WO2010026266A1 - Dispositif thermoélectrique - Google Patents
Dispositif thermoélectrique Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2010026266A1 WO2010026266A1 PCT/EP2009/061661 EP2009061661W WO2010026266A1 WO 2010026266 A1 WO2010026266 A1 WO 2010026266A1 EP 2009061661 W EP2009061661 W EP 2009061661W WO 2010026266 A1 WO2010026266 A1 WO 2010026266A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- fluid
- thermal energy
- thermal
- space
- energy
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 43
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 68
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 25
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 11
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000005868 electrolysis reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 21
- 210000004027 cell Anatomy 0.000 description 19
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 11
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 10
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Alumina Chemical compound [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 8
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 7
- 229910001610 cryolite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 7
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 6
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 5
- 238000009853 pyrometallurgy Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000007670 refining Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000002918 waste heat Substances 0.000 description 4
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000003723 Smelting Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 229910052797 bismuth Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- JCXGWMGPZLAOME-UHFFFAOYSA-N bismuth atom Chemical compound [Bi] JCXGWMGPZLAOME-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 3
- CPLXHLVBOLITMK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Magnesium oxide Chemical compound [Mg]=O CPLXHLVBOLITMK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- MCMNRKCIXSYSNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zirconium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Zr]=O MCMNRKCIXSYSNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 238000003306 harvesting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011819 refractory material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 2
- XSOKHXFFCGXDJZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N telluride(2-) Chemical compound [Te-2] XSOKHXFFCGXDJZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000012431 wafers Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- JBRZTFJDHDCESZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N AsGa Chemical compound [As]#[Ga] JBRZTFJDHDCESZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910005540 GaP Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001218 Gallium arsenide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000005678 Seebeck effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007743 anodising Methods 0.000 description 1
- PEEDYJQEMCKDDX-UHFFFAOYSA-N antimony bismuth Chemical compound [Sb].[Bi] PEEDYJQEMCKDDX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000001354 calcination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000002421 cell wall Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001311 chemical methods and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012809 cooling fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002803 fossil fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002259 gallium compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- HZXMRANICFIONG-UHFFFAOYSA-N gallium phosphide Chemical compound [Ga]#P HZXMRANICFIONG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012774 insulation material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002611 lead compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000395 magnesium oxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003913 materials processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010310 metallurgical process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011946 reduction process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009420 retrofitting Methods 0.000 description 1
- GGYFMLJDMAMTAB-UHFFFAOYSA-N selanylidenelead Chemical compound [Pb]=[Se] GGYFMLJDMAMTAB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005245 sintering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004381 surface treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- OCGWQDWYSQAFTO-UHFFFAOYSA-N tellanylidenelead Chemical compound [Pb]=[Te] OCGWQDWYSQAFTO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000007669 thermal treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B21/00—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
- F25B21/02—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effect; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effect
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25C—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC PRODUCTION, RECOVERY OR REFINING OF METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25C7/00—Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells; Servicing or operating of cells
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10N10/00—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects
- H10N10/10—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects operating with only the Peltier or Seebeck effects
- H10N10/13—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects operating with only the Peltier or Seebeck effects characterised by the heat-exchanging means at the junction
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2321/00—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
- F25B2321/02—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effects; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effects
- F25B2321/023—Mounting details thereof
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2321/00—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
- F25B2321/02—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effects; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effects
- F25B2321/025—Removal of heat
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/02—Elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with recesses, with corrugations
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F3/00—Plate-like or laminated elements; Assemblies of plate-like or laminated elements
- F28F3/12—Elements constructed in the shape of a hollow panel, e.g. with channels
Definitions
- thermoelectric device for extracting electrical energy from waste heat energy.
- Thermoelectric devices or Seebeck devices are devices which convert temperature differences between opposite sides of the device to electrical energy. Typically made from semi-conducting metals or semi-metals, Seebeck devices are generally wafer- shaped and rely upon the imposition of a temperature difference across their opposing major surfaces as the source of the electrical current they develop. Although berated in the past as being inefficient, recent advances in materials and materials processing have led to significant improvements in efficiency. Moreover, even as historically inefficient power generators, they are still able to access otherwise unavailable energy in an inexpensive, clean and maintenance-free manner.
