based energy harvesters.
The method according to claim 1,
A first heat insulating material integrally covering the other surface of the first heat conduction plate and the outer peripheral surface of the first branch pipe; And
Thermoelectric device-based energy harvester further comprising; a second insulating material integrally covering the other surface of the second heat conduction plate and the outer peripheral surface of the second branch pipe.
The method according to claim 1,
The high temperature fluid pipe part,
A high-temperature fluid supply manifold communicating with one end of each of the first branch pipes to supply the high-temperature fluid to the first branch pipe; And
A high-temperature fluid discharge manifold communicating with the other end of each of the first branch pipes to integrally discharge the high-temperature fluid flowing out from the first branch pipe;
The low temperature fluid pipe part,
A low temperature fluid supply manifold communicating with one end of each of the second branch pipes to supply the low temperature fluid to the second branch pipes; And
The thermoelectric element-based energy harvester further comprising a; low temperature fluid discharge manifold communicating with the other end of each of the second branch pipes to integrally discharge the low temperature fluid flowing out from the second branch pipe.
The method of claim 5,
A plurality of the high temperature fluid pipe portion, and the low temperature fluid pipe portion are sequentially arranged spaced apart from each other,
Between the high-temperature fluid pipe portion and the low-temperature fluid pipe portion facing each other, a thermoelectric module comprising the first heat conduction plate, the second heat conduction plate, and the thermoelectric element unit is disposed one by one,
A high-temperature fluid supply main manifold communicating with each of the high-temperature fluid supply manifolds to supply the high-temperature fluid to the high-temperature fluid supply manifold;
A high-temperature fluid discharge main manifold communicating with each of the high-temperature fluid discharge manifolds to integrally discharge the high-temperature fluid discharged from the high-temperature fluid discharge manifold;
A low temperature fluid supply main manifold communicating with each of the low temperature fluid supply manifolds to supply the low temperature fluid to the low temperature fluid supply manifold; And
The thermoelectric element-based energy harvester further comprising a low temperature fluid discharge main manifold communicating with each of the low temperature fluid discharge manifolds to integrally discharge the low temperature fluid discharged from the low temperature fluid discharge manifold.
The method of claim 6,
A first heat insulator disposed at the outermost side in one direction and in contact with each other, integrally covering the other surface of the first heat-conducting plate and the outer peripheral surface of the first branch pipe; And
The thermoelectric device-based energy harvester further comprising a second insulating material disposed at the outermost side in the other direction and in contact with each other, and integrally covering the other surface of the second heat conduction plate and the outer peripheral surface of the second branch pipe.
The method of claim 5,
Thermoelectric device-based energy harvester further comprising a; bypass unit for controlling the temperature of the high temperature fluid discharged through the high temperature fluid discharge manifold.
The method of claim 8,
The bypass unit,
A high temperature fluid supply pipe supplying the high temperature fluid to the high temperature fluid supply manifold;
A high-temperature fluid discharge pipe receiving and discharging the high-temperature fluid from the high-temperature fluid discharge manifold;
A first auxiliary pipe connecting the high temperature fluid supply pipe and the high temperature fluid discharge pipe to pass all or part of the supplied high temperature fluid; And
Thermoelectric device-based energy harvester comprising a; bypass valve for bypassing all or part of the high-temperature fluid through the first auxiliary pipe.
The method of claim 9,
The bypass unit,
A first temperature sensor disposed in the high temperature fluid supply pipe and measuring a temperature of the high temperature fluid before being bypassed; And
A second temperature sensor disposed on the high-temperature fluid discharge pipe and measuring a temperature of the discharged high-temperature fluid.
The method of claim 9,
The bypass unit,
A first flow meter disposed in the high temperature fluid supply pipe and measuring a flow rate of the high temperature fluid supplied to the high temperature fluid supply manifold; And
A second flow meter disposed on the first auxiliary pipe to measure the flow rate of the bypassed high-temperature fluid; a thermoelectric device-based energy harvester further comprising.
The method of claim 9,
The bypass unit,
A low temperature fluid supply pipe supplying the low temperature fluid to the low temperature fluid supply manifold;
A third temperature sensor disposed on the low temperature fluid supply pipe and measuring a temperature of the supplied low temperature fluid; And
A third flow meter disposed in the low temperature fluid supply pipe and measuring a flow rate of the supplied low temperature fluid; a thermoelectric device-based energy harvester further comprising.
The method of claim 12,
The bypass unit,
A second auxiliary pipe connecting the low temperature fluid supply pipe and the high temperature fluid discharge pipe to integrate all or part of the supplied low temperature fluid into the discharged high temperature fluid; And
Thermoelectric device-based energy harvester further comprising a; flow path switching valve for passing and blocking all or part of the low temperature fluid through the second auxiliary pipe.
The method of claim 8,
The discharged high-temperature fluid is a thermoelectric element-based energy harvester controlled in a temperature range of 30 ~ 50 ℃.

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