WO2017164180A1 - 熱電変換ユニット、熱電変換モジュール、及び排ガス発電ユニット - Google Patents
熱電変換ユニット、熱電変換モジュール、及び排ガス発電ユニット Download PDFInfo
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- WO2017164180A1 WO2017164180A1 PCT/JP2017/011249 JP2017011249W WO2017164180A1 WO 2017164180 A1 WO2017164180 A1 WO 2017164180A1 JP 2017011249 W JP2017011249 W JP 2017011249W WO 2017164180 A1 WO2017164180 A1 WO 2017164180A1
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- Prior art keywords
- thermoelectric conversion
- exhaust gas
- unit
- conversion module
- heat
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- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 344
- 238000010248 power generation Methods 0.000 title claims description 88
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 77
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 34
- 230000001965 increasing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 31
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 133
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 28
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 28
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 10
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- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000005678 Seebeck effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002918 waste heat Substances 0.000 description 2
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- PMHQVHHXPFUNSP-UHFFFAOYSA-M copper(1+);methylsulfanylmethane;bromide Chemical compound Br[Cu].CSC PMHQVHHXPFUNSP-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 229910001873 dinitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011261 inert gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000615 nonconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- TWNQGVIAIRXVLR-UHFFFAOYSA-N oxo(oxoalumanyloxy)alumane Chemical compound O=[Al]O[Al]=O TWNQGVIAIRXVLR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
-
- 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
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01N5/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting by exhaust energy
- F01N5/02—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting by exhaust energy the devices using heat
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
- F01N5/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting by exhaust energy
- F01N5/02—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting by exhaust energy the devices using heat
- F01N5/025—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting by exhaust energy the devices using heat the device being thermoelectric generators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02G—HOT GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT ENGINE PLANTS; USE OF WASTE HEAT OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F02G5/00—Profiting from waste heat of combustion engines, not otherwise provided for
- F02G5/02—Profiting from waste heat of exhaust gases
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F13/00—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing
- F28F13/06—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02N—ELECTRIC MACHINES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H02N11/00—Generators or motors not provided for elsewhere; Alleged perpetua mobilia obtained by electric or magnetic means
-
- 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
- H10N10/01—Manufacture or treatment
-
- 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
- H10N10/17—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 structure or configuration of the cell or thermocouple forming the device
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
- Y02T10/12—Improving ICE efficiencies
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion unit and a thermoelectric conversion module including a thermoelectric conversion element that performs thermoelectric conversion by the Seebeck effect, and an exhaust gas power generation unit provided with these.
- thermoelectric conversion module is a module composed of thermoelectric conversion elements that can convert thermal energy into electrical energy by the Seebeck effect. By using such energy conversion properties, waste heat exhausted from industrial and consumer processes and mobile objects can be converted into effective power, so the thermoelectric conversion is an energy-saving technology that takes environmental issues into consideration. A module and a thermoelectric conversion element constituting the module are attracting attention.
- thermoelectric conversion module is generally configured by joining a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements (p-type semiconductor and n-type semiconductor) with electrodes.
- a thermoelectric conversion module is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.
- thermoelectric module is disposed downstream of a high-temperature heat source such as an engine in order to generate electric power using waste heat of exhaust gas in an industrial device including an automobile and other engines.
- a high-temperature heat source such as an engine in order to generate electric power using waste heat of exhaust gas in an industrial device including an automobile and other engines.
- thermoelectric conversion module having only a general structure in which a p-type semiconductor and an n-type semiconductor are joined by electrodes. Then, there was a problem that sufficient power generation could not be performed. Further, when a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules are arranged along the exhaust gas flow path, the thermoelectric conversion module located on the downstream side becomes a thermoelectric conversion module located on the downstream side due to the presence of the thermoelectric conversion module located on the upstream side. There is a case where the flow of exhaust gas directed is blocked, and the thermoelectric conversion module located on the downstream side cannot sufficiently generate power. Furthermore, there has been a problem that the power generation amount of the thermoelectric conversion device itself cannot be improved unless sufficient power generation is possible in the thermoelectric conversion module arranged on the downstream side.
- the present invention has been made in view of such problems, and the object of the present invention is to absorb heat with excellent thermal energy efficiency even in the downstream while utilizing the flow of exhaust gas, and to reduce the overall power generation amount.
- the object is to provide a thermoelectric conversion unit, a thermoelectric module, and an exhaust gas power generation unit that can be improved.
- thermoelectric conversion unit includes a plurality of juxtaposed thermoelectric conversion elements, and one end of the thermoelectric conversion element joined to one end of the thermoelectric conversion element.
- a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules provided on a surface opposite to the surface, and the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules are juxtaposed along a heat flow path, and the heat absorption unit Are arranged in a staggered pattern.
- thermoelectric conversion module of the present invention is joined to a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements arranged in parallel and one end of the thermoelectric conversion element, and electrically connects one end of the adjacent thermoelectric conversion elements.
- a plurality of first electrodes connected to each other, a plurality of second electrodes joined to the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element, and electrically connected to the other ends of the adjacent thermoelectric conversion elements, and the second electrode A plurality of heat absorbing fins provided on the surface opposite to the surface joined to the thermoelectric conversion element, and the heat absorbing fins are arranged in a staggered manner.
- an exhaust gas power generation unit of the present invention is an exhaust gas power generation unit provided between an engine unit and an exhaust unit, wherein the engine unit and the exhaust unit are connected, and the engine unit
- a connection pipe that forms a flow path for exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust pipe, and an inner surface of the connection pipe that is provided in the vicinity of the engine unit and in the vicinity of the exhaust unit, and is provided in parallel along the heat flow path.
- Each of the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules includes a heat absorption part arranged in a staggered manner.
- thermoelectric conversion unit the thermoelectric conversion module, and the exhaust gas power generation unit according to the present invention, it is possible to absorb heat with excellent thermal energy efficiency even in the downstream while using the flow of the exhaust gas, and to improve the power generation amount as a whole. Can do.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a thermoelectric conversion module according to Embodiment 1.
- FIG. It is a side view of the thermoelectric conversion module which concerns on Example 1.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic top view illustrating a configuration of a thermoelectric conversion unit according to Embodiment 1.
- FIG. 6 is a top view of a thermoelectric conversion module according to Modification Example 1.
- FIG. It is a side view of the thermoelectric conversion module which concerns on the modification 2.
- It is a side view of the thermoelectric conversion module which concerns on the modification 3.
- 10 is a top view of a thermoelectric conversion unit according to Modification Example 5.
- FIG. It is a front view of the thermoelectric conversion unit which concerns on the modification 5.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a thermoelectric conversion module according to Embodiment 1.
- FIG. It is a side view of the thermoelectric conversion module which concerns on Example 1.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic
- FIG. 6 is a schematic side view including an exhaust gas power generation unit according to a third embodiment and other units.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic top view including an exhaust gas power generation unit according to a fourth embodiment and other units.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic side view including an exhaust gas power generation unit according to a fourth embodiment and other units.