- pyrometallurgy consists of the thermal treatment of minerals, metallurgical ores and concentrates to bring about physical and chemical transformations in the materials to enable recovery of valuable metals.
- Pyrometallurgical processes typically include one or more of the following processes:
- Processes at temperatures above about 100 0 C have significant energy requirements, for instance, to maintain elevated temperatures.
- Some specific examples of pyrometallurgical processes having large energy demands include ore sintering, ore reduction/refining, and metal reduction/refining. These energy needs are often provided for by fossil fuel combustion or electricity. In most cases, the energy is not used as efficiently as desirable. A significant loss of energy is through diffuse heat transferred away from the process as part of its operation.
- Electrolytic cells for the production of aluminium comprise an electrolytic tank having at least one cathode and at least one anode.
- the electrolytic tank consists of an outer steel shell having carbon cathode blocks sitting on top of a layer of insulation and refractory material along the bottom of the tank.
- a lining comprising a combination of carbon blocks and refractory material is provided against the steel shell.
- a large electric current is passed from the anode to the cathode. Aluminium oxide is dissolved in a cryolite bath present in the tank.
- the operating temperature of the cryolite bath is normally in the range of 930 Q C to about 970 Q C. Energy used to maintain this process temperature is lost as natural heat flux through the surfaces of the reduction vessel or through convection with the process off-gases.
- the heat transfer and subsequent cooling of the cryolite bath at the side walls affects the formation of a layer of 'frozen' cryolite bath on the inside of the side walls of the electrolytic tank.
- the thickness of this layer / crust / ledge / freeze lining may vary during operation of the cell dependent on, for eg, cryolite bath temperature (which is responsive to electrical current flow) and heat removal from the outside of the side walls. If the crust becomes too thick it will affect the operation of the cell as the crust will grow on the cathode and disturb the cathodic current distribution and thus the magnetic field.
- cryolite bath may attack the side wall lining and ultimately result in its failure (necessitating its replacement to avoid damage to the steel shell and possible spillage of cryolite bath from the tank).
- controlled ledge formation is essential for good pot operation and long lifetime of the refractory lining within the cell.
- controlling the flow of heat from the bath through the side wall lining is essential for controlled ledge formation within the cell.
- the present invention provides a means for harvesting heat energy lost from a surface of a processing structure to enhance energy efficiency and preferably to also provide an improved thermodynamic environment within the processing structure.
- thermoelectric materials are known to be able to convert heat energy directly to electrical energy.
- the inventors have developed an apparatus or thermoelectric device including thermoelectric materials for application with pyrometallurgical processing structures to control and use heat energy normally transferred in a generally uncontrolled manner from the processing structure to the external environment.
- the thermoelectric device of the present invention makes use of both convective and radiant heat energy.
- a method for controlling and harvesting heat energy transferred from a surface of a processing structure including
- thermoelectric element positioned between a first side and a second side of the thermoelectric device, the first side being positioned adjacent to, and in thermal communication with, the surface; the thermal communication being such that thermal energy is transferable from the surface to the first side by radiation;
- thermoelectric element
- the method may further include passing a second fluid over the second side such that thermal energy is transferable from the second side.
- the second fluid may, but need not be, the same as the first fluid.
- the temperature of the first fluid is greater than that of the second fluid and both fluid flows might be controlled such that this temperature difference lies in the range 10 °C to 200 °C.
- the fluid may be a gas or liquid of varying density.
- Other possibilities for adjusting the nature of the fluid flows may also be employed. Although not exhaustive, such variations to the fluid flows could include variation of the flow rate of the fluid over the sides of the thermoelectric device, or enhancement of the turbulent character of the fluid flow so as to improve heat transfer. Since the electrical output from the thermoelectric element is at least partially dependent on the thermal gradient, adjusting the properties of the first fluid and/or second fluid also allows control of the electrical output of the thermoelectric device.
