WO2022244773A1 - Module d'élément thermoélectrique et dispositif thermoélectrique - Google Patents

Module d'élément thermoélectrique et dispositif thermoélectrique Download PDF

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WO2022244773A1
WO2022244773A1 PCT/JP2022/020529 JP2022020529W WO2022244773A1 WO 2022244773 A1 WO2022244773 A1 WO 2022244773A1 JP 2022020529 W JP2022020529 W JP 2022020529W WO 2022244773 A1 WO2022244773 A1 WO 2022244773A1
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thermoelectric element
heat
thermoelectric
element module
heat transfer
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PCT/JP2022/020529
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English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
健太 仲本
俊光 鎌田
陽一 半田
孝行 西澤
裕介 高須賀
直人 小林
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ダイキン工業株式会社
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Publication of WO2022244773A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022244773A1/fr

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N15/00—Thermoelectric devices without a junction of dissimilar materials; Thermomagnetic devices, e.g. using the Nernst-Ettingshausen effect

Definitions

  • thermoelectric element modules and thermoelectric devices.
  • Thermoelectric elements are used in cooling devices, temperature sensors, etc., which do not use CFC refrigerants, which cause ozone depletion and global warming, and are non-driven.
  • thermoelectric element represented by a Peltier element (Seebeck element) composed of a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor
  • the current direction and the heat flow direction are parallel to each other, so a voltage cannot be applied between the electrodes.
  • a temperature difference occurs between the electrodes, heat absorption occurs on one electrode surface and heat dissipation occurs on the other electrode surface.
  • thermoelectric element represented by the Etchingshausen element (see Patent Document 1)
  • the current direction and the heat flow direction intersect with each other, so there is no need to form electrodes on the heat absorption surface or the heat dissipation surface. Since there is no thermal resistance in the electrodes and their contacts in the direction of heat flow, it is expected to be applied to thermoelectric conversion devices and air conditioners. Also, in lateral thermoelectric elements, the direction of heat flow can be reversed by reversing the direction of current flow.
  • thermoelectric elements In lateral thermoelectric elements, it is necessary to form electrodes on both ends of the element so that current can flow in the direction perpendicular to the direction of heat flow.
  • the thermal resistance of the conductor used for the electrodes is small, heat is easily transferred by heat conduction within the electrodes. As a result, due to the backflow of heat via the electrodes, the temperature difference caused by the thermoelectric effect cannot be maintained, and the temperature difference decreases.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to make it possible to suppress backflow of heat via electrodes in lateral thermoelectric elements in which the current direction and the heat flow direction intersect each other.
  • a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a pair of electrodes (11, 11) and a thermoelectric element (12, 52) disposed between the pair of electrodes (11, 11), wherein the thermoelectric element (12 , 52), the direction of electric current, the direction of heat flow, and the direction of magnetic field intersect with each other, and a heat radiation part (13) is formed on one side of the heat flow direction, and a heat absorption part (14) is formed on the other side, At least one of the pair of electrodes (11, 11) is formed with a heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) that inhibits heat transfer from the heat radiating portion (13) to the heat absorbing portion (14). It is a thermoelectric element module that
  • the pair of electrodes (11, 11) arranged on both sides of the thermoelectric elements (12, 52) are provided with a heat transfer inhibition device that inhibits heat transfer from the heat dissipation part (13) to the heat absorption part (14).
  • a part (21) is formed.
  • thermoelectric element module according to the first aspect, characterized in that the heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) includes a concave portion (17).
  • the recess (17) can inhibit heat transfer from the heat radiation part (13) to the heat absorption part (14).
  • thermoelectric element module according to the first or second aspect, characterized in that the heat transfer inhibition portion (21) includes a gap portion (17A).
  • the air gap (17A) can inhibit heat transfer from the heat radiation part (13) to the heat absorption part (14).
  • thermoelectric element module according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the heat transfer inhibition portion (21) includes a heat insulating material (16). .
  • heat transfer from the heat radiation part (13) to the heat absorption part (14) can be blocked by the heat insulator (16).
  • the heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) is a conductor having a lower thermal conductivity than the pair of electrodes (11, 11).
  • heat transfer from the heat radiating part (13) to the heat absorbing part (14) can be inhibited by the conductor (18) having a lower thermal conductivity than the electrodes (11, 11).
  • thermoelectric element module characterized by being formed as follows.
  • thermoelectric elements (12, 52) can be uniformly applied to the thermoelectric elements (12, 52) by the electrodes (11, 11).
  • the heat transfer inhibition portion (21) electrically isolates the pair of electrodes (11, 11) from each other.
  • the thermoelectric element module is formed so as to be divided into a plurality of electrode regions (11a, 11b, 11c).
  • thermoelectric elements (12, 52) by independently applying a voltage to each of the plurality of electrode regions (11a, 11b, 11c), it is possible to control the performance of the thermoelectric elements (12, 52).
  • An eighth aspect of the present disclosure in the seventh aspect, further comprises a power supply section (5A) that independently applies a voltage to each of the plurality of electrode regions (11a, 11b, 11c). It is a thermoelectric element module.
  • thermoelectric elements (12, 52) can be applied non-uniformly to the thermoelectric elements (12, 52), thereby allowing the thermoelectric elements (12, 52) to exhibit a desired cooling capacity or heating capacity.
  • the heat dissipation part (13) has a heat dissipation surface (113)
  • the heat absorption part (14) has a heat absorption surface (114 ), wherein at least one of the heat radiation surface (113) and the heat absorption surface (114) is formed with heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) for promoting heat transfer to a heat medium.
  • At least one of the heat dissipation surface (113) and the heat absorption surface (114) of the thermoelectric element (12, 52) has a heat transfer promoting portion (121, 122) for promoting heat transfer to a heat medium such as air or water. ) is formed. Therefore, heat is transferred from the heat dissipation surface (113) or the heat absorption surface (114) to the heat medium immediately after the heat is transferred by the thermoelectric effect, so that the backflow of heat via the element material can be suppressed.
