WO2017115966A1

WO2017115966A1 - Integrated system of heat exchange device and thermoelectric power generation device, and operating method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2017115966A1
Application number: PCT/KR2016/008344
Authority: WO
Inventors: 김태영; 조규백; 이석환
Original assignee: 한국기계연구원
Priority date: 2015-12-31
Filing date: 2016-07-29
Publication date: 2017-07-06
Also published as: KR102464181B1; KR20170080029A

Abstract

An integrated system of a heat exchange device and a thermoelectric power generation device, according to one embodiment of the present invention, includes the heat exchange device and the thermoelectric power generation device, which allow heat to flow therein from a pipe through which a heat source passes, and allow cooling water to flow therein, wherein the heat exchange device and the thermoelectric power generation device are successively connected to each other with respect to the flow direction of the heat source, and the temperature of the cooling water and the heat source is controlled in the heat exchange device according to the temperature conditions of the cooling water and the heat source such that a temperature range enabling the thermoelectric power generation of the thermoelectric power generation device is expanded.

Description

Integrated system of heat exchanger and thermoelectric generator, and its operation method

The present invention relates to an integrated system of a heat exchanger and a thermoelectric generator, and a method of operating the same.

There is a growing interest in a power generation system using a thermoelectric element as a waste heat source, that is, a thermoelectric power generation system, and in particular, a heat exchanger that recovers heat energy of exhaust gas from a vehicle and heats the cooling water rapidly to improve fuel efficiency and exhaust characteristics. Since the heat exchanger is limited to be used only when the vehicle is initially started or when the cooling water temperature is low, there have been studies to arrange the heat exchanger together with the thermoelectric generators or by connecting them with each other.

In the case of thermoelectric power generation system, it is important to cool the thermoelectric element efficiently as the cooling water passes through the space. Especially, the performance of the thermoelectric power generation system is determined by the temperature difference between the high and low temperature portions of the thermoelectric element, but on the other hand, Therefore, the maximum temperature of the high temperature section is limited. In addition, lowering the temperature of the cooling water may affect the durability of the engine.

In the case of the heat exchanger, the heat energy of the exhaust gas must be designed to be efficiently transferred to the cooling water, and in some cases, the heat exchanger must be configured with a long flow path or a heat radiation fin to increase the heat exchange area.

Therefore, an integrated system that takes into account the characteristics of the two systems is required.

One aspect of the present invention, the heat exchanger that was used only temporarily during the initial start-up integrated with the thermoelectric generator and the function to efficiently utilize the exhaust heat, and the heat exchanger and thermoelectric generator can complement each other to maximize the performance of each device To provide an integrated system of heat exchangers and thermoelectric generators, and a method of operating the same.

Integrated system of a heat exchanger and a thermoelectric generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the discharge pipe flowing heat medium discharged from the heat source portion; A heat exchanger for heat-exchanging heat medium flowing from the discharge pipe with cooling water; First control means provided in the discharge pipe and controlling an amount of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchange apparatus from the discharge pipe according to the temperature of the heat medium; And a thermoelectric generator connected to the discharge pipe, wherein the heat medium exchanged through the heat exchanger is introduced into the thermoelectric generator.

The discharge pipe may include an inlet formed so that the heat medium flows into the heat exchange device, and an outlet formed to discharge the heat medium heat exchanged by the heat exchange device into the discharge pipe, and the first control means may be installed between the inlet port and the discharge port. have.

The discharge pipe may further include a second control means provided between the heat exchanger and the thermoelectric generator to control the amount of the heat medium flowing into the thermoelectric generator.

Further comprising a heat dissipation means for circulating the cooling water, the thermoelectric generator may produce electricity by using a temperature difference between the heat medium and the cooling water respectively connected to both sides of the thermoelectric element.

A first heat dissipation means cooling water line connecting the heat dissipation means and the thermoelectric generator so that the coolant is supplied from the heat dissipation means to the thermoelectric generator; And a first thermoelectric generator cooling water line connecting the thermoelectric generator and the heat exchanger such that the coolant passing through the thermoelectric generator is supplied to the heat exchanger.

A second thermoelectric generator cooling water line connecting the thermoelectric generator and the heat source unit such that the coolant passing through the thermoelectric generator is supplied to the heat source unit; A first heat exchange cooling water line connecting the heat exchanger and the heat source unit such that the coolant passing through the heat exchanger is supplied to the heat source unit; And a heat source coolant line connecting the heat source unit and the heat radiating unit such that the coolant passing through the heat source unit is supplied to the heat radiating unit.

A second heat dissipation means cooling water line connecting the heat dissipation means and the heat source part such that the coolant is supplied from the heat dissipation means to the heat source part; And a second heat exchange coolant line connecting the heat exchanger and the heat radiating means such that the coolant passing through the heat exchanger is supplied to the heat radiating means.

The first thermoelectric coolant line and the second thermoelectric coolant line are branched from a pipe connected to the thermoelectric generator, and adjust the amount of cooling water flowing to the first thermoelectric coolant line and the second thermoelectric coolant line. And third control means.

The heat exchanger is provided inside the coolant channel through which the coolant flows; And a front end and a rear end header respectively provided at the front end and the rear end, and the coolant is introduced or discharged and connected to the coolant channel.

The discharge pipe may be formed to penetrate the inside of the heat exchange device and the thermoelectric generator.

The front end header and the rear end header includes a partition wall formed radially therein with respect to the discharge pipe, wherein the partition wall is formed with at least one or more of the cooling water flowing between the front end header and the rear end header The flow path can be changed.

The thermoelectric generator includes the thermoelectric element having one surface attached to an outer circumferential surface of the discharge pipe; And a first thermoelectric coolant channel provided in contact with the other surface of the thermoelectric element.

The thermoelectric generator includes a high-temperature device and a low-temperature device having one surface attached to an outer circumferential surface of each of the two pipes, wherein the discharge pipe is branched into two pipes; And a second thermoelectric coolant channel and a third thermoelectric coolant channel contacting the other surfaces of the high temperature device and the low temperature device, respectively.