- thermoelectric element(s) provided in the thermoelectric device is dependent on the available surface area, the thermal energy available from the surface, gross heat transfer details of the thermoelectric elements themselves, and cost considerations.
- thermoelectric device may be retrofitted to an existing processing structure or it may be installed as part of a new structure.
- an apparatus for the conversion of thermal energy transferred from a surface of a processing structure or vessel to electrical energy comprising
- thermoelectric device having a first side for receiving thermal energy from the surface by radiation and convection, the first side and the surface defining a first space there between;
- thermoelectric element for generating electrical energy from a temperature difference between the first side and the second side
- a supporting structure comprising a housing having side walls to support the body portion a spaced distance from the radiating surface of the processing structure or vessel.
- the apparatus is provided with a support structure to maintain the body portion a spaced distance from the radiating surface of the processing structure, the first side of the at least one thermoelectric element in the body portion facing towards the radiating surface of the processing structure.
- the spaced distance between the first side of the body portion and the surface of the processing vessel providing a passage for a first fluid.
- the thermoelectric device further includes an optional outer wall, the second side and the outer wall defining a second space there between.
- the first fluid and the second fluid pass through the first space and the second space, respectively.
- the first fluid is of a higher temperature than the second fluid.
- the first side and second side are preferably made from a conducting material.
- a suitable material is aluminium, copper, alloys of such, or other metals or other highly thermally conductive material.
- the body portion is preferably made from an insulating material.
- the processing structure may be an electrolytic cell.
- the invention relates to a processing vessel having the above described thermoelectric device fitted thereto.
- thermoelectric device providing an apparatus having at least one thermoelectric element positioned between a first side and a second side of the thermoelectric device
- the first side being positioned adjacent to, and in thermal communication with, a surface of the electrolysis cell; the thermal communication being such that thermal energy is transferable from the surface to the first side by radiation;
- thermoelectric element - allowing the thermal energy transferred from the surface to the first side to conduct from the first side to the second side; and - collecting the electrical energy thereby generated by the thermoelectric element;
- adjustment of the first fluid provides for control of the thermal balance of the electrolysis cell.
- the electrolytic cell is for the production of aluminium.
- thermoelectric element may be made from any thermoelectric material known in the art to display the Seebeck effect (the generation of an electrical current in response to a thermal gradient) and to be operable at temperatures of from about 100 0 C to about 500 0 C.
- thermoelectric device may be retrofitted to an existing electrolysis cell using a mounting means or it may be installed as part of a newly constructed electrolysis cell.
- the invention further defines a processing structure and in particular an electrolysis cell having a thermoelectric device as described above positioned adjacent to a surface of the processing structure for recovering and converting thermal energy to electrical energy.
- FIG. 1 A perspective view of a schematic representing an embodiment of the thermoelectric device of the present invention.
- Figure 2 A perspective view of the first side of the thermoelectric device showing fins and the thermoelectric elements in partial cut-away (normally hidden by the first side).
- Figure 3 A perspective view of the first side of the thermoelectric device showing alternate fins and the thermoelectric elements in partial cut-away (normally hidden by the first side).
- Figure 4 A perspective view of the second side of the thermoelectric device showing a partial cut-away of the optional outer boundary surface.
- the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1 includes a thermoelectric device having a first side 30 and a second side 40, between which there is positioned body portion 50 and at least one thermoelectric element 60.
- the thermoelectric elements substantially extend from the first side to the second side within the body portion, but are not normally visible when the device is fully assembled (ie they are hidden by the first and second sides).
- the apparatus is adapted to be positioned adjacent to, and in thermal communication with, a surface 20 of a processing structure such as a pyrometallurgical vessel from which thermal energy may be transferred by radiation.
- the apparatus is further provided with a support structure to maintain the body portion a spaced distance from the radiating surface of the processing structure, the first side of the thermoelectric element or elements in the body portion facing towards the radiating surface of the processing structure.
- a first space 72 is created between the radiating surface of the processing structure. The spaced distance between the first side of the body portion and the surface of the processing vessel providing a passage for a first fluid.