- thermoelectric conversion unit a thermoelectric conversion module
- an exhaust gas power generation unit an exhaust gas power generation unit according to the present invention
- this invention is not limited to the content demonstrated below, In the range which does not change the summary, it can change arbitrarily and can implement.
- drawings used for explaining each embodiment and each modification schematically show the thermoelectric conversion unit, the thermoelectric conversion module, the exhaust gas power generation unit and the components thereof according to the present invention, and deepen their understanding. Partial emphasis, enlargement, reduction, omission, etc. are performed as much as possible, and there is a case where the scale, shape, etc. of each constituent member are not accurately represented.
- various numerical values used in each embodiment and each modification are examples only, and can be variously changed as necessary.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 according to the first embodiment.
- one direction in FIG. 1 is defined as the X direction
- the direction orthogonal to the X direction is defined as the Y direction and the Z direction
- the height direction of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is defined as the Z direction.
- the thermoelectric conversion module 1 according to the first embodiment has a rail shape.
- the thermoelectric conversion module 1 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of first thermoelectric conversion elements 2a and second thermoelectric conversion elements 2b arranged in parallel, and the first thermoelectric conversion elements 2a and second thermoelectric conversion elements 2b.
- the first electrode 3a and the second electrode 3b provided at the end of the first electrode 3a.
- the thermoelectric conversion module 1 according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of heat absorbing fins 4a to 4d (hereinafter, without selecting any one of the heat absorbing fins) integrally provided on the surface of the second electrode 3b.
- the heat-absorbing fin is described as a representative, the heat-absorbing fin is also simply referred to as a heat-absorbing fin 4).
- the first thermoelectric conversion element 2a is made of an N-type semiconductor material
- the second thermoelectric conversion element 2b is made of a P-type semiconductor material.
- the first thermoelectric conversion elements 2a and the second thermoelectric conversion elements 2b are alternately arranged along the X direction (four in total). Further, the adjacent first thermoelectric conversion element 2a and second thermoelectric conversion element 2b are electrically connected via the first electrode 3a and the second electrode 3b.
- the shape of the first thermoelectric conversion element 2a and the second thermoelectric conversion element 2b is cylindrical, for example, the diameter is about 5 mm, and the height (dimension in the Z direction) is about 10 mm. It is.
- the shape of the 1st thermoelectric conversion element 2a and the 2nd thermoelectric conversion element 2b is not limited to such a shape, For example, prismatic shape may be sufficient.
- the first electrode 3a and the second electrode 3b have the same shape (flat plate shape) and are formed of, for example, a copper plate.
- five first electrodes 3a are arranged in parallel in the X direction
- four second electrodes 3b are arranged in parallel in the X direction.
- the first electrode 3 a and the second electrode 3 b are disposed so as to sandwich the first thermoelectric conversion element 2 a and the second thermoelectric conversion element 2 b in the Z direction.
- the arrangement of the first thermoelectric conversion element 2a, the second thermoelectric conversion element 2b, the first electrode 3a, and the second electrode 3b forms the rail shape of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 that extends in a straight line in the X direction. Will be.
- the first thermoelectric conversion element 2a and the second thermoelectric conversion element 2b are electrically connected to each other by the arrangement relationship of the first thermoelectric conversion element 2a, the second thermoelectric conversion element 2b, the first electrode 3a, and the second electrode 3b. Will be connected in series.
- thermoelectric conversion module 1 One series circuit is formed from the two electrodes 3b.
- the 1st electrode 3a located in the both ends of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 functions as an extraction electrode for external connection, it becomes possible to take out the electric power which generate
- the first electrode 3a and the second electrode 3b are not limited to the copper plate, but may be formed of other conductive materials (for example, metal materials such as aluminum). Further, the quantity and shape of the first electrode 3a and the second electrode 3b are not limited to the above-described contents, but according to the first thermoelectric conversion element 2a and the second thermoelectric conversion element 2b (that is, the magnitude of the electromotive force). Can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, you may arrange
- the heat-absorbing fin 4 is integrally bonded on the surface opposite to the surface bonded to the thermoelectric conversion element of the second electrode 3b.
- the endothermic fin 4 is a metal plate made of SUS430 having a relatively high thermal conductivity.
- each of the four endothermic fins 4 provided in the thermoelectric conversion module 1 contributes to an increase in the temperature of the joined second electrode 3b, but the entire thermoelectric conversion module 1 has four endothermic fins.
- the temperature increase on the high temperature side of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is brought about by one heat absorption part 5 made of 4. That is, in the thermoelectric conversion module 1, one heat absorbing portion 5 extending in the X direction is configured by four heat absorbing fins 4.
- the dimensions of the endothermic fins 4 can be changed to increase the surface area of the endothermic fins 4, the temperature of the second electrode 3b can be increased. Although it can raise more efficiently, the dimension of the heat sink fin 4 will be set according to the electric power generation amount requested
- thermoelectric conversion module As a manufacturing method of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 which concerns on Example 1, between the two punches which function as an electricity pressurization member which comprises a manufacturing apparatus, the prepared 1st thermoelectric conversion element 2a, 2nd thermoelectric conversion element 2b, The 1st electrode 3a, the 2nd electrode 3b, and the heat sink fin 4 are arrange
- thermoelectric conversion element 2a and the 2nd thermoelectric conversion element 2b, the 1st electrode 3a, the 2nd electrode 3b, and the heat sink fin 4 are diffusion-bonded (plasma bonding), and a plurality of 1st thermoelectric conversion elements 2a And the 2nd thermoelectric conversion element 2b is connected in series, and the one rail-shaped thermoelectric conversion module 1 is formed.
- Such energization and pressurization is performed in a vacuum, nitrogen gas, or inert gas atmosphere chamber.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic top view illustrating the configuration of the thermoelectric conversion unit 10 according to the first embodiment.
- the thermoelectric conversion unit 10 is installed downstream of the engine unit 20 in the exhaust direction. That is, the thermoelectric conversion unit 10 generates power using the heat of the exhaust gas exhausted from the engine unit 20.
- the thermoelectric conversion unit 10 is composed of five thermoelectric conversion modules 1. More specifically, the five thermoelectric conversion modules 1 are juxtaposed along the exhaust gas (heat) flow path (indicated by an arrow in FIG. 3) so that the extending direction thereof is parallel to the flow path. Has been. That is, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 are common. Further, the five thermoelectric conversion modules 1 are arranged in a staggered manner. And in the thermoelectric conversion unit 10, you may perform the wiring which can take out electric power separately from the five thermoelectric conversion modules 1, or connect the five thermoelectric conversion modules 1 in series electrically, and one big You may make it possible to take out electric power.
- the five thermoelectric conversion modules 1 are provided, for example, in a connecting pipe (not shown) provided between the engine unit 20 and an exhaust unit (not shown) for discharging exhaust gas to the outside. It will be.
- thermoelectric conversion modules 1 which comprise the thermoelectric conversion unit 10
- thermoelectric conversion modules 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e any one of the thermoelectric conversion modules 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e.