In an integrated system operation method of a heat exchanger and a thermoelectric generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, a heat exchanger for introducing heat medium discharged from a discharge pipe and exchanging heat with a cooling water, and using a temperature difference between the heat medium and the cooling water A method of operating an integrated system comprising a thermoelectric generator having a thermoelectric device for producing a gas, the method comprising: introducing the cooling water into the thermoelectric generator; Introducing coolant passing through the thermoelectric generator into the heat exchanger; Introducing the heat medium into the heat exchanger to exchange heat with the cooling water; And introducing the heat medium exchanged from the heat exchanger into the thermoelectric generator, and controlling the amount of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger according to the temperature of the heat medium discharged from the discharge pipe.

At this time, the amount of cooling water flowing into the heat exchanger may be controlled according to the temperature of the cooling water passing through the thermoelectric generator.

In an integrated system of a heat exchanger and a thermoelectric generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a method of operating the same, a heat exchanger recovers thermal energy of an exhaust gas and adjusts a temperature of a heat medium and a coolant in addition to an exhaust heat recovery function of raising a temperature of a coolant. By expanding the operating range of the thermoelectric generator, it is possible to maximize the efficiency of the thermoelectric generator.

In addition, the functions of the thermoelectric generator and the heat exchanger may be integrated to maximize space performance while maximizing performance.

1 is a block diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 and 3 are cross-sectional views of the header of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment.

4 is a view showing the flow of cooling water in the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment.

5 and 6 are cross-sectional views of the header of the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment.

7 is a view showing the flow of cooling water in the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment.

8 and 9 are cross-sectional views of the header of the heat exchanger according to the third embodiment.

10 is a view showing the flow of cooling water in the heat exchanger according to the third embodiment.

11 and 12 are cross-sectional views of the header of the heat exchanger according to the fourth embodiment.

13 is a view showing the flow of cooling water in the heat exchanger according to the fourth embodiment.

14 is a cross-sectional view of the thermoelectric generator according to the first embodiment.

15 is a sectional view in a front direction of the thermoelectric generator according to the first embodiment.

16 is a sectional view of a thermoelectric generator according to a second embodiment.

17 is a configuration diagram of a method for operating a system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first mode.

18 is a configuration diagram of a method of operating a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a second mode.

19 is a block diagram of a system operating method according to an embodiment of the present invention in a third mode.

20 is a configuration diagram of a system operating method according to another embodiment of the present invention in a third mode.

21 is a configuration diagram of a system operating method according to another embodiment of the present invention in a third mode.

22 is a configuration diagram of a system operating method according to an embodiment of the present invention in a fourth mode.

23 is a block diagram illustrating a method for operating a system according to an embodiment of the present invention when controlling the coolant temperature.

24 is a diagram illustrating a method for operating a system according to an embodiment of the present invention in the case of extending the thermoelectric generation possibility range.

25 is an exemplary diagram comparing the amount of power generated by the system according to an embodiment of the present invention with the prior art.

Description of the sign

10: discharge pipe 20: bypass pipe

10a: fourth control means 21: second control means

100: heat source 200: heat dissipation means

300: heat exchanger 400: thermoelectric generator

310: first control means

420a: first thermoelectric power cooling line

420b: second thermoelectric power cooling line

410: third control means

110: heat source coolant line

210: first heat dissipation means cooling water line

220: second heat dissipation means cooling water line

301: first heat exchange cooling water line

302: second heat exchange cooling water line

51: cooling means

341 inlet 342: outlet

320: first cooling water channel

333: second cooling water channel

353: third cooling water channel

373: fourth cooling water channel

321: first front end header 322: first rear end header

331: second front end header 332: second rear end header

351: third front end header 352: third rear end header

371: fourth front end header 372: fourth rear end header

3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 6c, 7a, 7b: bulkhead

321a: first inlet port 321b: first outlet port

331a: second inlet port 331b: second outlet port

351a: third inlet port 351b: third outlet port

371a: fourth inlet port 371b: fourth outlet port

430: a thermoelectric element

440: first thermoelectric power cooling water channel

450: high temperature element 460: low temperature element

470: second thermoelectric power cooling water channel

480: third thermoelectric power cooling water channel

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art may easily implement the present invention. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

In the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted in order to clearly describe the present invention, and like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

Throughout the specification, when a part is "connected" to another part, it includes not only "directly connected", but also "indirectly connected" between other members. In addition, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this means that it may further include other components, except to exclude other components unless otherwise stated.

Referring to FIG. 1, an integrated system of a heat exchanger and a thermoelectric generator includes a discharge tube 10 through which a heat medium discharged from a heat source unit 100 passes, and heat dissipation means 200 spaced apart from the heat source unit 100. , Including a heat exchanger 300 and a thermoelectric generator 400, wherein the heat exchanger 300 and the thermoelectric generator 400 are connected to the discharge pipe 10, and the thermoelectric generator 400 is connected to the heat exchanger. The apparatus 300 and the heat medium and the cooling water may be configured to flow together. For example, the discharge pipe 10 may be formed to penetrate the inside of the heat exchange device 300 and the thermoelectric generator 400.

At this time, the heat exchanger 300 and the thermoelectric generator 400 may be sequentially connected to each other based on the flow direction of the heat medium flowing through the discharge pipe (10). For example, the heat exchanger 300 may be coupled to an upstream side of the discharge pipe 10 through which the heat medium flows, and the thermoelectric generator 400 may be coupled to a downstream side of the discharge pipe 10. However, the arrangement of the heat exchanger 300 and the thermoelectric generator 400 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1, and the heat exchanger 300 and the thermoelectric generator 400 may be connected to the discharge pipe 10 in parallel. The heat medium passing through the heat exchange device 300 and the heat medium not passing through the heat exchange device 300 may be variously configured as long as the heat medium may flow into the thermoelectric generator 400.

In the present specification, upstream and downstream are defined based on the flow direction of the heat medium discharged through the discharge pipe (10).