  • a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the heat transfer promoting portion (121, 122) is a first heat transfer promoting portion formed on the heat dissipation surface (113). (121) and a second heat transfer promoting portion (122) formed on the heat absorbing surface (114), the surface area of the heat dissipating surface (113) including the first heat transfer promoting portion (121) is , the surface area of the heat absorbing surface (114) including the second heat transfer promoting portion (122) is larger than the surface area of the thermoelectric element module.
  • the heat can be quickly transferred from the heat dissipation surface (113) having a large surface area to the heat medium.
  • the heat transfer promoting portion (121, 122) includes at least one of recesses (115, 118, 119) and protrusions (116, 117).
  • a thermoelectric element module characterized by
  • the recesses (115, 118, 119) or the protrusions (116, 117) can arbitrarily set the areas of the heat dissipation surface (113) and the heat absorption surface (114) including the heat transfer promoting parts (121, 122), so that the thermoelectric element (12,52) can be tuned.
  • the heat transfer promoting portion (121, 122) includes a concave groove (115) extending along the flow direction of the heat medium.
  • a thermoelectric element module characterized by:
  • thermoelectric element module according to the twelfth aspect, characterized in that the width of the concave groove (115) increases from the bottom of the concave groove (115) toward the opening. .
  • the heat medium such as water or air can easily enter the concave grooves (115), the heat transfer from the heat radiation surface (113) or the heat absorption surface (114) to the heat medium is more efficiently performed. be able to.
  • a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the pair of electrodes (11, 11) are formed so as to sandwich the heat transfer promoting portion (121, 122), respectively.
  • a thermoelectric element module characterized by having an end (111).
  • a voltage can also be applied to the heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122).
  • the heat transfer promoting portion (121, 122) extends from one end (111) of the pair of electrodes (11, 11) to the other end ( 111) is a thermoelectric element module characterized by including a protrusion (116) extending to 111).
  • thermoelectric conversion since the projections (116) of the heat transfer promoting parts (121, 122) also contribute to thermoelectric conversion, the performance of the thermoelectric elements (12, 52) can be improved.
  • the surfaces of the heat dissipation surface (113) and the heat absorption surface (114) including the heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) include: , a thermoelectric element module characterized by being subjected to an insulation treatment.
  • thermoelectric elements (12, 52) it is possible to improve the insulation of the thermoelectric elements (12, 52) from the outside.
  • the surfaces of the heat dissipation surface (113) and the heat absorption surface (114) including the heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) include: , a thermoelectric element module characterized by being subjected to anti-corrosion treatment.
  • the corrosion resistance of the thermoelectric elements (12, 52) can be improved.
  • thermoelectric element (52) is formed in a spiral shape, and the current direction is the winding of the thermoelectric element (52).
  • a thermoelectric element module wherein the direction of heat flow corresponds to the radial direction of the thermoelectric element (52), and the direction of the magnetic field corresponds to the axial direction of the thermoelectric element (52). is.
  • thermoelectric element module can be configured in a cylindrical shape.
  • thermoelectric element (12, 52) has an anomalous Etchingshausen effect, Etchingshausen effect, anomalous Nernst effect and Nernst effect
  • a thermoelectric element module characterized by being an element that performs thermoelectric conversion based on any of
  • the current direction and the heat flow direction can be perpendicularly crossed, so that no thermal resistance occurs in the electrodes and their contacts in the heat flow direction.
  • thermoelectric device comprising a plurality of thermoelectric element modules (10) according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, wherein the thermoelectric element modules (10) are controlled individually.
  • thermoelectric device comprising a portion (100).
  • the controller (100) individually controls the plurality of thermoelectric element modules (10). Therefore, it is possible to individually adjust the heat radiation amount of the heat radiation part (13) of each thermoelectric element module (10) and the heat absorption amount of the heat absorption part (14). As a result, the heat dissipation amount and the heat absorption amount of the thermoelectric device (1) as a whole can be finely adjusted.
  • the plurality of thermoelectric element modules (10) are laminated in the heat flow direction so as to be electrically insulated from each other and thermally connected to each other.
  • thermoelectric element modules (10) are stacked in the direction of heat flow. Thereby, a plurality of thermoelectric element modules (10) are integrated.
  • control section (100) controls the heat radiation section (13) of one thermoelectric element (12) among the adjacent thermoelectric elements (12) and the other thermoelectric element.
  • the plurality of thermoelectric element modules (10) are controlled such that the heat absorbing portions (14) of the elements (12) face each other.
  • thermoelectric element (12) in the adjacent thermoelectric elements (12), the heat radiating portion (13) of one thermoelectric element (12) faces the heat absorbing portion (14) of the other thermoelectric element (12). Therefore, the heat released from the heat radiation portion (13) of one thermoelectric element (12) can be transferred to the heat absorption portion (14) of the other thermoelectric element (12).
  • thermoelectric element (12) includes a heat absorption side thermoelectric element (12B) having a heat absorbing portion (14) at the endmost end of the thermoelectric unit (U); and a heat dissipation side thermoelectric element (12A) having a heat dissipation part (13) at the end of the thermoelectric unit (U), and the control part (100) controls the heat dissipation side thermoelectric element (12B) from the heat absorption side thermoelectric element (12B).
  • the plurality of thermoelectric element modules (10) are controlled so that the power consumption of the plurality of thermoelectric elements (12) increases.
  • the power consumption of the plurality of thermoelectric elements (12) increases from the heat absorption side thermoelectric element (12B) to the heat radiation side thermoelectric element (12A).
  • the heat dissipation area of the heat dissipation part (13) is substantially increased from the heat absorption side thermoelectric element (12B) toward the heat dissipation side thermoelectric element (12A). can be obtained.
  • the heat loss of the thermoelectric device (1) as a whole can be reduced and the efficiency of the thermoelectric device (1) can be improved without increasing the heat dissipation area of the heat dissipation part (13).
  • the controller (100) controls the plurality of thermoelectric elements so as to perform two operations in which the direction of the current or the direction of the magnetic field is opposite to each other. While controlling the module (10), the power consumption of the plurality of thermoelectric elements (12) increases from the heat absorption side thermoelectric element (12B) to the heat radiation side thermoelectric element (12A) in both of the two operations. to control the plurality of thermoelectric element modules (10) respectively.