- the supporting structure may comprise a housing having side walls to support the body portion a spaced distance from the radiating surface of the processing structure or vessel.
- the housing may be provided with fins which direct flow through the first space from an inlet to an outlet.
- the inlet and outlet to the first space is preferably provided through the side of the housing wall in the direction of fluid flow.
- the fins for directing fluid flow may completely traverse the first space thus providing separate fluid flow chambers or may extend only partially across the first space to act as guide vanes for the fluid flow.
- the housing may further include an outer wall, the second side of the thermoelectric device and the outer wall defining a second space there between.
- a second fluid 80 may be passed over the second side, optionally through a second space 82 between the second side and an optional outer casing 90.
- the first fluid and a second fluid pass through the first space and the second space, respectively.
- the first fluid is of a higher temperature than the second fluid
- thermoelectric device Also shown in the Figures are the inlets and outlets for the first and second fluid. There is no particular significance regarding the location of these openings or of the net direction of fluid flow through the thermoelectric device. However as stated above it may be preferable to have the inlets and outlets oriented in the direction of flow of the fluids.
- the material used to construct the surface of first side 30 and second side 40 of the body portion is preferably highly thermally conductive to provide for a more even temperature distribution.
- a particularly suitable material is aluminium.
- the material of the first side also preferably has an emissivity approaching 1 . This may be provided by surface treatment (coating, anodising or other similar technique) of the material of the first side so that Q R absorbed by the first side approaches Q R emitted by the surface.
- the first side may be of any profile; however a particularly preferred profile is one which allows Qc absorbed by the first side to approach Q c transferred from the surface without adversely affecting the radiative heat transfer through the surfaces.
- the first side may include fins 32 ( Figures 2 and 3) to increase the surface area available for heat transfer from, and to avoid laminar flow of, the first fluid.
- the material used to construct the body portion 50 is preferably an insulator to inhibit the flow of thermal energy through the material of the body portion per se and to increase the amount of thermal energy forced to be transferred through the thermoelectric elements.
- the body portion may be made from pre-formed ceramic compacts (alumina, magnesia, zirconia, etc) or other material which would impede the flow of heat and electricity through its matrix.
- the type of fluid used as the first and second fluids, and their flow rate through the first and second spaces it is possible to control (to a degree) the thermal energy being transferred from the processing structure.
- a greater degree of control may be provided by the incorporation of a heat exchanger type arrangement within the first and/or second spaces.
- a heat exchanger type arrangement within the first and/or second spaces.
- an internal cooling arrangement as described in PCT/AU2005/001617 may be employed (such as shown in Figure 4).
- the controlled cooling of an external surface of the processing structure of the present invention is superior to that presently known in the art. That is, it provides a greater possible degree of cooling with tighter control.
- the outside temperature of the shell of the electrolytic tank can be controlled so that the formation of the ledge / freeze lining can also be controlled.
- the fluid flow rates can be controlled in response to the outside temperature of the shell such that if the outside temperature drops the flow rates can also be slowed to result in a reduced transfer of thermal energy from the shell to the thermoelectric device.
- the flow rates could be controlled by any means known in the art, for instance, a valve or damper system.
- the fluid can be gas or liquid.
- the fluid is a gas as this is cheaper to install and safer to operate.
- the fluid may be air.
- the first fluid flowing through the first space will be of a greater temperature than the second fluid flowing through the second space.
- the first fluid is heated by the surface of the processing structure conductively and transfers its thermal load to the first side convectively. Heat is also passed to the first side from the surface through radiation.
- the first side may include a series of fins 32 or the like that project into the first space to increase the thermal transfer.
- the second fluid is used to remove heat from the second side.
- the second fluid is preferably at ambient temperature, but may be cooled.
- the second side may include a series of fins 42 ( Figure 4) or the like that project into the second space to increase the thermal transfer.
- the fluids may be propelled through the spaces by any means known in the art. For instance, a fan or blower may be used, and may also be powered by electrical energy produced by the thermoelectric device.