Here, for example, when the present invention is applied to a vehicle, the heat exchanger 300 is a device coupled to the discharge pipe 10 to increase the cooling water temperature of the heat source unit 100 in the vehicle at the initial start of the vehicle. The generator 400 is a device for generating power by the Seebeck effect of the thermoelectric element 430 provided therein through exhaust heat (heat medium) and cooling water. Omit.

In addition, the heat exchange device 300 and the thermoelectric generator 400 may be described below for additional functions.

Here, the exhaust pipe 10 may be an exhaust pipe through which the exhaust gas of the vehicle is applied, but is not limited thereto, and may be variously implemented as long as the pipe passes through the heat medium.

In addition, the heat medium may be an exhaust gas, and in the following description, the heat medium and the exhaust gas may be described as being commonly used.

Inside the discharge pipe 10 may be provided with a perforated plate, a porous material, etc. to increase the uniformity of the heat medium flow.

The heat source unit 100 may be variously applied as long as it is a means for discharging a heat medium such as an engine or an internal combustion engine.

In addition, the heat dissipation means 200 is configured to cool the cooling water and circulate the cooling water in the system, and may be variously applied as long as the heat dissipation means such as a radiator.

The discharge pipe 10 may be provided with first control means 310 for adjusting the amount of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchange device 300. In addition, the discharge pipe 10 has a second control means 21 is located between the heat exchange device 300 and the thermoelectric generator 400 to bypass the thermal medium so that the thermal medium does not flow into the thermoelectric generator 400. It may be provided.

At this time, one side of the discharge pipe 10 may be formed by the second control means 21, the bypass pipe 20 is bypassed to the outside without the heat medium is introduced into the thermoelectric generator 400.

The first control means 310 and the second control means 21 may be constituted by a valve or the like, but is not limited thereto. The first control means 310 and the second control means 21 may be variously implemented as long as the means can change the flow path of the heat medium according to opening and closing.

In addition, the first control means 310 may not only control whether the heat medium flows into the heat exchange apparatus 300 through opening and closing, but also by adjusting the opening amount of the first control means 310, Can adjust the inflow amount flowing into the heat exchange device (300).

In addition, the second control means 21 may control the flow direction of the heat medium so that the heat medium flows toward the bypass tube 20 or toward the thermoelectric generator 400 by selective opening and closing. have.

At this time, the bypass pipe 20 may pass through the thermoelectric generator 400 to the outside.

In the system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the coolant cooled in the heat radiating means 200 is discharged to return to the heat radiating means 200 after circulating the system, for this purpose, a coolant line for circulating the coolant in the system It may include.

In more detail, the heat dissipation means 200 may include a first heat dissipation means cooling water line 210 connecting the heat dissipation means 200 and the thermoelectric generator 400 so that the coolant is supplied from the heat dissipation means 200 to the thermoelectric generator 400.

In addition, the heat source unit 100 and the heat dissipating means 200 may include a heat source coolant line 110 and a second heat dissipation means coolant line 220 through which the coolant flows. Here, the heat source coolant line 100 may connect the heat source unit 100 and the heat radiating means 200 so that the coolant passing through the heat source part 100 may be supplied to the heat radiating means 200, and the second heat radiating means cooling water may be used. The line 220 may connect the heat dissipation means 200 and the heat source part 100 so that the coolant is supplied from the heat dissipation means 200 to the heat source part 100.

In addition, the first thermoelectric generator cooling water line 420a connecting the thermoelectric generator 400 and the heat exchanger 300 so that the coolant passing through the thermoelectric generator 400 is supplied to the heat exchanger 300, and the thermoelectric generator A second thermoelectric generator cooling water line 420b may be connected to the thermoelectric generator 400 and the heat source unit 100 so that the coolant passing through the 400 is supplied to the heat source unit 100.

In addition, the first heat exchange cooling water line 301 connecting the heat exchanger 300 and the heat source unit 100 and the heat exchanger 300 so that the coolant passing through the heat exchanger 300 is supplied to the heat source unit 100. It may include a second heat exchange cooling water line 302 connecting the heat exchange apparatus 300 and the heat radiating means 200 so that the cooling water passed through is supplied to the heat radiating means 200.

The first thermoelectric coolant line 420a and the second thermoelectric coolant line 420b may be branched from a pipe connected to the thermoelectric generator 400. In this case, a third control means 410 may be provided in the pipe to selectively branch the cooling water via the thermoelectric generator 4000 in the direction of the heat exchanger 300 or the heat source unit 100.

The third control means 410 may be implemented as various means as long as the means for changing the flow path of the coolant according to the opening and closing of the valve or the like. In addition, by controlling the opening and closing amount of the third control means 410, it is also possible to adjust the amount of cooling water flowing from the thermoelectric generator 400 to the first thermoelectric generator cooling water line 420a and the second thermoelectric generator cooling water line 420b. .

The following describes the detailed configuration of the heat exchanger 300.

Referring to the enlarged view shown in the lower part of FIG. 1, the discharge pipe 10 includes an inlet 341 formed on an upstream side of the discharge pipe 10 based on the first control means 310, and a downstream side thereof. An outlet 342 may be formed.

That is, the first control means 310 is provided between the inlet 341 and the outlet 342. When the first control means 310 opens the discharge pipe 10, the heat medium exchanges heat through the inlet 341. When the first control means 310 closes the discharge pipe 10 without being introduced into the device 300, and the first control means 310 closes the discharge pipe 10, the heat medium flows into the heat exchange device 300 through the inlet 341 to exchange heat. After the heat exchange with the cooling water in the apparatus 300 is discharged back to the discharge pipe 10 through the discharge port 342 and then flows along the discharge pipe (10).

In addition, by adjusting the opening amount of the first control means 310, it is possible to adjust the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchange device 300 through the inlet 341.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 1, the inlet 341 and the outlet 342 may be formed in a plurality.

The heat exchange apparatus 300 includes a coolant channel 320 provided therein and flowing coolant therethrough; And a front end header 321 and a rear end header 322 connected to the front and rear ends of the heat exchanger 300, respectively, connected to the first cooling water channel 320. At this time, the coolant may be introduced or discharged through at least one of the front end header 321 and the rear end header 322.