  • the operation of heating the fluid and the operation of cooling the fluid can be switched by reversing the direction of the current or the direction of the magnetic field.
  • the power consumption of the plurality of thermoelectric elements (12) increases from the heat absorption side thermoelectric element (12B) to the heat dissipation side thermoelectric element (12A). Therefore, in each of the two operations, the heat loss of the thermoelectric device (1) as a whole can be reduced, and the efficiency of the thermoelectric device (1) can be improved.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the Etchingshausen effect in the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 3A is a plan view showing an example of a heat transfer inhibiting portion formed on an electrode of the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 3B is a plan view showing an example of a heat transfer inhibiting portion formed on an electrode of the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 1;
  • FIG. 3C is a plan view showing an example of a heat transfer inhibiting portion formed on the electrodes of the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the Etchingshausen effect in the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 3A is a plan view showing an example of a
  • FIG. 3D is a plan view showing an example of a heat transfer inhibiting portion formed on the electrodes of the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a heat transfer inhibiting portion formed on an electrode of the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a heat transfer inhibiting portion formed on the electrode of the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 5A is a plan view showing an example of a heat transfer inhibiting portion formed on an electrode of the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 5B is a plan view showing an example of a heat transfer inhibiting portion formed on the electrodes of the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 6A is a plan view showing an example of a heat transfer inhibiting portion formed in an electrode of a thermoelectric element module according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 6B is a plan view showing an example of a heat transfer inhibiting portion formed in the electrodes of the thermoelectric element module according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 6C is a plan view showing an example of a heat transfer inhibiting portion formed on the electrodes of the thermoelectric element module according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a thermoelectric element module according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a heat transfer inhibiting portion formed in an electrode of a thermoelectric element module according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 6B is a plan view showing an example of a heat transfer inhibiting portion formed in the electrodes of the thermoelectric element module according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of thermoelectric element modules according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 are arranged in parallel.
  • FIG. 8B is a perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of thermoelectric element modules according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 are stacked.
  • FIG. 9A is a plan view showing the shape of the thermoelectric element in the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 9B is a plan view showing the shape of the thermoelectric element in the thermoelectric element module according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 9C is a plan view showing the shape of the thermoelectric element in the thermoelectric element module according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing how a thermoelectric element module according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 1 is configured.
  • FIG. 10B is a perspective view showing how a thermoelectric element module according to Modification 5 of Embodiment 1 is configured.
  • FIG. 10C is a perspective view showing how a thermoelectric element module according to Modification 6 of Embodiment 1 is configured.
  • FIG. 11A is a perspective view schematically showing the overall configuration of a thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 2 is configured with thick-film thermoelectric elements.
  • FIG. 11C is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 2 is configured with thin-film thermoelectric elements.
  • FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the Etchingshausen effect in the thermoelectric element module according to the second embodiment.
  • 13A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a heat transfer promoting portion formed in a thermoelectric element of a thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a heat transfer promoting portion formed in the thermoelectric element of the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a heat transfer promoting portion formed in the thermoelectric element of the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the Etchingshausen effect in the thermoelectric element module according to the second embodiment.
  • 13A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a heat transfer promoting portion formed in
  • FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a concave groove forming a heat transfer promoting portion in the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 15A is a perspective view showing an example of a heat transfer promoting portion formed in a thermoelectric element of a thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 15B is a perspective view showing an example of a heat transfer promoting portion formed in the thermoelectric element of the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 15C is a perspective view showing an example of a heat transfer promoting portion formed in the thermoelectric element of the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 15A is a perspective view showing an example of a heat transfer promoting portion formed in a thermoelectric element of a thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 15B is a perspective view showing an example of a heat transfer promoting portion formed in the thermoelectric element of the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 15D is a perspective view showing an example of a heat transfer promoting portion formed in the thermoelectric element of the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 15E is a perspective view showing an example of a heat transfer promoting portion formed in the thermoelectric element of the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 16 is a side view showing the shape of the electrodes in the thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 17 is a side view showing the shape of the electrodes in the thermoelectric element module according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 18A is a plan view showing the shape of a thermoelectric element in a thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 18B is a plan view showing the shape of the thermoelectric element in the thermoelectric element module according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 18C is a plan view showing the shape of a thermoelectric element in a thermoelectric element module according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 18D is a plan view showing the shape of the thermoelectric element in the thermoelectric element module according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a thermoelectric element module according to Embodiment 3.
  • FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram explaining the Etchingshausen effect in the thermoelectric element module according to the third embodiment.
  • 21 is a schematic configuration diagram of a thermoelectric unit and a controller according to Embodiment 3.
  • FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner during heating operation according to the third embodiment.
  • FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner during cooling operation according to the third embodiment.
  • FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner during heating operation according to the fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner during cooling operation according to the fourth embodiment.
  • 26 is a schematic diagram of a thermoelectric unit according to Embodiment 5.
  • FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of a thermoelectric unit according to a first modification of the fifth embodiment;
  • FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of a thermoelectric unit according to a second modification of the fifth embodiment;
  • FIG. FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner during heating operation according to the sixth embodiment.
  • FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner during cooling operation according to the sixth embodiment.
  • FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner during the dehumidifying operation of Embodiment 6.
  • FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of the air
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of this embodiment includes a pair of electrodes (11, 11) and a thermoelectric element (12) arranged between the pair of electrodes (11, 11).
  • a voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes (11, 11) from the power source (5), and the thermoelectric element (12 ), the current flows.
  • the direction in which current flows in the thermoelectric element (12) will be referred to as the current direction.
  • thermoelectric element (12) operates perpendicular to both the current direction and the magnetic field direction by applying a magnetic field (B) in a direction perpendicular to the current direction (hereinafter referred to as the magnetic field direction).
  • This is an Etchingshausen element that produces a temperature gradient (heat flow) in a direction (hereinafter referred to as a heat flow direction).
  • An Etchingshausen element is an element that performs thermoelectric conversion based on the Etchingshausen effect.