- heat absorption parts 5 provided in each thermoelectric conversion module is selected and described, it will be described as any one of the heat absorption parts 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, and 5e.
- thermoelectric conversion unit 10 since the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 are provided in a staggered manner along the exhaust gas flow path, they are arranged in parallel in the X direction in the same manner as the thermoelectric conversion module 1.
- the endothermic portions 5 constituted by the endothermic fins 4a to 4d are also arranged in a staggered manner.
- each of the heat absorbing portions 5 can make good contact with the exhaust gas discharged from the engine unit 20. That is, each of the endothermic portions 5 is not hindered from contact with the exhaust gas due to the presence of the other endothermic portions 5, and can sufficiently absorb heat.
- the flow rate of the exhaust gas on the downstream side of the endothermic portions 5a, 5b, and 5c decreases due to the presence of the endothermic portions 5a, 5b, and 5c. Since the exhaust gas reaches the heat absorbing portions 5d and 5e through the gaps between the heat absorbing portions 5a, 5b and 5c, the heat absorbing portions 5d and 5e located on the downstream side also absorb heat with excellent thermal energy efficiency. Can be planned. Since the thermoelectric conversion unit 10 can obtain a sufficient amount of power generation on the downstream side, the power generation amount as a whole is improved.
- Example 1 the endothermic portions 5a to 5c of the thermoelectric conversion modules 1a to 1c located on the upstream side and the endothermic portions 5d to 5e of the thermoelectric conversion modules 1d to 1e located on the downstream side have the same shape.
- the surface area of the endothermic portions 5d to 5e on the downstream side may be larger than the surface area of the endothermic portions 5a to 5c on the upstream side in consideration of the temperature decrease of the exhaust gas on the downstream side. . That is, according to the temperature distribution in the connection pipe mentioned above, you may set suitably the dimension and surface area of the heat absorption part 5 and the heat absorption fin 4 for every thermoelectric conversion module 1.
- FIG. Thereby, the electric power generation amount of the thermoelectric conversion unit 10 can be improved more so that sufficient electric power generation can be realized even downstream of the exhaust gas path.
- thermoelectric conversion module 1 is not limited to the rail shape, and may be another shape having a spread in the XY direction. Even in such a case, in the thermoelectric conversion unit 10, for example, the heat absorption parts 5 are staggered so that the heat absorption parts 5 of the thermoelectric conversion modules 1 do not inhibit the heat absorption of the heat absorption parts 5 of the other thermoelectric conversion modules 1. It is important to place them in
- thermoelectric conversion module 101 is a top view of the thermoelectric conversion module 101 according to the first modification
- FIG. 5 is a side view of the thermoelectric conversion module 201 according to the second modification
- FIG. 6 is a thermoelectric conversion module according to the third modification
- FIG. 7 is a front view of the thermoelectric conversion module 401 according to the fourth modification.
- the same reference numerals are given to the same structures and members as those in the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.
- thermoelectric conversion module 101 has heat absorption fins 4a to 4d arranged in a staggered manner. That is, in the thermoelectric conversion module 101, the heat absorption fins 4 are arranged so as not to disturb the heat absorption of the other heat absorption fins 4. With the arrangement of the heat absorbing fins 4 as described above, the heat absorbing fins 4c and 4d located on the downstream side (+ X side) can also absorb heat with excellent thermal energy efficiency, and also between the electrodes located on the downstream side. The temperature difference can be further increased. Thereby, the electric power generation amount of the thermoelectric conversion module 101 itself can also be improved.
- thermoelectric conversion unit 10 can generate power without arranging the thermoelectric conversion modules 101 in a zigzag pattern as in the above-described embodiment.
- the amount may be improved sufficiently. This is because, as the entire thermoelectric conversion unit 10, the heat absorption fins 4 are arranged in a staggered manner, and the thermoelectric conversion module 101 arranged on the upstream side ( ⁇ X side) is located on the downstream side. This is because the possibility of hindering the heat absorption of 101 is reduced.
- thermoelectric conversion module 201 is different from the thermoelectric conversion module 1 in that a heat absorbing portion 205 is configured from a common heat absorbing fin.
- the shape of the endothermic fin is a trapezoid in the XZ plane, and the surface area of the portion located on the downstream side (+ X side) is larger than the surface area of the portion located on the upstream side ( ⁇ X side). .
- the heat absorption part 205 is increased in height toward the downstream side of the exhaust gas flow path. As a result, heat absorption can be achieved with excellent thermal energy efficiency on the downstream side, and the temperature difference can be further increased between the electrodes located on the downstream side. And with the structure of such a heat absorption part 205, the electric power generation amount of the thermoelectric conversion module 201 itself improves.
- thermoelectric conversion module 201 has a structure in which the first thermoelectric conversion element 2a and the second thermoelectric conversion element 2b are connected in series
- the heat absorption part 205 needs to be formed of an electrical insulator.
- the heat absorbing portion 205 can be made of aluminum nitride or aluminum oxide.
- thermoelectric conversion module 301 is different from the thermoelectric conversion module 1 in that one endothermic portion 305 is composed of four endothermic fins 304 a, 304 b, 304 c, and 304 d having different surface areas. Is formed. More specifically, each endothermic fin 304 is inclined at the end opposite to the end joined to the second electrode 3b, and the height (Z direction) is advanced toward the downstream side (+ X side). ) Is gradually increasing. In addition, the size of the four heat absorbing fins 304 located on the downstream side is larger and the surface area is larger. That is, in the thermoelectric conversion module 301, the heat absorption part 305 is increased in height toward the downstream side of the exhaust gas flow path.
- thermoelectric conversion module 301 With such a structure of the heat absorbing portion 305, heat can be absorbed with excellent thermal energy efficiency on the downstream side, and the temperature difference can be further increased between the electrodes located on the downstream side. And with such a structure of the heat absorption part 305, the electric power generation amount can be improved also in the thermoelectric conversion module 301 itself.
- thermoelectric conversion module 401 according to the modification 4 is different from the thermoelectric conversion module 1 in that the inclination angle of the heat absorption fins 403 with respect to the second electrode 3 b is different from each other. More specifically, the four endothermic fins 404a to 404d are juxtaposed along the exhaust gas flow path, but are most downstream (+ X side) from the endothermic fin 403a located on the most upstream side ( ⁇ X side). The inclination of the endothermic fin 403 is set so that the inclination angle of the endothermic fin 403 with respect to the second electrode 3b increases toward the endothermic fin 403d located at (3).
- the inclination angle ⁇ 1 of the endothermic fin 403a with respect to the second electrode 3b is about 30 °
- the inclination angle ⁇ 2 of the endothermic fin 403b with respect to the second electrode 3b is about 70 °
- the inclination of the endothermic fin 403c with respect to the second electrode 3b is about 110 °
- the inclination angle ⁇ 4 of the heat absorbing fin 403d with respect to the second electrode 3b may be about 150 °.
- the endothermic fins 405 are configured by the endothermic fins 404a to 404d having different inclination angles with respect to the second electrode 3b, so that the endothermic fins 404 can be replaced with the other endothermic fins 404 in the same manner as the staggered arrangement of the endothermic fins. Therefore, the heat absorption is not disturbed.