The heat exchange device 300 may be implemented in various ways according to the design of those skilled in the art to fit a given space, such as circular, oval, square, cross section.

In addition, the first cooling water channel 320 may be provided with a plate, serrated and wavy fins to increase heat exchange performance.

In addition, the heat exchange device 300 may be configured such that the flow path between the first cooling water channel 320 and the heat medium differs from each other. That is, the heat passage passes through an independent channel and the cooling water in the other space. It may be possible to have a flowing structure or vice versa.

Hereinafter, various modifications of the front end header and the rear end header will be described with reference to the first to fourth embodiments of the heat exchanger 300, and thus the flow of the coolant will be described.

2 and 3, the front end header 321 (hereinafter referred to as the first front end header) and the rear end header 322 (hereinafter referred to as the second front end header) may have a cylindrical shape, and each of the front end header 321 may be cylindrical. Can be formed into an open structure.

In addition, the first front end header 321 and the second rear end header 322 may have a first discharge port 321b and a first inlet port 321a at one end thereof.

At this time, the position of the first discharge port 321b and the first inlet port 321a may be variously implemented, and the number may be formed in plural numbers.

In addition, the first discharge port 321b may be connected to the first heat exchange coolant line 301 and the second heat exchange coolant line 302 to discharge the coolant, and the first inlet port 321a may be the first thermoelectric coolant. It may be connected to the line 420a to introduce the coolant

As the first front end header 321 and the first rear end header 322 open the entire inner space without a partition therein, the heat exchanger 300 flows into the first rear end header 322. Cooling water may have a structure that is passed toward the first front end header 321.

Referring to FIG. 4, the coolant flowing through the first inlet port 321a is distributed on the front surface of the first rear end header 322 and is heat exchanger 300 toward the first front end header 321. It may be discharged through the first discharge port 321b through the inside of the.

In addition, the heat medium passes through the discharge pipe 10, the flow direction may pass from the first front end header 321 toward the first rear end header 322.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the coolant flow may be a general counter flow without return of the coolant.

In addition, the following includes a partition wall formed radially with respect to the tube inside the front end header and the rear end header, wherein the partition wall is formed at least one at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction, the front end header And various embodiments in which the coolant flow path that distributes the rear end header may be changed.

5 and 6, the front end header and the rear end header have a second front end header 331 in which an inner space is divided into two by

partition walls

3a and 3b formed perpendicular to the axial direction at a central portion thereof. ; And a second rear end header 332 having an open structure therein.

A second inlet port 331a may be formed at a lower side of the second front end header 331, and a second discharge port 331b may be formed at an upper side thereof.

At this time, the position of the second discharge port 331b and the second inlet port 331a may be variously implemented, and the number may be formed in plural numbers.

Referring to FIG. 7, the coolant flowing into the second inflow port 331a passes through the second rear end header 332 at the lower portion of the second front end header 331 (see FIG. 5). After flowing to the upper portion of the second front end header 331 (see FIG. 5), the coolant may be discharged through the second discharge port 331b.

In addition, the heat medium passes through the discharge pipe 10, the flow direction may pass from the second front end header 331 toward the second rear end header 332.

In addition, the coolant flow according to the second embodiment may be returned to the coolant once in the heat exchange device 300 and more evenly distributed around the inner circumference of the heat exchange device 300.

Accordingly, the heat exchanger 300 can be efficiently exhibited in performance to recover the heat from the heat medium.

8 and 9, the front end header and the rear end header are formed with

partitions

4a and 4b at 7 o'clock and 5 o'clock, and a third front end header 351 having two internal spaces. ; And a third rear end header 352 having two

partitions

5a and 5b formed at 5 o'clock and 12 o'clock and divided into two.

A third inflow port 351a may be formed at a lower side of the third front end header 351, and a third discharge port 351b may be formed at an upper side of the third rear end header 352.

At this time, the position of the third discharge port 351b and the third inlet port 351a may be variously performed, and the number may be formed in plural numbers.

Referring to FIG. 10, the coolant flowing into the third inflow port 351a is lower than the third rear end header 352 at the lower side of the third front end header 351 (see FIG. 8). 9 and flows from the upper portion (see FIG. 8) of the third front end header 351 to the upper portion (see FIG. 9) of the third rear end header 352, and then the third discharge. Cooling water may be discharged through the port 351b.

In addition, the coolant flow according to the third embodiment may be returned twice in the heat exchanger 300, and more evenly distributed around the inner circumference of the heat exchanger 300.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the front end header and the rear end header are formed with partition walls 6a, 6b, and 6c at 6, 9, and 12 o'clock directions, and a fourth front end having three internal spaces. Secondary header 371; And a fourth rear end header 372 having

partition walls

7a and 7b formed at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock in the interior and having two divided internal spaces.

A fourth inlet port 371a may be formed below the fourth front end header 371, and a fourth discharge port 371b may be formed above the fourth front end header 371.

At this time, the position of the fourth discharge port 371b and the fourth inlet port 371a may be implemented in various ways, and the number may be formed in plural numbers.

Referring to FIG. 13, the coolant flowing into the fourth inflow port 371a is lower than the fourth rear end header 372 at the lower end of the fourth front end header 371 (see FIG. 11). 12), and after passing through the right side (see FIG. 11) of the fourth front end header 371, and passing through the upper side (see FIG. 12) of the fourth rear end header 372, The cooling water flowing into the upper portion of the front end header 372 (see FIG. 11) may be discharged through the fourth discharge port 371b.

In addition, the coolant flow according to the fourth embodiment may be returned three times in the heat exchanger 300 and more evenly distributed around the inside of the heat exchanger 300.

The foregoing describes exemplary forms of the front end header and the rear end header of the heat exchanger 300 constituting the present invention, wherein the front end header and the rear end header are different in structure from the various embodiments described above. It may be added to a plurality of configurations and can be formed in various locations and a plurality of inlet and outlet ports.