  • the thermoelectric element module (10) of this embodiment has means for applying a magnetic field (B) (not shown).
  • thermoelectric element (12) In the thermoelectric element (12), the current direction, the heat flow direction, and the magnetic field direction intersect each other (strictly speaking, they are orthogonal), and the heat dissipation part (13) is formed on one side of the heat flow direction, and the heat absorption part is formed on the other side. Part (14) is formed. In other words, a heat flow occurs from the heat absorbing section (14) to the heat radiating section (13), resulting in a high temperature on the heat radiating section (13) side and a low temperature on the heat absorbing section (14) side.
  • An end face of the thermoelectric element (12) on the heat radiation part (13) side and an end face on the heat absorption part (14) side may each be covered with an insulating layer (15).
  • thermoelectric element (12) when a current Ix is passed through the thermoelectric element (12) in the X direction and a magnetic field Bz is applied in the Z direction perpendicular to the X direction, a temperature gradient ( heat flow) occurs.
  • the heat radiating portion (13) is formed on one side in the Y direction (heat flow direction), and the heat absorbing portion (14) is formed on the other side.
  • a temperature difference ⁇ T is generated between the portion (13) and the portion (13).
  • thermoelectric element (12) examples include bismuth, bismuth-antimony alloy, mercury telluride, mercury selenide, tin, magnesium lead, etc., Co 2 MnGa, Co2MnAl , Co2MnIn , Mn3Ga , Mn3Ge, Fe2NiGa , etc. may be used.
  • thermoelectric element (12) As shown in FIG. 2, when a current Ix is passed in the X direction and a magnetic field Bz is applied in the Z direction, both the electrons (e) and the holes (h) are induced by the Lorentz force. Bend in the direction Electrons (e) and holes (h) travel along the X direction while repeating pair generation and recombination, and the activation energy generated during pair generation is released again during recombination.
  • electrons (e) and holes (h) are also displaced in the Y direction by the Lorentz force during pair generation and recombination, so the activation energy is carried in the Y direction.
  • a temperature difference ⁇ T occurs in the Y direction.
  • the constituent materials of the anomalous Etchingshausen element (an element that performs thermoelectric conversion based on the anomalous Etchingshausen effect) included in the Etchingshausen element serving as the thermoelectric element (12) include, for example, Co 2 MnGa and Co 2 MnAl. , Co 2 MnIn, Mn 3 Ga, Mn 3 Ge, Fe 2 NiGa, etc. may be used.
  • a means for applying a magnetic field (B) may or may not be provided.
  • each electrode (11) is provided with a heat-transferring portion for transferring heat from the heat-dissipating portion (13) to the heat-absorbing portion (14). (that is, heat transfer from the heat dissipation surface side to the heat absorption surface side) is inhibited (21) is formed.
  • the heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) may be made of a heat insulating material (16) such as rubber.
  • the arrangement shape of the heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) is not particularly limited as long as the electrodes (11) are not electrically separated. It may include a shape extending in a direction intersecting the direction of heat flow, preferably in a direction perpendicular to the direction of heat flow so as to be impeded.
  • the heat transfer obstructing portion (21) may be rectangular extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of heat flow.
  • the heat transfer obstructing portion (21) may be two rectangles extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of heat flow and having short sides facing each other.
  • FIG. 3A the heat transfer obstructing portion (21) may be rectangular extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of heat flow.
  • the heat transfer obstructing portion (21) may be two rectangles extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction of heat flow and having short sides facing each other.
  • the heat transfer obstructing portion (21) may be a plurality of rectangles extending in a direction perpendicular to the heat flow direction and arranged in the heat flow direction.
  • the heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) may have a shape obtained by combining the shape shown in FIG. 3B and the shape shown in FIG. 3C.
  • the heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) may be configured by forming a gap (17A) in each electrode (11).
  • a conductor (18) having a lower thermal conductivity than the electrode (11) is used to form the heat transfer inhibiting portion (21).
  • the conductor (18) also functions as a part of the electrode, the conductor (18) extends from one end of the electrode (11) in the direction perpendicular to the heat flow direction to the other end as shown in FIG. 5B, for example. ) may extend across the
  • the heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) is composed of any one of the heat insulating material (16), the recess (17), the void (17A), and the conductor (18). Two or more of the recess (17), the gap (17A) and the conductor (18) may be used to form the heat transfer inhibiting portion (21).
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of the present embodiment the pair of electrodes (11, 11) arranged on both sides of the thermoelectric element (12) in the current direction is provided with a A heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) that inhibits heat transfer is formed.
  • a heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) that inhibits heat transfer is formed.
  • the heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) has a higher thermal conductivity than the heat insulating material (16), the recess (17), the gap (17A), or the electrode (11). If the conductor (18) is low, the heat transfer from the heat sink (13) to the heat sink (14) is blocked by the heat insulator (16), the recess (17), the gap (17A) or the conductor (18). can do.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of the present embodiment if the heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) is formed so as not to electrically separate the electrodes (11), the electrodes (11) may cause the thermoelectric elements (12) to A voltage can be uniformly applied to the electrodes.
  • Modification 1 differs from Embodiment 1 in that, as shown in FIGS. It is formed so as to be divided into a plurality of electrode regions.
  • the same reference numerals are given to the same components as in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D.
  • the heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) may be made of a heat insulating material (16) such as rubber. In this case, the heat insulating material (16) extends across the electrode (11) and penetrates the electrode (11) in the thickness direction. Further, instead of the heat insulating material (16), the heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) may be configured using the gap (17A) (see FIG. 4B).
  • the arrangement shape of the heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) is not particularly limited as long as the electrode (11) is divided into a plurality of electrically separated electrode regions. It may include a shape that crosses the electrode (11) in a direction intersecting the heat flow direction, preferably in a direction perpendicular to the heat flow direction so as to effectively inhibit heat transfer to the heat flow direction.
  • the heat transfer obstructing portion (21) may be a rectangle crossing the electrode (11) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of heat flow.
  • FIG. 6A the heat transfer obstructing portion (21) may be a rectangle crossing the electrode (11) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of heat flow.