- the endothermic fins 404 located on the downstream side (+ X side) can absorb heat with excellent thermal energy efficiency, and the temperature difference between the electrodes located on the downstream side is also possible. Can be made larger. Thereby, the electric power generation amount of the thermoelectric conversion module 401 itself can also be improved.
- thermoelectric conversion unit 10 by making the inclination angles of the heat absorption fins 404 different from each other in one thermoelectric conversion module 401, the power generation of the thermoelectric conversion unit 10 can be performed without arranging the thermoelectric conversion modules 401 in a staggered manner as in the above-described embodiment. The amount may be improved sufficiently. This is because the heat absorption fins 404 of the thermoelectric conversion module 401 disposed on the upstream side ( ⁇ X side) of the thermoelectric conversion unit 10 as a whole are in contact with the heat absorption fins 404 of the thermoelectric conversion module 401 located on the downstream side. This is because the possibility of inhibiting (that is, the endothermic heat absorption fin 404) is reduced.
- FIG. 8 is a top view of the thermoelectric conversion unit 510 according to the fifth modification
- FIG. 9 is a front view of the thermoelectric conversion unit 501 according to the fifth modification.
- symbol is attached
- thermoelectric conversion unit 510 in the thermoelectric conversion unit 510 according to the modified example 5, the four thermoelectric conversion modules 501a to 501d are arranged side by side along the exhaust gas flow path and arranged in a matrix.
- thermoelectric conversion modules 501a and 501b disposed on the upstream side ( ⁇ X side) and the thermoelectric conversion modules 501c and 501d disposed on the downstream side (+ X side) are different in inclination angle with respect to the second electrode 3b of the endothermic fins included in each.
- the inclination angle ⁇ 5 of the heat absorbing fins 504a 1 , 504b 1 , 504c 1 , 504d 1 with respect to the second electrode 3b is about 45 °.
- the inclination angle ⁇ 5 of the heat absorption fins 504a 2 , 504b 2 , 504c 2 , and 504d 2 with respect to the second electrode 3b is also about 45 °.
- the inclination angle ⁇ 6 of the heat absorption fins 504a 3 , 504b 3 , 504c 3 , and 504d 3 with respect to the second electrode 3b is about 135 °, and the heat absorption with respect to the second electrode 3b is also performed in the thermoelectric conversion module 501d.
- the inclination angle ⁇ 6 of the fins 504a 4 , 504b 4 , 504c 4 , 504d 4 is about 135 °.
- each heat sink fin is selected and not described, it is also simply referred to as a heat sink fin 504.
- the endothermic fins 504 of the thermoelectric conversion modules 501a to 501d are discharged from the engine unit 20. It is possible to make good contact with the exhaust gas. That is, the heat absorption parts of the thermoelectric conversion modules 501a to 501d are not disturbed from contact with the exhaust gas by the presence of the heat absorption parts of the other thermoelectric conversion modules, and can sufficiently absorb heat. For example, as can be seen from the exhaust gas flow path indicated by the arrow in FIG.
- thermoelectric conversion module 501a decreases due to the presence of the heat absorption fins 504a 1 to 504d 1 of the thermoelectric conversion module 501a.
- the heat absorption fins 504a 3 positioned on the downstream side are provided. Also up to 504d 3 , heat absorption can be achieved with excellent thermal energy efficiency.
- thermoelectric conversion unit 510 since sufficient electric power generation amount can be obtained also in the downstream, the electric power generation amount improves as a whole.
- the shape, size, and surface area of the heat absorption fins 504 provided in each of the thermoelectric conversion modules 501a to 501d are the same, but the surface area increases toward the downstream as in Modification 3.
- it may be configured as one endothermic fin as in the second modification.
- the thermoelectric conversion modules 501a to 501d may be configured by combining the staggered arrangement of the first modification with the fifth modification.
- the thermoelectric conversion modules 501a to 501d in the fifth modification may be arranged in a staggered manner as in the above-described embodiment. In any case, the configurations can be appropriately changed and combined depending on the shape of the exhaust gas exhaust path and the temperature distribution.
- FIG. 10 is a schematic top view including the exhaust gas power generation unit 40 according to the second embodiment and other units, and particularly shows the internal structure of the exhaust gas power generation unit 40 in a visualized manner.
- FIG. 11 is a schematic side view including the exhaust gas power generation unit 40 according to the second embodiment and other units.
- the exhaust gas power generation unit 40 is provided between the engine unit 20 of an industrial device including a passenger car or other engine and the exhaust unit 30.
- the exhaust gas power generation unit 40 is a pipe that connects the engine unit 20 and the exhaust unit 30, and includes a connection pipe 41 that forms a flow path of exhaust gas discharged from the engine unit 20.
- the exhaust gas power generation unit 40 has six thermoelectric conversion modules 1 provided on the inner side surface of the connection pipe 41. The number of thermoelectric conversion modules 1 is not limited to six, and can be changed as appropriate according to the dimensions of the exhaust gas power generation unit 40, the required power generation amount, and the dimensions of the thermoelectric conversion module 1.
- the width of the exhaust gas flow path gradually increases from the connection portion with the engine unit 20 and expands to a desired width dimension, and then toward the connection portion of the exhaust unit 30.
- the width is gradually narrowing. That is, although the connection pipe 41 is once widened at the connection portion with the engine unit 20, the exhaust gas flow path is gradually narrowed from the engine unit 20 side toward the exhaust unit 30 side.
- the height of the exhaust gas passage gradually decreases from the engine unit 20 side toward the exhaust unit 30 side. That is, also in the height direction of the connecting pipe 41, the exhaust gas flow path is gradually narrowed from the engine unit 20 side toward the exhaust unit 30 side.
- connection pipe 41 Due to the shape of the connection pipe 41, the high-temperature exhaust gas discharged from the engine unit 20 spreads once in the connection pipe 41, but flows so as to converge toward the exhaust unit 30. That is, the flow rate of the exhaust gas increases as it goes to the exhaust unit 30. In other words, the flow rate of the exhaust gas in the vicinity of the exhaust unit 30 of the connection pipe 41 is increased as compared with the flow rate of the exhaust gas in the vicinity of the engine unit 20 of the connection pipe 41. Accordingly, the shape of the connecting pipe 41 functions as a flow rate increasing means for increasing the flow rate of the exhaust gas. Note that, due to the shape of the connection pipe 41, the exhaust gas flux density also increases on the exhaust unit 30 side.
- the material of the connecting pipe 41 is heat resistant and has a relatively low thermal conductivity. Thereby, the temperature of the exhaust gas is not lowered, and the power generation in the thermoelectric conversion module 1 can be performed efficiently.
- the flow velocity on the downstream side of the exhaust gas flow path increases compared to the upstream side.
- the heat flux increases as compared with the connection pipe 41 whose shape is not narrowed toward the end. For this reason, even if the temperature of the exhaust gas decreases on the downstream side, the thermal energy can be concentrated on the thermoelectric conversion module 1 disposed on the downstream side. A sufficient amount of heat is also supplied to the conversion module 1, and the heat absorption efficiency can be improved.