Accordingly, according to the present invention, the coolant passing through the heat exchanger 300 can be evenly distributed as the flow of the coolant is intentionally changed by separating the internal spaces of the front end header and the rear end header of the heat exchanger 300. You can do that.

The following describes the detailed configuration of the thermoelectric generator 400, it will be described that can be variously implemented in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

14 is a cross-sectional view of the thermoelectric generator according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view in the front direction of the thermoelectric generator according to the first embodiment.

14 and 15, the thermoelectric generator 400 includes a thermoelectric element 430 having one surface attached to an outer circumferential surface of the discharge pipe 10; And a first thermoelectric coolant channel 440 provided to be in contact with the other surface of the thermoelectric element 430.

In addition, referring to FIG. 15, the first thermoelectric coolant channels 440 may be connected to each other or may be configured independently.

In addition, although the discharge pipe 10 is shown in an octagonal cross section, it may be variously implemented in a circular, polygonal or stacked form.

In this case, the thermoelectric element 430 may be configured to be stacked together with the discharge pipe 10 when the discharge pipe 10 is a stacked type. In addition, the number and location of the thermoelectric elements 430 may be variously modified.

On the other hand, the thermoelectric generator 400 may be provided with a heat insulating material (not shown) surrounding the discharge pipe 10 to protect the heat medium. However, the heat insulator is applied to a portion that does not contact the thermoelectric element 430 on the outer circumferential surface of the discharge pipe 10, may be to reduce the loss of thermal energy.

In general, both sides of the thermoelectric element 430 include a high temperature portion and a low temperature portion, a surface close to the heat medium is a high temperature portion, and a surface close to the cooling water is a low temperature portion. In addition, the larger the difference in temperature on both sides at this time, the larger the amount of power generation. However, the thermoelectric element 430 may have a different temperature at which maximum performance can be achieved depending on the material, and thus, a temperature difference may also vary.

The high temperature limit temperature of the thermoelectric element 430 is affected by the temperature range (300 around the case of the Bi-Te material, the melting point of the solder and the limit temperature of the thermal interface material (TIM)) in which the performance of the device is reduced. As a result, the maximum temperature of the high temperature part of the device has a limit, and the temperature of the low temperature part of the device is determined by the coolant temperature when cooling by using the coolant and is about 80 to 90 or more in consideration of the durability of the heat source 100. In the conventional system, the amount of power generated by the thermoelectric element 430 is determined by the difference between the exhaust gas temperature and the coolant temperature, or by the difference between the maximum limit temperature and the coolant temperature of the thermoelectric element 430.

The following describes the temperature conditions of the cooling water and the heat medium for various applications of the integrated system of the present invention. To this end, the temperature conditions can be described by dividing into four modes.

The temperature condition of the cooling water and the heat medium is a first mode in which the temperature of the cooling water is lower than the target temperature of the cooling water, and the temperature of the heat medium is below the limit temperature of the thermoelectric element 430; A second mode in which the temperature of the cooling water is a cooling water target temperature and the temperature of the heat medium is less than or equal to the limit temperature of the thermoelectric element 430; A third mode in which the temperature of the cooling water is a cooling water target temperature and the temperature of the heat medium is higher than a limit temperature of the thermoelectric element 430; And a fourth mode in which the coolant is lower than the target temperature of the coolant and the temperature of the heat medium is higher than the limit temperature of the thermoelectric element 430. Here, the limit temperature of the thermoelectric element 430 may be different depending on the material of the thermoelectric element 430.

In this case, the 'cooling water target temperature' means a cooling water temperature in a range that will not decrease in terms of durability and performance of the heat source unit 100, and may include a predetermined range of temperature.

In addition, the 'limit temperature of the thermoelectric element 430' refers to a maximum temperature that can be efficiently generated in terms of performance and durability of the thermoelectric element 430.

The following describes a method of operation of the integrated system which changes the flow of the heat medium and the cooling water in accordance with the conditions of the first to fourth modes described above.

In the integrated system operation method of the heat exchanger and the thermoelectric generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, after the coolant is introduced into the thermoelectric generator 400, the cooling water passing through the thermoelectric generator 400 is the heat exchanger Flows into 300. In addition, after the heat medium discharged from the heat source unit 100 flows into the heat exchange device 300 to exchange heat with the cooling water, the heat medium heat exchanged from the heat exchange device 300 flows into the thermoelectric generator 400. Is done.

At this time, it is possible to control the amount of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchange device 300 according to the temperature of the heat medium discharged from the discharge pipe (10). In addition, the amount of cooling water flowing into the heat exchange device 300 may be controlled according to the temperature of the cooling water passing through the thermoelectric generator 400.

Here, by controlling the amount of the cooling water and the heat medium flowing into the heat exchange device 300, through the heat exchange device 300 to increase the temperature of the cooling water to the cooling water target temperature and lower the temperature of the heat medium below the limit temperature of the thermoelectric element Can be.

Referring to FIG. 17, in the first mode, the cooling water of the heat radiating means 200 flows into the thermoelectric generator 400 through the first heat radiating means cooling water line 210; Introducing the cooling water in the thermoelectric generator (400) into the heat exchange apparatus (300) through the first thermoelectric generator cooling water line (420a); And introducing coolant in the heat exchanger 300 into the heat source unit 100 through the first heat exchange coolant line 301.

In addition, in the first mode, the first control means 310 blocks the flow of the heat medium through the discharge pipe 10 in the heat exchange device 300, so that the heat medium passes through the inlet 341. 300 may be introduced into the inside and may be heat-exchanged with the cooling water via the heat exchanger 300, and then discharged through the outlet 342. (See the enlarged view shown in the lower portion of FIG. 17)

Accordingly, in the first mode, the heat medium and the cooling water pass through the heat exchange device 300, whereby the cooling water transferred from the thermoelectric generator 400 to the heat exchange device 300 may be heated to increase the temperature.

Referring to FIG. 18, in the second mode, cooling water of the heat radiating means 200 flows into the thermoelectric generator 400 through the first heat radiating means cooling water line 210; And introducing coolant in the thermoelectric generator 400 into the heat source part 100 through the second thermoelectric coolant line 420b.