  • the heat transfer obstructing portion (21) may be a plurality of rectangles arranged in the direction of heat flow across the electrode (11) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of heat flow.
  • the heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) may be a combination of the shape shown in FIG. 6A and another shape, such as a rectangle crossing the electrode (11) in the direction of heat flow.
  • a power supply section that independently applies a voltage to each of the plurality of electrode regions (11a, 11b, 11c) electrically separated by the heat transfer inhibition section (21).
  • (5A) may be provided.
  • the same reference numerals are given to the same components as in the first embodiment shown in FIG.
  • the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects similar to those of Embodiment 1. That is, since the heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) is formed so as to divide each electrode (11) into a plurality of electrically separated electrode regions (11a, 11b, 11c), each electrode region (11a , 11b, 11c), the performance of the thermoelectric element (12) can be controlled. That is, by using the power supply section (5A) that independently applies a voltage to each of the electrode regions (11a, 11b, 11c), the voltage can be applied non-uniformly to the thermoelectric element (12), thereby The element (12) can be made to exhibit the desired cooling or heating capacity.
  • an Etchingshausen element having a Fuji-shaped cross section in which the width of the heat absorption surface side is narrower than the width of the heat dissipation surface side is a high-efficiency element. Reversing the heat flow direction does not provide the desired performance.
  • the current (voltage) applied to the heat absorption surface (heat absorption portion (14)) is relatively small, and the current (voltage) applied to the heat dissipation surface (heat dissipation portion (13)) is reduced to By increasing the size relatively, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the Etchingshausen element having a Fuji-shaped cross section. Further, even when the direction of heat flow is reversed by reversing the direction of the current, desired performance can be obtained by adjusting the magnitude of the applied current (voltage).
  • thermoelectric element modules (10) shown in FIG. 7 are arranged in parallel to form a thermoelectric conversion device, or as shown in FIG. ) may be stacked in the heat flow direction to form a thermoelectric conversion device.
  • a common power supply unit may be provided for the plurality of thermoelectric element modules (10).
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of Embodiment 1 As shown in FIG. 9A, a voltage is applied to the single thermoelectric element (12) using a pair of electrodes (11, 11).
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of Modification 2 As shown in FIG. 9B, a voltage is applied in parallel to a plurality of thermoelectric elements (12) using a pair of electrodes (11, 11).
  • 9A and 9B are plan views of the thermoelectric element module (10) viewed from a direction perpendicular to both the current direction and the heat flow direction, and the same components as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. sign.
  • each electrode (11) is also provided with a heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) similar to that of the first embodiment.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of Modification 3 differs from the thermoelectric element module (10) of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 9A in that, as shown in FIG. ) is provided with a pair of electrodes (11, 11) at both ends.
  • FIG. 9C is a plan view of the thermoelectric element module (10) viewed from a direction perpendicular to both the current direction and the heat flow direction, and the same components as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9A are given the same reference numerals.
  • each electrode (11) is also provided with a heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) similar to that of the first embodiment.
  • the direction in which the magnetic field is applied to the thermoelectric element (12) is reversed according to the direction in which the current flows, in order to keep the heat flow in a constant direction.
  • thermoelectric element module (50) of Modification 4 a film in which the long sheet-like thermoelectric elements (52) are held on the long sheet-like insulating layer (51) is prepared in advance. It is constructed by laminating a plurality of sheets and winding them around the axis (53). That is, each thermoelectric element (52) is spirally formed when viewed from the direction in which the axis (53) extends.
  • a pair of electrodes are arranged on the insulator layer (51) so that the winding direction of the thermoelectric element (52) is the current direction.
  • a heat transfer inhibition portion (21) similar to is formed.
  • thermoelectric element (52) is magnetized so that a magnetic field is generated in the direction in which the axis (53) extends.
  • a heat flow can be generated in the radial direction of the spirally formed thermoelectric element (52). Therefore, by forming the heat-conducting shaft center (53) into a pipe shape and allowing a fluid such as air or a heat medium to flow inside the shaft center (53), the fluid inside the shaft center (53) can be heated. or can be cooled.
  • the fluid may be air, water, refrigerant, brine, or the like.
  • thermoelectric element module (50) can be configured in a cylindrical shape.
  • the thermoelectric element module (50) of Modification 5 includes a plurality of films each having a long sheet-like thermoelectric element (52) held on a long sheet-like insulating layer (51). are sequentially wound around the shaft center (53) one by one. That is, each thermoelectric element (52) is spirally formed when viewed from the direction in which the axis (53) extends.
  • a pair of electrodes are arranged on the insulator layer (51) so that the winding direction of the thermoelectric element (52) is the current direction.
  • a heat transfer inhibition portion (21) similar to is formed.
  • thermoelectric element (52) is magnetized so that a magnetic field is generated in the direction in which the axis (53) extends.
  • a heat flow can be generated in the radial direction of the spirally formed thermoelectric element (52). Therefore, by forming the heat-conducting shaft center (53) into a pipe shape and allowing a fluid such as air or a heat medium to flow inside the shaft center (53), the fluid inside the shaft center (53) can be heated. or can be cooled.
  • the fluid may be air, water, refrigerant, brine, or the like.
  • thermoelectric element module (50) can be configured in a cylindrical shape.
  • the thermoelectric element module (50) of Modification 6 has a film as an axis, in which a plurality of sheet-like thermoelectric elements (52) are held on a long sheet-like insulating layer (51). Configured to wrap around the core (53). That is, each thermoelectric element (52) is spirally formed when viewed from the direction in which the axis (53) extends.
  • a pair of electrodes are arranged on the insulator layer (51) for each thermoelectric element (52) such that the winding direction of the thermoelectric element (52) is the current direction. is formed with a heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) similar to that of the first embodiment.
  • thermoelectric element (52) is magnetized so that a magnetic field is generated in the direction in which the axis (53) extends.
  • a heat flow can be generated in the radial direction of the spirally formed thermoelectric element (52). Therefore, by forming the heat-conducting shaft center (53) into a pipe shape and allowing a fluid such as air or a heat medium to flow inside the shaft center (53), the fluid inside the shaft center (53) can be heated. or can be cooled.