- the opening shape of the connection pipe 41 is a trapezoid, but a cylindrical pipe having a circular opening shape of the connection pipe 41 may be used. Even in this case, it is necessary to form the end of the connecting pipe located on the exhaust unit 30 side so as to be narrower than the other end located on the engine unit 20 side (that is, to reduce the opening size). is there.
- the installation location of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is not limited to the inner side surface of the connection pipe 41, and may be, for example, the upper surface or the bottom surface of the connection pipe 41. You can choose.
- thermoelectric conversion module 1 in the second embodiment, is disposed on the inner side surface of the connection pipe 41.
- the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is used instead of the thermoelectric conversion module 1 according to the above-described modification. Any one of the thermoelectric conversion modules may be disposed.
- thermoelectric conversion module 1 any of the thermoelectric conversion units according to the above-described embodiments or modifications may be provided. By doing in this way, the power generation amount of the thermoelectric conversion module itself or the thermoelectric conversion unit itself can be improved, and the power generation amount of the exhaust unit 30 can be further improved.
- Example 3 In the second embodiment, the shape of the connecting pipe 41 functions as a flow rate increasing means.
- a wind guide plate also referred to as a wind guide body or a wind guide plate
- an exhaust gas power generation unit 140 having such a wind guide plate will be described as Example 3 with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.
- FIG. 12 is a schematic top view including the exhaust gas power generation unit 140 according to the third embodiment and other units, and particularly shows the internal structure of the exhaust gas power generation unit 140 in a visible manner.
- FIG. 13 is a schematic side view including the exhaust gas power generation unit 140 according to the third embodiment and other units.
- the exhaust gas power generation unit 140 is also provided between the engine unit 120 of an industrial device including a passenger car or another engine and the exhaust unit 130. Further, the exhaust gas power generation unit 140 has a connection pipe 141 that connects the engine unit 120 and the exhaust unit 130 and forms a flow path of exhaust gas discharged from the engine unit 120. Further, the exhaust gas power generation unit 140 has six thermoelectric conversion modules 1 provided on the inner side surface of the connection pipe 141.
- the width of the exhaust gas flow passage gradually increases from the connection portion with the engine unit 120, and when the width reaches a desired width dimension, the dimension is maintained.
- the width gradually decreases from the vicinity of the connecting portion toward the exhaust unit 130. That is, the connecting pipe 141 is once widened at the connecting portion with the engine unit 120 and is gradually narrowed at the connecting portion with the exhaust unit 130, but the width is constant in most of the connecting pipe 141. It is kept in.
- the height of the exhaust gas passage gradually decreases from the engine unit 120 side toward the exhaust unit 130 side.
- the exhaust gas flow path is gradually narrowed from the engine unit 120 side toward the exhaust unit 130 side.
- the material of the connecting pipe 141 is the same as that of the connecting pipe 41 of the second embodiment, and a material having heat resistance and relatively low thermal conductivity is used.
- thermoelectric conversion module 1 is the same as the thermoelectric conversion module 1 of the first embodiment. Similarly to the case of the second embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion module or the thermoelectric conversion unit according to the first embodiment or the modified example described above may be provided instead of the thermoelectric conversion module 1. By doing in this way, the power generation amount of the thermoelectric conversion module itself or the thermoelectric conversion unit itself can be improved, and the power generation amount of the exhaust unit 130 can be further improved.
- the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is arranged in parallel on the inner side surface of the connection pipe 141.
- each baffle plate is disposed from the upstream side of the exhaust gas flow path (that is, the connecting pipe 141) toward each thermoelectric conversion module 1.
- the wind guide plate 151 is disposed further upstream than the thermoelectric conversion module 1 located at the most upstream and in the vicinity of the side surface inside the connecting pipe 141.
- the air guide plate 151 includes two plate-like members extending linearly from the vicinity of the inner side surface of the connection pipe 141 toward the thermoelectric conversion module 1 (located on the left side in FIG. 12) located in the uppermost stream. 151a and 151b. That is, the air guide plate 151 has a structure in which the plate-like members 151a and 151b are separated in the vicinity of the center line O and the periphery thereof. In other words, the air guide plate 151 includes the opening 151 c in a region intersecting with the connection pipe 141.
- the air guide plate 152 is disposed inside the air guide plate 151, that is, so that a part thereof is surrounded by the air guide plate 151.
- the air guide plate 152 is linear from the vicinity of the center line O (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 3) of the connection pipe 141 toward the thermoelectric conversion module 1 (located in the center in FIG. 13) located in the middle stream. It is comprised from the two plate-shaped members 152a and 152b extended. That is, the air guide plate 152 has a structure in which the plate-like members 152 a and 152 b are separated in the vicinity of the center line O. In other words, the air guide plate 152 is provided with the opening 152 c in a region intersecting with the connection pipe 141. Further, the length of the wind guide plate 152 is larger than the length of the wind guide plate 151.
- the air guide plate 153 is disposed on the inner side of the air guide plates 151 and 152, that is, a part thereof is surrounded by the air guide plates 151 and 152.
- the air guide plate 153 includes two plate-like members extending linearly from the vicinity of the center line O of the connecting pipe 141 toward the thermoelectric conversion module 1 (located on the right in FIG. 12) located on the most downstream side. 153a and 153b. That is, the air guide plate 153 also has a structure in which the plate-like members 153 a and 153 b are separated in the vicinity of the center line O, similarly to the air guide plate 152.
- the air guide plate 153 includes the opening 153 c in a region intersecting with the connecting pipe 141. Further, the length of the wind guide plate 153 is larger than the length of the wind guide plates 151 and 152.
- each of the wind guide plates 151, 152, 153 extends toward the thermoelectric conversion module 1 from the upstream side of the exhaust gas flow path. Due to the structure and arrangement of the air guide plates 151, 152, and 153, a part of the exhaust gas flowing from the upstream side (indicated by the thickest arrow in FIG. 12) is formed by the connecting pipe 141 and the air guide plate 151. It is guided toward the thermoelectric conversion module 1 located at the uppermost stream via the flow path. Further, a part of the exhaust gas flowing from the upstream side passes through the flow path formed by the air guide plate 151 and the air guide plate 152, and the thermoelectric conversion module 1 located at the uppermost stream and the thermoelectric conversion module 1 located at the center. Be directed towards.
- thermoelectric conversion module 1 located in the center and the thermoelectric conversion module 1 located in the most downstream side. Be directed towards. Therefore, the exhaust gas discharged from the engine unit 120 is guided to both sides of the connection pipe 141 along the air guide plates 151, 152, and 153, and directed toward the thermoelectric conversion module 1 provided on the inner side surface of the connection pipe 141. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion module 1 absorbs heat with excellent thermal energy efficiency.