In addition, in the second mode, the first control means 310 opens the flow of the heat medium through the discharge pipe 10 in the heat exchange device 300, so that the heat medium does not pass through the heat exchange device 300. It may flow into the thermoelectric generator 400.

Accordingly, in the second mode, thermoelectric power may be generated in the thermoelectric generator 400 without heat exchange in the heat exchanger 300.

Hereinafter, three subdivided embodiments in the third mode will be described.

At this time, in the third mode, the heat medium and the cooling water may selectively and bypass the heat exchange device 300 and the thermoelectric generator 400, or the temperature of the heat medium through the heat exchange device 300 may be adjusted. By lowering below the limit temperature of the thermoelectric power generation through the thermoelectric generator 400 can be made.

Referring to FIG. 19, in the third mode, cooling water of the heat radiating means 200 flows into the thermoelectric generator 400 through the first heat radiating means cooling water line 210; Cooling water flows into the heat exchange apparatus 300 through the first thermoelectric power cooling water line 420a; And introducing coolant into the heat source part 100 through the first heat exchange coolant line 301.

In addition, in the third mode, the first control means 310 blocks the flow of the heat medium through the discharge pipe 10 in the heat exchange device 300, so that the heat medium flows through the inlet 341. The heat exchanger may be introduced into the inside of the heat exchanger 300 to exchange heat with the cooling water through the inside of the heat exchanger 300, and then be discharged through the outlet 342.

In this case, the first embodiment of the third mode lowers the temperature of the heat medium below the limit temperature of the thermoelectric element 430 through the heat exchange device 300, and thermoelectric power generation is performed through the thermoelectric generator 400. Can be done.

In addition, in the first embodiment of the third mode, the temperature of the heat medium may be lowered by adjusting the amount of cooling water flowing into the heat exchange device 300.

In addition, in the first embodiment of the third mode, when the temperature of the coolant passing through the heat exchange device 300 is not a temperature at which the performance of the heat source unit 100 is degraded, the first mode flows directly into the heat source unit 100. Can be.

Referring to FIG. 20, in the third mode, cooling water of the heat radiating means 200 flows into the thermoelectric generator 400 through the first heat radiating means cooling water line 210; Cooling water flows into the heat exchange apparatus 300 through the first thermoelectric power cooling water line 420a; Introducing coolant into the heat dissipation means (200) through the second heat exchange coolant line (302); And introducing coolant into the heat source part 100 through the first heat radiating means cooling water line 220.

In addition, in the third mode, the first control means 310 blocks the flow of the heat medium through the discharge pipe 10 in the heat exchange device 300, so that the heat medium flows through the inlet 341. ) May be introduced into the inside and may be heat-exchanged with the cooling water via the heat exchanger 300, and then discharged through the outlet 342. (See an enlarged view shown in the lower part of FIG. 20)

At this time, the second embodiment of the third mode may lower the temperature of the heat medium by adjusting the amount of cooling water flowing into the heat exchange device 300.

In addition, in the second embodiment of the third mode, once the temperature of the coolant passing through the heat exchange device 300 is high enough to degrade the performance of the heat source unit 100, the heat dissipation means 200 is once again. After lowering the temperature of the cooling water may be introduced into the heat source 100.

Accordingly, the second embodiment of the third mode lowers the temperature of the heat medium below the limit temperature of the thermoelectric element 430 through the heat exchange device 300, and the thermoelectric power generation is performed through the thermoelectric generator 400. It may be a mode made.

Referring to FIG. 21, in the third mode, cooling water of the heat radiating means 200 flows into the thermoelectric generator 400 through the first heat radiating means cooling water line 210; And introducing coolant into the heat source part 100 through the second thermoelectric power cooling water line 420b.

At this time, the third embodiment of the third mode is a heat medium passing through the heat exchange device 300 when the temperature of the heat medium is a level of heat that cannot be adjusted to a temperature range suitable for thermoelectric generation in the heat exchange device 300. The second control means 21 may be passed through the bypass tube 20 to prevent the heat medium from passing through the thermoelectric generator 400.

Here, according to another embodiment of the present invention, when the temperature of the heat medium is a high temperature at a level that cannot be adjusted to a temperature range suitable for thermoelectric power generation, when the embodiment described below is applied, the heat medium may pass into the thermoelectric generator 400. have.

16 is a cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric generator according to a second embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16, the thermoelectric generator 400 includes a high temperature device 450 and a low temperature device 460 each having one surface attached to an outer circumferential surface of each of the discharge pipes 10 separated by a bifurcation. The second thermoelectric power cooling water channel 470 and the third thermoelectric power cooling water channel 480 may be provided to contact the other surfaces of the 450 and the low temperature device 460, respectively.

The high temperature device 450 and the low temperature device 460 may be a kind of thermoelectric element 430. The high temperature device 450 may be a high efficiency device at a high temperature, and the low temperature device 460 may be efficient at a low temperature. It can be a high device.

For example, the low temperature device 460 is typically Bi-Te, it can be applied to the present invention.

The discharge pipe 10 may be provided with a fourth control means (10a) at a point separated by bifurcated.

The fourth control means 10a may be configured as a valve, and may be variously implemented as long as it is a means for controlling the flow of the heat medium in the direction of the high temperature device 450 or the low temperature device 460.

Here, the above-described first control means 310, the second control means 21, the third control means 410 and the fourth control means (10a) may be applied to the valve which can be controlled the opening and closing amount, Kind can be implemented in various ways.

Therefore, the second embodiment of the thermoelectric generator 400 of the present invention is a system using a low-temperature thermoelectric generator on one side and a high-temperature thermoelectric generator on one side by branching the discharge pipe 10, the temperature conditions of the heat medium In accordance with the fourth control means (10a) it may be a structure for adjusting the amount of the heat medium is introduced. In addition, the thermoelectric generator 400 has a low temperature element 460 in the range in which the heat medium temperature is low or the efficiency of the low temperature element 460 is high through the temperature control function of the heat sink through the heat exchanger 300. Inflow to the high temperature device 450 may be introduced into the high temperature device 450 in a temperature range where the temperature is increased and the efficiency of the high temperature device 450 is relatively higher.