- thermoelectric elements are shown in a regular spaced pattern. However, the exact positioning of the thermoelectric elements is not critical to the successful operation of the thermoelectric device. Any positioning which allows for the requisite thermal energy transfer through the thermoelectric device and away from the processing structure is suitable. Commercially available thermoelectric elements are generally wafer-shaped and rely upon the imposition of a temperature difference across their opposing major surfaces as the source of the electrical current they develop
- thermoelectric element may be made from any material known in the art to operate at high temperatures.
- thermoelectric materials are semi-conducting metals or semi-metals.
- the thermoelectric materials have high electrical conductivity, a high Seebeck coefficient, S, and low thermal conductivity, k.
- the thermoelectric material includes bismuth, lead or gallium compounds which may include bismuth telluride, lead telluride, lead selenide, bismuth antimony, gallium arsenide and gallium phosphide. The main requirement is that the material be able to operate at temperatures of between 100 0 C and 450 0 C.
- bismuth telluride is used as the thermoelectric material.
- the wafers are aligned in an insulating support panel, body portion 50, and comprise a sequence of thermoelectric elements or "couples" alternating between p and n type semi-conducting materials electrically connected through the support panel by printed circuits or the like.
- the matrix of wafers is covered on both the hot side (first side) and cool side (second side) by a layer of diffuser material such as aluminium which assists in providing an even temperature across the heat exchanger and particularly avoids hots spots forming.
- the layer of diffuser material may be provided with fins or baffles which are preferably arranged in a circuitous path to allow a fluid to flow through the spaces of the device.
- thermomagnetic device ie the side facing away from the cell walls
- cool side of the thermomagnetic device ie the side facing away from the cell walls
- heat exchange channels through which a cooling fluid is passed.
- the heat radiating from the surface of the vessel and the temperature difference between the fluids flowing through the heat exchanger channels provides the driving force for the thermoelectric device.
- thermoelectric device is adapted to engage the processing structure. Any mounting means known in the art may be used for this purpose.
- the thermoelectric device is suitable for retrofitting to an existing processing structure, and thus may be sold as individual components to be assembled or as an assembled module, or the thermoelectric device may be included in the overall design of a new processing structure.
- thermoelectric device • the ability to stop the cooling of the surface of the processing structure if desired (eg by stopping the fluid flow through the spaces), at which time the thermoelectric device and particular the spaces and the insulating body portion act to retain the thermal balance of the processing structure.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Metallurgy (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)
Abstract
La présente invention concerne un appareil (100) destiné à convertir en énergie électrique de l'énergie thermique transférée depuis une surface (20) d'un récipient ou d'une structure de traitement. Ce dispositif thermoélectrique est conçu pour toucher la structure de traitement et être placé en communication thermique avec la surface, la communication thermique étant telle que l'énergie thermique puisse se transférer, par rayonnement, et éventuellement par convection, depuis la surface, jusqu'au dispositif thermoélectrique. L'appareil comprend un premier côté (30) destiné à recevoir l'énergie thermique provenant par rayonnement et convection de la surface, le premier côté (30) et la surface (20) définissant entre eux un premier espace (72). L'appareil (100) comprend également un second côté (40) destiné à recevoir l'énergie thermique provenant du premier côté (30) par conduction. Une partie du corps (50), qui est disposée entre le premier côté (30) et le second côté (40), renferme au moins un élément thermoélectrique (60) servant à la production d'électricité à partir de la différence de températures entre le premier côté (30) et le second côté (40). L'invention concerne également une structure support comprenant un logement pourvu de parois latérales permettant supporter la partie de corps écartée de la surface rayonnante (20) du réservoir ou de la structure de traitement.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2008904665 | 2008-09-08 | ||