- the high-temperature exhaust gas discharged from the engine unit 120 once spreads on the upstream side in the connection pipe 141 by such wind guide plates 151, 152, 153, the installation location of the wind guide plates 151, 152, 153 and On the downstream side from this, it flows so as to converge toward the side portion of the connecting pipe 141. That is, the flow rate of the exhaust gas increases as it goes to the exhaust unit 130. In other words, the flow rate of the exhaust gas in the vicinity of the exhaust unit 130 of the connection pipe 141 increases as compared with the flow rate of the exhaust gas in the vicinity of the engine unit 120 of the connection pipe 141.
- such air guide plates 151, 152, and 153 function as a flow rate increasing means for increasing the flow rate of the exhaust gas. Note that due to the air guide plates 151, 152, and 153, the exhaust gas flux density is also increased on the exhaust unit 130 side.
- the flow velocity on the downstream side of the flow path of the exhaust gas is increased as compared with the upstream side by the above-described air guide plates 151, 152, and 153.
- the heat flux increases as compared with the case where the air guide plates 151, 152, and 153 do not exist. For this reason, even if the temperature of the exhaust gas decreases on the downstream side, the thermal energy can be concentrated on the thermoelectric conversion module 1 disposed on the downstream side. A sufficient amount of heat is also supplied to the conversion module 1, and the heat absorption efficiency can be improved.
- each of the air guide plates 151, 152, and 153 is composed of two plate-like members.
- the present invention is not limited to this.
- one plate-like member is bent and It may be configured by bending and forming an opening as necessary, or may be configured by two or more plate-like members.
- the air guide plates 151, 152, and 153 induce exhaust gas on both sides of the connection pipe 141.
- the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is also provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the connection pipe 141.
- a structure for guiding the exhaust gas to the upper surface and the bottom surface of the connection pipe 141 may be provided.
- the shape of the connecting pipe 141 may be a rectangular tube shape.
- connection pipe 141 may be narrowed toward one end (that is, the downstream side of the exhaust gas flow path) like the connection pipe 41 of the second embodiment.
- each plate-shaped member which comprises each wind guide plate may be curved and may have a shape instead of linear form.
- the air guide plate 153 may not have the opening 153c.
- FIG. 14 is a schematic top view including the exhaust gas power generation unit 240 according to the fourth embodiment and other units, and particularly shows the internal structure of the exhaust gas power generation unit 240 in a visible manner.
- FIG. 15 is a schematic side view including the exhaust gas power generation unit 240 according to the fourth embodiment and other units.
- the exhaust gas power generation unit 240 is also provided between the engine unit 220 of an industrial device including a passenger car or another engine and the exhaust unit 230.
- the exhaust gas power generation unit 240 includes the connection pipe 241 and the six thermoelectric conversion modules 1 provided on the inner side surface of the connection pipe 241, similarly to the exhaust gas power generation unit 140 of the third embodiment.
- the shape and material of the connecting pipe 241 are the same as the connecting pipe 141 of Example 3, and the thermoelectric conversion module 1 is also the same as the thermoelectric conversion module 1 of Example 3, these description is abbreviate
- an air guide plate 254 is provided inside the connection pipe 241.
- a triangular prism-shaped air guide plate 254 is disposed on the downstream side from the center of the exhaust gas flow path (that is, the connecting pipe 241).
- the air guide plate has side surfaces 254a and 254b extending from the center line O (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 5) of the connecting pipe 241 toward the inner side face of the connecting pipe 241. That is, the air guide plate 254 is a structure that narrows the flow path of the exhaust gas from the connection pipe 241 toward the exhaust unit 230 from the engine unit 220 side.
- the shape of the air guide plate 254 is not limited to a triangular prism shape, and may be a structure of another shape as long as the exhaust gas flow path can be gradually narrowed toward the downstream. It can be appropriately changed depending on the opening shape of the connecting pipe 241.
- the high-temperature exhaust gas discharged from the engine unit 220 spreads once in the connection pipe 241, but flows so as to converge toward the exhaust unit 230. That is, the flow rate of the exhaust gas increases as it goes to the exhaust unit 230.
- the flow rate of the exhaust gas in the vicinity of the exhaust unit 230 of the connection pipe 241 increases as compared with the flow rate of the exhaust gas in the vicinity of the engine unit 220 of the connection pipe 241. Therefore, such a shape of the air guide plate 254 functions as a flow rate increasing means for increasing the flow rate of the exhaust gas. Note that due to the shape of the air guide plate 254, the exhaust gas flux density also increases on the exhaust unit 230 side.
- the flow velocity on the downstream side of the flow path of the exhaust gas increases compared to the upstream side.
- the heat flux increases as compared with the case where the air guide plate 254 is not provided. For this reason, even if the temperature of the exhaust gas decreases on the downstream side, the thermal energy can be concentrated on the thermoelectric conversion module 1 disposed on the downstream side. A sufficient amount of heat is also supplied to the conversion module 1, and the heat absorption efficiency can be improved.
- a first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements arranged in parallel, a first electrode joined to one end of the thermoelectric conversion element, and electrically connecting one end of the adjacent thermoelectric conversion elements; A second electrode joined to the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element and electrically connecting the other ends of the adjacent thermoelectric conversion elements, and a surface of the second electrode opposite to the surface joined to the thermoelectric conversion element; A plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules provided on the surface, wherein the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules are arranged in parallel along a heat flow path, and the heat absorption parts are arranged in a staggered manner. It is a thermoelectric conversion unit.
- thermoelectric conversion module located on the downstream side of the heat flow path is located on the upstream side of the heat flow path.
- the surface area of the heat absorption part of the thermoelectric conversion module is larger.
- the said heat absorption part of the said thermoelectric conversion module is that the inclination angles with respect to the said 2nd electrode differ.
- a fourth aspect of the present invention is that, in any one of the first to third aspects, the heat absorption part is composed of a plurality of heat absorption fins. Thereby, in each thermoelectric conversion module, heat absorption can be aimed at efficiently.
- a fifth aspect of the present invention is that, in the fourth aspect, the plurality of heat absorbing fins are arranged in a staggered manner in each of the thermoelectric conversion modules. Thereby, even in the heat sink fin located on the downstream side, it is possible to absorb heat with better thermal energy efficiency, and the power generation amount as one thermoelectric conversion module can be improved.
- thermoelectric conversion modules in each of the thermoelectric conversion modules, the heat absorbing fins of the thermoelectric conversion module located on the upstream side of the heat flow path, and the heat The heat absorption fin of the thermoelectric conversion module located on the downstream side of the flow path is different in inclination angle with respect to the second electrode. Therefore, even in the heat sink fin located on the downstream side, it is possible to absorb heat with better thermal energy efficiency, and the power generation amount as one thermoelectric conversion module can be further improved.
- the heat absorbing portion has a height that increases from an upstream side to a downstream side of the heat flow path. is there.
- thermoelectric conversion elements arranged side by side are joined to one end of the thermoelectric conversion element and a plurality of adjacent ones of the thermoelectric conversion elements are electrically connected to each other.
- a first electrode, a plurality of second electrodes which are joined to the other end of the thermoelectric conversion element and electrically connect the other ends of the adjacent thermoelectric conversion elements, and the thermoelectric conversion element of the second electrode are joined
- a plurality of heat absorbing fins provided on the surface opposite to the surface, and the heat absorbing fins are thermoelectric conversion modules arranged in a staggered manner.