In addition, in the second embodiment of the thermoelectric generator 400, in the third embodiment of the third mode, a high temperature heat medium passes through the discharge pipe 10 in the direction in which the high temperature device 450 is located to perform thermoelectric power generation. can do.

Accordingly, in the third embodiment of the third mode, the heat exchanger 300 is bypassed, and the thermoelectric generator 400 is bypassed, or the high temperature device (eg, the fourth control means 10a) is bypassed. The power generation may be performed in the direction 450).

Referring to FIG. 22, in the fourth mode, cooling water of the heat radiating means 200 flows into the thermoelectric generator 400 through the first heat radiating means cooling water line 210; Cooling water flows into the heat exchange apparatus 300 through the first thermoelectric power cooling water line 420a; And introducing coolant into the heat source unit 100 through the first heat exchange coolant line 301, and by controlling the amount of the coolant and the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 300, the temperature of the coolant. It is possible to increase the target temperature of the cooling water and lower the temperature of the heat medium below the limit temperature of the thermoelectric element 430.

In the fourth mode, the first control means 310 blocks the flow of the heat medium through the discharge pipe 10 in the heat exchange device 300, so that the heat medium passes through the inlet 341. After entering into the heat exchanger 300 and the heat exchange with the cooling water via the inside, it may be discharged through the outlet 342. (See the enlarged view shown in the lower portion of Figure 22)

Accordingly, in the fourth mode, while raising the temperature of the cooling water through the heat exchange device 300, the temperature of the heat medium is lowered below the limit temperature of the thermoelectric element 430, and the thermoelectric power through the thermoelectric generator 400 Progress can also be made.

Referring to FIG. 23, the cooling water of the heat dissipation means 200 flows into the thermoelectric generator 400 through the first heat dissipation means cooling water line 210; Cooling water flows into the heat exchange apparatus 300 through the first thermoelectric power cooling water line 420a; Cooling water flows into the heat source unit 100 through the first heat exchange coolant line 301; Including the first heat exchange coolant line 301 is provided with a cooling means 51 on the line, The temperature of the cooling water may be adjusted to flow into the heat source part 100.

In addition, although FIG. 23 illustrates the direction in which the coolant passes through the cooling means 51 toward the heat source part 100, in another embodiment, the coolant is exchanged through the first thermoelectric power cooling water line 420a. After the step of introducing into the apparatus 300, the cooling water is introduced into the heat dissipation means 200 through the second heat exchange cooling water line 302, the temperature is controlled, so that the heat source portion through the second heat dissipation means cooling water line 220. May also flow into (100).

The cooling means 51 may be provided with a heat exchanger on the first heat exchange cooling water line 301, a cooling water line having good heat transfer performance, or a means for installing heat dissipation fins inside or outside the line.

This may reduce the durability and performance of the heat source unit 100 when the temperature of the coolant directed to the heat source unit 100 is higher than the target temperature of the coolant, so the temperature of the coolant needs to be lowered below the target temperature of the coolant. For this purpose, the cooling means 51 may be applied, and the heat radiating means 200 may also play a role.

Therefore, the heat exchange apparatus 300 serves to maintain the temperature of the cooling water at the cooling water target temperature, and thermoelectric power generation may be performed in the thermoelectric generator 400.

Referring to FIG. 24, when the thermoelectric power generation amount of the thermoelectric generator 400 is increased by controlling the temperature of the cooling water, the cooling water of the heat dissipation means 200 passes through the first heat dissipation means cooling water line 210. Entering the power generator 400; Cooling water flows into the heat exchange apparatus 300 through the first thermoelectric power cooling water line 420a; Introducing coolant into the heat dissipation means (200) through the second heat exchange coolant line (302); And introducing coolant into the heat source unit 100 through the second heat dissipation means cooling water line 220, including adjusting the size and the fan operation amount of the heat dissipation means (200). It may be configured to intentionally lower the temperature of the cooling water toward 400).

Accordingly, the thermoelectric generator 400 may have a temperature range in which thermoelectric power generation is possible.

Here, if the cooling water temperature is intentionally lowered, an additional amount of power generation may be obtained as the temperature difference between the heating medium and the cooling water temperature increases. In this case, when the coolant having a lower temperature is introduced into the heat source part 100, the durability of the heat source part 100 is affected, so that a part of the coolant is sent to the heat dissipation means 200 or the heat exchange device 300. After the temperature is compensated by the method of flowing into the heat source, the amount of power generated can be increased without affecting the heat source part 100 by flowing into the heat source part 100. In order to lower the temperature of the cooling water, losses such as increasing the size of the heat dissipation means 200 or increasing the operating RPM of the fan, etc. are generated. Can be.

Referring to FIG. 25, the horizontal axis represents a temperature difference between the low temperature part and the high temperature part of the thermoelectric element, and the vertical axis represents a thermoelectric power generation amount. In general, the heat exchanger 300 is called an exhaust heat recovery system (EHRS), but in the present invention, in order to emphasize additional functions in addition to the existing role of the exhaust heat recovery system, a thermal energy management system (TEMS) System). In general, if there is a temperature difference between the heat medium and the cooling water acting as a heat source on both sides of the thermoelectric element 430, power generation occurs, and as the temperature difference increases, the amount of power generation increases. Existing systems bypass the thermal medium to protect the device when the thermal limit temperature of the thermoelectric element 430 or the power generation performance reduction temperature (about 300 in the case of the Bi-Te device) is prevented from generating power. It can be introduced into the high temperature device to generate power. Here, the thermoelectric power generation interruption portion of FIG. 25 may be referred to as a thermoelectric power cliff. On the other hand, in the system of the present invention, when the temperature of the exhaust gas (heat medium) becomes high, the thermoelectric power may be controlled by the heat exchange apparatus 300 to generate additional thermoelectric power. (Dotted line) The system may be a net gain portion except for additional power generation and the use of the heat exchanger 300 or the use of fans or fans for additional cooling water cooling. However, when the heat energy of the exhaust gas enters a region outside the capacity of the heat exchanger 300, the temperature of the exhaust gas is inevitably increased. Therefore, the heat medium directed to the thermoelectric generator 400 by the second control unit 21 is externally supplied. The element protection may be performed by bypassing, or may be generated by using the high temperature device 450.