AU2008904665A AU2008904665A0 (en) | 2008-09-08 | Thermoelectric device | |
AU2008905855A AU2008905855A0 (en) | 2008-11-12 | Processing structure having thermoelectric device | |
AU2008905855 | 2008-11-12 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2010026266A1 true WO2010026266A1 (fr) | 2010-03-11 |
Family
ID=41401679
Family Applications (1)
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PCT/EP2009/061661 WO2010026266A1 (fr) | 2008-09-08 | 2009-09-08 | Dispositif thermoélectrique |
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Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102010042674A1 (de) * | 2010-10-20 | 2012-04-26 | Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. | Wärmeübertragungsvorrichtung, thermoelektrische Generatorvorrichtung und Verfahren zur Steuerung und/oder Regelung einer Wärmeübertragungsvorrichtung |
WO2013126424A1 (fr) * | 2012-02-20 | 2013-08-29 | Marlow Industries, Inc. | Plaque thermoélectrique et échangeur à plaques |
CN108441891A (zh) * | 2018-05-14 | 2018-08-24 | 中国铝业股份有限公司 | 一种调节铝电解槽侧部能量平衡的方法 |
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US4520305A (en) * | 1983-08-17 | 1985-05-28 | Cauchy Charles J | Thermoelectric generating system |
DE4118979A1 (de) * | 1991-06-08 | 1992-12-10 | Vdo Schindling | Vorrichtung zur erzeugung von strom |
DE4409685A1 (de) * | 1993-03-16 | 1994-10-13 | Vaillant Joh Gmbh & Co | Heizapparat, insbesondere Fluidheizer |
JPH0918059A (ja) * | 1995-06-28 | 1997-01-17 | Technova:Kk | 熱電変換装置 |
JP2001041604A (ja) * | 1999-07-30 | 2001-02-16 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | 温冷熱装置、熱電発電装置、冷蔵庫、圧縮装置 |
US20050037303A1 (en) * | 2003-08-15 | 2005-02-17 | Bachinski Thomas J. | Generation of electricity in a fireplace using thermoelectric module |
WO2006081154A2 (fr) * | 2005-01-25 | 2006-08-03 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Noeud de detection sans fil alimente par conversion d'energie assuree par le systeme detecte |
EP1811646A1 (fr) * | 2004-10-27 | 2007-07-25 | Hino Motors, Ltd. | Dispositif generateur thermoelectrique |
WO2007093033A1 (fr) * | 2006-02-16 | 2007-08-23 | Martin Rheault | Rechaud portable |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US4520305A (en) * | 1983-08-17 | 1985-05-28 | Cauchy Charles J | Thermoelectric generating system |
DE4118979A1 (de) * | 1991-06-08 | 1992-12-10 | Vdo Schindling | Vorrichtung zur erzeugung von strom |
DE4409685A1 (de) * | 1993-03-16 | 1994-10-13 | Vaillant Joh Gmbh & Co | Heizapparat, insbesondere Fluidheizer |
JPH0918059A (ja) * | 1995-06-28 | 1997-01-17 | Technova:Kk | 熱電変換装置 |
JP2001041604A (ja) * | 1999-07-30 | 2001-02-16 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | 温冷熱装置、熱電発電装置、冷蔵庫、圧縮装置 |
US20050037303A1 (en) * | 2003-08-15 | 2005-02-17 | Bachinski Thomas J. | Generation of electricity in a fireplace using thermoelectric module |
EP1811646A1 (fr) * | 2004-10-27 | 2007-07-25 | Hino Motors, Ltd. | Dispositif generateur thermoelectrique |
WO2006081154A2 (fr) * | 2005-01-25 | 2006-08-03 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Noeud de detection sans fil alimente par conversion d'energie assuree par le systeme detecte |
WO2007093033A1 (fr) * | 2006-02-16 | 2007-08-23 | Martin Rheault | Rechaud portable |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102010042674A1 (de) * | 2010-10-20 | 2012-04-26 | Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. | Wärmeübertragungsvorrichtung, thermoelektrische Generatorvorrichtung und Verfahren zur Steuerung und/oder Regelung einer Wärmeübertragungsvorrichtung |
WO2013126424A1 (fr) * | 2012-02-20 | 2013-08-29 | Marlow Industries, Inc. | Plaque thermoélectrique et échangeur à plaques |
CN108441891A (zh) * | 2018-05-14 | 2018-08-24 | 中国铝业股份有限公司 | 一种调节铝电解槽侧部能量平衡的方法 |
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