- the endothermic fins located on the upstream side of the heat flow channel and the heat absorption of the thermoelectric conversion module located on the downstream side of the heat flow channel are different. Therefore, even the heat sink fin located on the downstream side can absorb heat with better thermal energy efficiency, and the power generation amount of the entire thermoelectric conversion module can be improved.
- the surface area of the heat sink fin located on the downstream side of the heat flow path is the thermoelectric power located on the upstream side of the heat flow path.
- the surface area of the endothermic fin of the conversion module is larger.
- An eleventh aspect of the present invention is an exhaust gas power generation unit provided between an engine unit and an exhaust unit, wherein the engine unit and the exhaust unit are connected, and exhaust gas discharged from the engine unit is A connection pipe forming a flow path, and a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules provided on the inner surface of the connection pipe in the vicinity of the engine unit and in the vicinity of the exhaust unit, and arranged in parallel along the heat flow path And a flow rate increasing means for increasing the flow rate of the exhaust gas in the vicinity of the exhaust unit of the connection pipe as compared to the flow rate of the exhaust gas in the vicinity of the engine unit of the connection pipe, and the plurality of thermoelectrics.
- Each of the conversion modules is an exhaust gas power generation unit including a heat absorption unit arranged in a staggered manner.
- a twelfth aspect of the present invention is that, in the eleventh aspect, the flow velocity increasing means reduces the opening size of the connection pipe from the engine unit side to the exhaust unit side. Thereby, even in the thermoelectric conversion module located on the downstream side, heat absorption can be achieved with better thermal energy efficiency, and the power generation amount of the exhaust gas power generation unit as a whole can be improved.
- the flow velocity increasing means is at least one wind guide plate that guides the exhaust gas from a region near a center line of the connection pipe toward an inner surface. It is.
- the baffle plate includes an opening in a region intersecting a center line of the connection pipe, and the thermoelectric conversion module It is to extend towards each.
- a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is that, in the thirteenth aspect, the air guide plate narrows the flow path of the exhaust gas from the engine unit side to the exhaust unit side of the connection pipe.
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Abstract
Description
(熱電変換モジュールの構造)
以下において、図1及び図2を参照しつつ、実施例1に係る熱電変換モジュール1の構造について説明する。ここで、図1は実施例1に係る熱電変換モジュール1の斜視図である。また、図2は実施例1に係る熱電変換モジュール1の側面図である。ここで、図1における一方向をX方向と定義し、X方向に直交する方向をY方向、及びZ方向と定義するとともに、特に熱電変換モジュール1の高さ方向をZ方向と定義する。
実施例1に係る熱電変換モジュール1の製造方法としては、製造装置を構成する通電加圧部材として機能する2つのパンチの間に、準備した第1熱電変換素子2a、第2熱電変換素子2b、第1電極3a、第2電極3b、及び吸熱フィン4を配置する。その後、2つのパンチを第1熱電変換素子2a、第2熱電変換素子2b、第1電極3a、第2電極3b、及び吸熱フィン4に向かって加圧しつつ電流を供給する。これにより、第1熱電変換素子2a及び第2熱電変換素子2bと、第1電極3a、第2電極3b、及び吸熱フィン4とが拡散接合(プラズマ接合)され、複数の第1熱電変換素子2a及び第2熱電変換素子2bが直列に接続され、1つのレール状の熱電変換モジュール1が形成される。このような通電加圧は、真空、窒素ガス、又は不活性ガス雰囲気のチャンバ内で行われる。
次に、図3を参照しつつ、実施例1に係る熱電変換ユニット10について説明する。ここで、図3は、実施例1に係る熱電変換ユニット10の構成を示す概略上面図である。図3に示すように、熱電変換ユニット10は、エンジンユニット20の排気方向の下流に設置されている。すなわち、熱電変換ユニット10は、エンジンユニット20から排気される排ガスの熱を利用して発電を行うことになる。
(他の熱電変換モジュールの構造)
次に、図4乃至図7を参照しつつ、熱電変換モジュールの各変形例について、詳細に説明する。ここで、図4は変形例1に係る熱電変換モジュール101の上面図であり、図5は変形例2に係る熱電変換モジュール201の側面図であり、図6は変形例3に係る熱電変換モジュール301の側面図であり、図7は変形例4に係る熱電変換モジュール401の正面図である。なお、各変形例においては、上述した実施例と同一の構造及び部材については同一の符号を付し、その説明を省略する。
次に、図8及び図9を参照しつつ、熱電変換ユニットの変形例について、詳細に説明する。ここで、図8は変形例5に係る熱電変換ユニット510の上面図であり、図9は変形例5に係る熱電変換ユニット501の正面図である。なお、変形例5においては、上述した実施例と同一の構造及び部材については同一の符号を付し、その説明を省略する。
次に、図10及び図11を参照しつつ、上述した熱電変換モジュール1が配設された実施例2に係る排ガス発電ユニット40の構造について説明する。ここで、図10は、実施例2に係る排ガス発電ユニット40及びその他のユニットを含む概略上面図であり、特に排ガス発電ユニット40の内部の構造を可視化して示している。また、図11は、実施例2に係る排ガス発電ユニット40及びその他のユニットを含む概略側面図である。
実施例2においては、接続管41の形状を流速増加手段として機能させていたが、排ガスを誘導する導風板(導風体、風導版とも称する)を設けて、当該風導版を流速増加手段として機能させてもよい。以下において、図12及び図13を参照しつつ、このような導風板を有する排ガス発電ユニット140を実施例3として説明する。ここで、図12は、実施例3に係る排ガス発電ユニット140及びその他のユニットを含む概略上面図であり、特に排ガス発電ユニット140内部の構造を可視化して示している。また、図13は、実施例3に係る排ガス発電ユニット140及びその他のユニットを含む概略側面図である。