  • the fluid may be air, water, refrigerant, brine, or the like.
  • thermoelectric element module (50) can be configured in a cylindrical shape.
  • Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the second embodiment described below, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical idea of the present disclosure. In addition, since each drawing is for conceptually explaining the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for easy understanding. Moreover, in each drawing, the same code
  • Vapor compression refrigeration cycles are mainly used in existing air conditioners, and chlorofluorocarbons used as refrigerants in vapor compression refrigeration cycles cause environmental destruction such as destruction of the ozone layer and global warming.
  • thermoelectric elements such as Peltier elements (Seebeck elements).
  • the Peltier element has both low refrigerating capacity and efficiency when compared to conventional vapor compression.
  • the manufacturing process of semiconductors, which are components of the Peltier element is complicated and expensive, the range of application of the Peltier element is limited.
  • thermoelectric element that can overcome the drawbacks of the Peltier element
  • research has progressed on a horizontal thermoelectric element represented by the Etchingshausen element (see Patent Document 1), which produces a temperature difference in the direction perpendicular to the direction of voltage application. It is These horizontal thermoelectric elements are expected to have better performance than Peltier elements.
  • the current direction and the heat flow direction intersect each other, there is no thermal resistance in the heat flow direction of the electrodes and their contacts. be.
  • the lateral thermoelectric element is made of a metal material (alloy), the manufacturing cost is low and the element shape is highly flexible.
  • the direction of heat flow can be reversed by reversing the direction of current flow.
  • thermoelectric element since the metal material used for the lateral thermoelectric element has a higher thermal conductivity than the semiconductor used for the Peltier element, the temperature gradient caused by the Etchinghausen effect etc. There is a problem of decreasing
  • the purpose of the second embodiment of the present disclosure is to enable the lateral thermoelectric element of the first embodiment, in which the current direction and the heat flow direction intersect each other, to be able to suppress the backflow of heat via the element material.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of this embodiment includes a pair of electrodes (11, 11) and a thermoelectric element (12) arranged between the pair of electrodes (11, 11).
  • a voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes (11, 11) from the power source (5), and the thermoelectric element (12 ), the current flows.
  • the direction in which current flows in the thermoelectric element (12) will be referred to as the current direction.
  • thermoelectric element (12) operates in a direction perpendicular to both the current direction and the magnetic field direction (hereinafter referred to as magnetic field direction) by applying a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the current direction (hereinafter referred to as magnetic field direction). , heat flow direction).
  • An Etchingshausen element is an element that performs thermoelectric conversion based on the Etchingshausen effect.
  • the thermoelectric element module (10) of this embodiment has magnetic field applying means (not shown).
  • thermoelectric element (12) In the thermoelectric element (12), the direction of electric current, the direction of heat flow, and the direction of the magnetic field intersect each other (strictly speaking, they are orthogonal), and a heat dissipation part (13) having a heat dissipation surface (113) on one side of the direction of heat flow is formed. and a heat absorbing portion (14) having a heat absorbing surface (114) on the other side is formed.
  • a heat flow occurs from the heat absorption surface (114) toward the heat dissipation surface (113), resulting in a high temperature on the heat dissipation surface (113) side and a low temperature on the heat absorption surface (114) side.
  • thermoelectric element (12) By flowing a heat medium such as air or water along the outside of the thermoelectric element (12) along the heat dissipation surface (113), the heat medium can be heated. Further, by flowing a heat medium such as air or water along the heat absorbing surface (114) outside the thermoelectric element (12), the heat medium can be cooled.
  • a heat medium such as air or water along the heat absorbing surface (114) outside the thermoelectric element (12)
  • the heat medium can be cooled.
  • Each of the heat dissipation surface (113) and the heat absorption surface (114) of the thermoelectric element (12) may be covered with an insulating layer. Also, the heat radiation surface (113) and the heat absorption surface (114) may be subjected to anti-corrosion treatment.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of the present embodiment when the thermoelectric element module (10) of the present embodiment is composed of the thermoelectric element (12) having a thick film, the pair of electrodes (11, 11) is connected to the thermoelectric element (12). may be provided on both sides in the direction of current flow.
  • the thermoelectric element module (10) of the present embodiment when the thermoelectric element module (10) of the present embodiment is composed of thin-film thermoelectric elements (12), the pair of electrodes (11, 11) It may be provided so as to overlap both ends of one side surface in the direction of heat flow.
  • thermoelectric element (12) when a current Ix is passed through the thermoelectric element (12) in the X direction and a magnetic field Bz is applied in the Z direction perpendicular to the X direction, a temperature gradient ( heat flow) occurs.
  • the heat radiation surface (113) is formed on one side in the Y direction (heat flow direction), and the heat absorption surface (114) is formed on the other side.
  • a temperature difference ⁇ T is generated between the surface (113).
  • thermoelectric element (12) examples include bismuth, bismuth-antimony alloy, mercury telluride, mercury selenide, tin, magnesium lead, etc., Co 2 MnGa, Co2MnAl , Co2MnIn , Mn3Ga , Mn3Ge, Fe2NiGa , etc. may be used.
  • thermoelectric element (12) As shown in FIG. 12, when a current Ix is passed in the X direction and a magnetic field Bz is applied in the Z direction, both the electrons (e) and the holes (h) are induced by the Lorentz force. Bend in the direction Electrons (e) and holes (h) travel along the X direction while repeating pair generation and recombination, and the activation energy generated during pair generation is released again during recombination.
  • electrons (e) and holes (h) are also displaced in the Y direction by the Lorentz force during pair generation and recombination, so the activation energy is carried in the Y direction.
  • a temperature difference ⁇ T occurs in the Y direction.
  • the constituent materials of the anomalous Etchingshausen element (an element that performs thermoelectric conversion based on the anomalous Etchingshausen effect) included in the Etchingshausen element serving as the thermoelectric element (12) include, for example, Co 2 MnGa and Co 2 MnAl. , Co 2 MnIn, Mn 3 Ga, Mn 3 Ge, Fe 2 NiGa, etc. may be used.
  • a means for applying a magnetic field (B) may or may not be provided.