As described above, the present invention has been described by specific embodiments such as specific components and the like, but the drawings are provided to help a more general understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is limited to the above embodiment. However, various modifications and variations are possible to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Accordingly, the spirit of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, and all claims having equivalent or equivalent modifications to the claims as well as the following claims are intended to be included in the scope of the spirit of the present invention. will be.

Claims

A discharge pipe through which the heat medium discharged from the heat source portion flows;

A heat exchanger for heat-exchanging heat medium flowing from the discharge pipe with cooling water;

First control means provided in the discharge pipe and controlling an amount of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchange apparatus from the discharge pipe according to the temperature of the heat medium; And

A thermoelectric generator connected to the discharge pipe;

Including;

The heat exchanged heat medium through the heat exchange device is introduced into the thermoelectric generator,

Integrated system of heat exchanger and thermoelectric generator.
The method of claim 1,

The discharge pipe includes an inlet formed so that the heat medium flows into the heat exchange device, and a discharge hole formed so that the heat medium heat exchanged by the heat exchange device is discharged into the discharge pipe.

The first control means is installed between the inlet and outlet,

Integrated system of heat exchanger and thermoelectric generator.
The method of claim 1,

Further comprising a second control means provided in the discharge pipe between the heat exchange device and the thermoelectric generator to control the amount of heat medium flowing into the thermoelectric generator,

Integrated system of heat exchanger and thermoelectric generator.
The method of claim 3, wherein

Further comprising a heat dissipation means for circulating the cooling water,

The thermoelectric generator generates electricity by using a temperature difference between the heat medium and the cooling water respectively connected to both sides of the thermoelectric element.

Integrated system of heat exchanger and thermoelectric generator.
The method of claim 4, wherein

A first heat dissipation means cooling water line connecting the heat dissipation means and the thermoelectric generator so that the coolant is supplied from the heat dissipation means to the thermoelectric generator; And

Further comprising a first thermoelectric coolant line connecting the thermoelectric generator and the heat exchanger so that the coolant passing through the thermoelectric generator is supplied to the heat exchanger,

Integrated system of heat exchanger and thermoelectric generator.
The method of claim 5,

A second thermoelectric generator cooling water line connecting the thermoelectric generator and the heat source unit such that the coolant passing through the thermoelectric generator is supplied to the heat source unit;

A first heat exchange cooling water line connecting the heat exchanger and the heat source unit such that the coolant passing through the heat exchanger is supplied to the heat source unit; And

And a heat source coolant line connecting the heat source unit and the heat radiating unit such that the coolant passing through the heat source unit is supplied to the heat radiating unit.

Integrated system of heat exchanger and thermoelectric generator.
The method of claim 6,

A second heat dissipation means cooling water line connecting the heat dissipation means and the heat source part such that the coolant is supplied from the heat dissipation means to the heat source part; And

And a second heat exchange coolant line connecting the heat exchanger and the heat radiating means such that the coolant passing through the heat exchanger is supplied to the heat radiating means.

Integrated system of heat exchanger and thermoelectric generator.
The method of claim 6,

The first thermoelectric power coolant line and the second thermoelectric coolant line are branched from a pipe connected to the thermoelectric generator,

And third control means for adjusting the amount of cooling water flowing into the first thermoelectric coolant line and the second thermoelectric coolant line.

Integrated system of heat exchanger and thermoelectric generator.
The method of claim 4, wherein

The heat exchanger is

A cooling water channel provided inside the cooling water flow; And

Included at the front and rear ends, respectively, the coolant is introduced or discharged, the front end header and the rear end header connected to the cooling water channel; comprising;

Integrated system of heat exchanger and thermoelectric generator.
The method of claim 9,

The discharge pipe is formed to penetrate the interior of the heat exchange device and the thermoelectric generator,

Integrated system of heat exchanger and thermoelectric generator.
The method of claim 10,

The front end header and the rear end header is

And a partition wall formed radially inside the discharge pipe.

At least one partition wall is formed to change the flow path of the coolant flowing between the front end header and the rear end header,

Integrated system of heat exchanger and thermoelectric generator.
The method of claim 10,

The thermoelectric generator is

The thermoelectric element having one surface attached to an outer circumferential surface of the discharge pipe; And

It includes a first thermoelectric power cooling water channel provided in contact with the other surface of the thermoelectric element,

Integrated system of heat exchanger and thermoelectric generator.
The method of claim 10,

The thermoelectric generator is

A high temperature device and a low temperature device, each of which has an outlet pipe branched into two pipes, and has one surface attached to an outer circumferential surface of each of the two branched pipes; And

And a second thermoelectric coolant channel and a third thermoelectric coolant channel contacting each other surface of the high temperature device and the low temperature device.

Integrated system of heat exchanger and thermoelectric generator.
A method of operating an integrated system including a heat exchanger for introducing heat medium discharged from a discharge pipe and exchanging heat with cooling water, and a thermoelectric device having a thermoelectric element that generates electricity by using a temperature difference between the heat medium and the cooling water. ,

Introducing the cooling water into the thermoelectric generator;

Introducing coolant passing through the thermoelectric generator into the heat exchanger;

Introducing the heat medium into the heat exchanger to exchange heat with the cooling water; And

Including the heat medium heat exchanged in the heat exchanger to the thermoelectric generator,

To control the amount of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchange device according to the temperature of the heat medium discharged from the discharge pipe,

How to operate integrated systems of heat exchangers and thermoelectric generators.
The method of claim 14,

Controlling the amount of cooling water flowing into the heat exchanger according to the temperature of the cooling water passing through the thermoelectric generator,

How to operate integrated systems of heat exchangers and thermoelectric generators.