実施例3においては、3つの導風板151、152、153を流速増加手段として機能させていたが、1つの導風板を流速増加手段として機能させてもよい。以下において、図14及び図15を参照しつつ、このような導風板を有する排ガス発電ユニット240を実施例4として説明する。ここで、図14は、実施例4に係る排ガス発電ユニット240及びその他のユニットを含む概略上面図であり、特に排ガス発電ユニット240内部の構造を可視化して示している。また、図15は、実施例4に係る排ガス発電ユニット240及びその他のユニットを含む概略側面図である。
本発明の第1の態様は、並設された複数の熱電変換素子と、前記熱電変換素子の一端に接合され、隣接する前記熱電変換素子の一端同士を電気的に接続する第1電極と、前記熱電変換素子の他端に接合され、隣接する前記熱電変換素子の他端同士を電気的に接続する第2電極と、前記第2電極の前記熱電変換素子と接合した表面とは反対側の表面上に設けられた吸熱部と、を備える複数の熱電変換モジュールを有し、前記複数の熱電変換モジュールは熱の流路に沿って並設され、且つ前記吸熱部は千鳥状に配設されている熱電変換ユニットである。
2a 第1熱電変換素子
2b 第2熱電変換素子
3a 第1電極
3b 第2電極
4 吸熱フィン
5 吸熱部
10 熱電変換ユニット
20 エンジンユニット
30 排気ユニット
40 排ガス発電ユニット
41 接続管
151、152、153 導風板
Claims (15)
- 並設された複数の熱電変換素子と、
前記熱電変換素子の一端に接合され、隣接する前記熱電変換素子の一端同士を電気的に接続する第1電極と、
前記熱電変換素子の他端に接合され、隣接する前記熱電変換素子の他端同士を電気的に接続する第2電極と、
前記第2電極の前記熱電変換素子と接合した表面とは反対側の表面上に設けられた吸熱部と、を備える複数の熱電変換モジュールを有し、
前記複数の熱電変換モジュールは熱の流路に沿って並設され、且つ前記吸熱部は千鳥状に配設されている熱電変換ユニット。 - 前記熱の流路の下流側に位置する前記熱電変換モジュールの前記吸熱部の表面積は、前記熱の流路の上流側に位置する前記熱電変換モジュールの前記吸熱部の表面積よりも大きい請求項1に記載の熱電変換ユニット。
- 前記熱の流路の上流側に位置する前記熱電変換モジュールの前記吸熱部と、前記熱の流路の下流側に位置する前記熱電変換モジュールの前記吸熱部とは、前記第2電極に対する傾斜角度が異なる請求項1又は2に記載の熱電変換ユニット。
- 前記吸熱部は複数の吸熱フィンから構成されている請求項1乃至3のいずれか1項に記載の熱電変換ユニット。
- 前記熱電変換モジュールのそれぞれにおいて、前記複数の吸熱フィンが千鳥状に配設されている請求項4に記載の熱電変換ユニット。
- 前記熱電変換モジュールのそれぞれにおいて、前記熱の流路の上流側に位置する前記熱電変換モジュールの前記吸熱フィンと、前記熱の流路の下流側に位置する前記熱電変換モジュールの前記吸熱フィンとは、前記第2電極に対する傾斜角度が異なる請求項4又は5に記載の熱電変換ユニット。
- 前記吸熱部は、前記熱の流路の上流側から下流側に向ってその高さが大きくなる請求項1乃至6のいずれか1項に記載の熱電変換ユニット。
- 並設された複数の熱電変換素子と、
前記熱電変換素子の一端に接合され、隣接する前記熱電変換素子の一端同士を電気的に接続する複数の第1電極と、
前記熱電変換素子の他端に接合され、隣接する前記熱電変換素子の他端同士を電気的に接続する複数の第2電極と、
前記第2電極の前記熱電変換素子と接合した表面とは反対側の表面上に設けられた複数の吸熱フィンと、を有し、
前記吸熱フィンは千鳥状に配設されている熱電変換モジュール。 - 前記熱の流路の上流側に位置する前記吸熱フィンと、前記熱の流路の下流側に位置する前記熱電変換モジュールの前記吸熱フィンとは、前記第2電極に対する傾斜角度が異なる請求項8に記載の熱電変換モジュール。
- 前記熱の流路の下流側に位置する前記吸熱フィンの表面積は、前記熱の流路の上流側に位置する前記熱電変換モジュールの前記吸熱フィンの表面積よりも大きい請求項8又は9に記載の熱電変換モジュール。
- エンジンユニットと排気ユニットとの間に設けられる排ガス発電ユニットであって、
前記エンジンユニットと前記排気ユニットを接続し、前記エンジンユニットから排出される排ガスの流路を形成する接続管と、
前記接続管の内側表面であって前記エンジンユニットの近傍及び前記排気ユニットの近傍に設けられ、且つ熱の流路に沿って並設された複数の熱電変換モジュールと、
前記接続管の前記エンジンユニットの近傍における前記排ガスの流速に比して、前記接続管の前記排気ユニットの近傍における前記排ガスの流速を上げる流速増加手段と、を有し、
前記複数の熱電変換モジュールのそれぞれは、千鳥状に配設されている吸熱部を備える排ガス発電ユニット。 - 前記流速増加手段は、エンジンユニット側から排気ユニット側に向って、前記接続管の開口寸法を小さくする請求項11に記載の排ガス発電ユニット。
- 前記流速増加手段は、前記接続管の中心線の近傍領域から内側表面に向って前記排ガスを誘導する少なくとも1つの導風板である請求項11に記載の排ガス発電ユニット。
- 前記導風板は、前記接続管の中心線と交差する領域に開口を備えるとともに、前記排ガスの流路の上流側から前記熱電変換モジュールのそれぞれに向けて延在する請求項13に記載の排ガス発電ユニット。
- 前記導風板は、前記接続管のエンジンユニット側から排気ユニット側に向って、前記排ガスの流路を狭くする請求項13に記載の排ガス発電ユニット。
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CA3015618A CA3015618C (en) | 2016-03-22 | 2017-03-21 | Thermoelectric conversion unit, thermoelectric conversion module, and exhaust-gas electricity generation unit |
US16/087,590 US20190109271A1 (en) | 2016-03-22 | 2017-03-21 | Thermoelectric conversion unit, thermoelectric conversion module, and exhaust-gas electricity generation unit |
KR1020207008181A KR102261839B1 (ko) | 2016-03-22 | 2017-03-21 | 배기 가스 발전 유닛 |
EP17770222.2A EP3435430A4 (en) | 2016-03-22 | 2017-03-21 | THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION UNIT, THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MODULE AND EXHAUST GENERATION UNIT |
CN201780018192.0A CN108886082B (zh) | 2016-03-22 | 2017-03-21 | 热电转换单元、热电转换模块、及废气发电单元 |
KR1020187025820A KR20180111947A (ko) | 2016-03-22 | 2017-03-21 | 열전 변환 유닛, 열전 변환 모듈 및 배기 가스 발전 유닛 |
US16/868,487 US11282999B2 (en) | 2016-03-22 | 2020-05-06 | Thermoelectric conversion unit, thermoelectric conversion module, and exhaust-gas electricity generation unit |
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JP2016057279A JP6842243B2 (ja) | 2016-03-22 | 2016-03-22 | 熱電変換ユニット及び熱電変換モジュール |
JP2016058571A JP6675899B2 (ja) | 2016-03-23 | 2016-03-23 | 排ガス発電ユニット |
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US16/868,487 Division US11282999B2 (en) | 2016-03-22 | 2020-05-06 | Thermoelectric conversion unit, thermoelectric conversion module, and exhaust-gas electricity generation unit |
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KR20180111947A (ko) | 2018-10-11 |
KR20200034001A (ko) | 2020-03-30 |
US20200266330A1 (en) | 2020-08-20 |
US20190109271A1 (en) | 2019-04-11 |
CN108886082B (zh) | 2022-04-19 |
CA3015618A1 (en) | 2017-09-28 |
KR102261839B1 (ko) | 2021-06-08 |
US11282999B2 (en) | 2022-03-22 |
CN108886082A (zh) | 2018-11-23 |
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