  • a heat transfer promoting portion (121, 122) is formed to promote heat transfer.
  • the surfaces of the heat dissipating surface (113) and the heat absorbing surface (114) including the heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) may be subjected to insulation treatment and/or anti-corrosion treatment.
  • 13A, 13B, and 13C the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the thermoelectric element module (10) shown in FIG. 11A.
  • the heat transfer promoting portion (first heat transfer promoting portion) (121) may be formed only on the heat dissipation surface (113) of the thermoelectric element (12).
  • the first heat transfer enhancing portion (121) and the second heat transfer enhancing portion (122) are applied to the heat dissipation surface (113) and the heat absorption surface (114) of the thermoelectric element (12), respectively. ) may be formed.
  • the first heat transfer promoting part (121) and the second heat transfer promoting part (122) as shown in FIG.
  • the surface area of the heat dissipation surface (113) including the first heat transfer promoting part (121) and the surface area of the heat absorption surface (114) including the second heat transfer promoting portion (122) may be made equal.
  • the surface area of the heat dissipation surface (113) including the first heat transfer enhancing portion (121) is less than the surface area of the heat absorbing surface (114) including the second heat transfer enhancing portion (122). can also be made larger.
  • the heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) are composed of a plurality of concave portions (specifically, concave grooves) (115) and convex portions (specifically, adjacent concave grooves ( 115) and (116).
  • Each concave groove (115) may extend along the flow direction of a heat medium such as air or water.
  • the width of the recessed groove (115) may increase from the bottom of the recessed groove (115) toward the opening.
  • the structure, shape, etc. of the heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) are such that the areas of the heat dissipation surface (113) and the heat absorption surface (114) including the heat transfer promotion portions (121, 122) are flat.
  • the heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) have recesses (115, 118, 119). ) and protrusions (116, 117).
  • 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, and 15E the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the thermoelectric element module (10) shown in FIG. 11A.
  • 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, and 15E illustrate the configuration of the second heat transfer promoting portion (122) formed on the heat absorption surface (114). It may be provided in the first heat transfer promoting portion (121) formed on the heat dissipation surface (113).
  • the second heat transfer promoting portion (122) includes a plurality of concave grooves (115) linearly extending from one end to the other end of the heat absorption surface (114) and adjacent concave grooves (115). It may be composed of a plurality of projections (116) sandwiched between grooves (115).
  • the second heat transfer promoting portion (122) may be composed of a plurality of columnar protrusions (117) regularly arranged in a matrix on the heat absorption surface (114).
  • the second heat transfer promoting portion (122) may be composed of a plurality of recesses (118) with relatively large openings formed in the heat absorption surface (114).
  • the second heat transfer promoting portion (122) may be composed of a plurality of relatively small recesses (119) formed in the heat absorption surface (114).
  • the second heat transfer promoting portion (122) is provided with a plurality of protrusions (116) as shown in FIG. 15A and a plurality of recesses (119) as shown in FIG. 15D. It may be configured by being
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of this embodiment the following effects can be obtained in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment. That is, at least one of the heat radiation surface (113) and the heat absorption surface (114) of the thermoelectric element (12) is formed with heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) for promoting heat transfer to a heat medium such as air or water. Therefore, heat is transferred from the heat dissipation surface (113) or the heat absorption surface (114) to the heat medium immediately after the heat is transferred by the thermoelectric effect. Therefore, since backflow of heat via the element material can be suppressed, the temperature gradient caused by the thermoelectric effect can be easily maintained, and deterioration of device performance can be suppressed.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of the present embodiment the heat dissipation surface (113) including the first heat transfer promoting portion (121) is controlled by controlling the structure, shape, etc. of the heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122). and the area of the heat absorption surface (114) including the second heat transfer promoting portion (122) can be arbitrarily set, the characteristics of the thermoelectric elements (12, 52) can be adjusted.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of the present embodiment the heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) have the same effect as conventional heat sinks, so there is no need to provide a separate heat sink. Therefore, thermal resistance due to the junction with the heat sink does not occur. Also, the number of parts constituting the thermoelectric element module (10) can be reduced to reduce costs.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of the present embodiment the surface area of the heat dissipation surface (113) including the first heat transfer enhancing portion (121) is equal to the heat absorbing surface (113) including the second heat transfer enhancing portion (122). 114), heat can be quickly transferred from the heat radiation surface (113) with a large surface area to the heat medium even when the loss of the input electric power energy is converted into heat.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of the present embodiment when the heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) include at least one of the recesses (115, 118, 119) and the protrusions (116, 117), the recesses (115, 118, 119) or the protrusions (116, 117)
  • the areas of the heat dissipation surface (113) and the heat absorption surface (114) including the heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) can be arbitrarily set. Therefore, the properties of the thermoelectric elements (12, 52) can be adjusted.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of the present embodiment when the heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) include the concave grooves (115) extending along the flow direction of the heat medium, heat is The medium flow is less likely to be obstructed. Therefore, heat can be efficiently transferred from the heat radiation surface (113) or the heat absorption surface (114) to the heat medium.
  • the width of the recessed groove (115) increases from the bottom of the recessed groove (115) toward the opening, it becomes easier for the heat medium such as water or air to enter the recessed groove (115). ) or the heat absorbing surface (114) to the heat transfer medium more efficiently.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of the present embodiment if the surfaces of the heat dissipation surface (113) and the heat absorption surface (114) including the heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) are insulated, the thermoelectric elements (12) insulation against the outside can be improved.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of the present embodiment if the surfaces of the heat dissipation surface (113) and the heat absorption surface (114) including the heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) are subjected to anti-corrosion treatment, the thermoelectric elements ( 12) can improve corrosion resistance.
  • FIG. 16 and 17 the same components as in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 13B are given the same reference numerals.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of Embodiment 2 As shown in FIG. 16, electrodes ( 11) was established.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of Modification 1 on each side surface of the thermoelectric element (12) in the current direction, the electrodes (11) are provided with heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122). has an end (111) where the is formed.
  • the pair of electrodes (11, 11) each have ends (111) formed to sandwich the heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122).
  • the heat transfer promoting portion (121, 122) is a convex portion (116) extending from one end (111) to the other end (111) of the pair of electrodes (11, 11).
  • the convex portion (116) also contributes to thermoelectric conversion, the performance of the thermoelectric element (12) can be improved.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of Embodiment 2 As shown in FIG. 18A, voltage was applied to a single thermoelectric element (12) using a pair of electrodes (11, 11).
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of Modification 2 As shown in FIG. 18B, a voltage is applied in parallel to a plurality of thermoelectric elements (12) using a pair of electrodes (11, 11) do.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B illustration of the heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) is omitted. Further, the electrodes (11) and the thermoelectric elements (12) may be covered with an insulating layer (31).
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of Modification 3 differs from the thermoelectric element module (10) of Embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 18A in that, as shown in FIG. A voltage is applied in series using a pair of electrodes (11, 11) to (12).
  • a plurality of thermoelectric elements (12) are electrically connected in series by a plurality of conductors (32). Each conductor (32) is connected to two adjacent thermoelectric elements (12) such that current flows serially and in the same direction through each thermoelectric element (12).
  • thermoelectric element module (10) shown in FIG. 18C illustration of the heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) is omitted.
  • electrode (11), the thermoelectric element (12) and the conductor (32) may be covered with an insulating layer (31).
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of Modification 4 differs from the thermoelectric element module (10) of Embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 18A in that, as shown in FIG. ) is provided with a pair of electrodes (11, 11) at both ends.
  • the direction of application of the magnetic field to the thermoelectric element (12) is reversed according to the direction of current flow.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) shown in FIG. 18D illustration of the heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) is omitted.
  • the electrodes (11) and the thermoelectric elements (12) may be covered with an insulating layer (31).
  • thermoelectric element module (50) of Modification 5 a film in which the long sheet-like thermoelectric elements (52) are held on the long sheet-like insulating layer (51) is prepared in advance. It is constructed by laminating a plurality of sheets and winding them around the axis (53). That is, each thermoelectric element (52) is spirally formed when viewed from the direction in which the axis (53) extends.
  • thermoelectric element (52) At least one of the heat radiation surface (113) and the heat absorption surface (114) of each thermoelectric element (52) is formed with heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) similar to those of the second embodiment. .
  • a pair of electrodes are arranged on the insulator layer (51) such that the winding direction of the thermoelectric element (52) is the current direction.
  • magnetic field applying means is provided, or the constituent material of the thermoelectric element (52) is magnetized so that a magnetic field is generated in the direction in which the axis (53) extends. Thereby, a heat flow can be generated in the radial direction of the spirally formed thermoelectric element (52).
  • the heat-conducting shaft center (53) into a pipe shape and allowing a fluid such as air or a heat medium to flow inside the shaft center (53), the fluid inside the shaft center (53) can be heated. or can be cooled.
  • the fluid may be air, water, refrigerant, brine, or the like.
  • thermoelectric element module (50) can be configured in a cylindrical shape.
  • thermoelectric element module (50) of Modification 6 includes a plurality of films each having a long sheet-like thermoelectric element (52) held on a long sheet-like insulating layer (51). are sequentially wound around the shaft center (53) one by one. That is, each thermoelectric element (52) is spirally formed when viewed from the direction in which the axis (53) extends.
  • thermoelectric element (52) At least one of the heat radiation surface (113) and the heat absorption surface (114) of each thermoelectric element (52) is formed with heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) similar to those of the second embodiment. .
  • a pair of electrodes are arranged on the insulator layer (51) such that the winding direction of the thermoelectric element (52) is the current direction.
  • a magnetic field applying means is provided, or the constituent material of the thermoelectric element (52) is magnetized so that a magnetic field is generated in the direction in which the axis (53) extends. Thereby, a heat flow can be generated in the radial direction of the spirally formed thermoelectric element (52).
  • the heat-conducting shaft center (53) into a pipe shape and allowing a fluid such as air or a heat medium to flow inside the shaft center (53), the fluid inside the shaft center (53) can be heated. or can be cooled.
  • the fluid may be air, water, refrigerant, brine, or the like.
  • thermoelectric element module (50) can be configured in a cylindrical shape.
  • thermoelectric element module (50) of Modification 7 has a film as an axis in which a plurality of sheet-like thermoelectric elements (52) are held on a long sheet-like insulating layer (51). Configured to wrap around the core (53). That is, each thermoelectric element (52) is spirally formed when viewed from the direction in which the axis (53) extends.
  • each thermoelectric element (52) is formed with heat transfer promoting portions (121, 122) similar to those of the second embodiment.
  • a pair of electrodes is arranged on the insulator layer (51) for each thermoelectric element (52) such that the winding direction of the thermoelectric element (52) is the current direction.
  • a magnetic field applying means is provided, or the constituent material of the thermoelectric element (52) is magnetized so that a magnetic field is generated in the direction in which the axis (53) extends. Thereby, a heat flow can be generated in the radial direction of the spirally formed thermoelectric element (52).
  • the heat-conducting shaft center (53) into a pipe shape and allowing a fluid such as air or a heat medium to flow inside the shaft center (53), the fluid inside the shaft center (53) can be heated. or can be cooled.
  • the fluid may be air, water, refrigerant, brine, or the like.
  • thermoelectric element module (50) can be configured in a cylindrical shape.
  • Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to Embodiment 3 shown below, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical idea of the present disclosure. In addition, since each drawing is for conceptually explaining the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for easy understanding. Moreover, in each drawing, the same code
  • Thermoelectric elements are used in cooling devices, temperature sensors, and the like, which do not use CFC refrigerants that cause ozone depletion and global warming, and are non-driven.
  • thermoelectric element represented by a Peltier element (Seebeck element) composed of a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor
  • the current direction and the heat flow direction are parallel to each other, so a voltage cannot be applied between the electrodes.
  • a temperature difference occurs between the electrodes, heat absorption occurs on one electrode surface and heat dissipation occurs on the other electrode surface.
  • thermoelectric element represented by the Etchingshausen element (see Patent Document 1)
  • the current direction and the heat flow direction intersect with each other, so there is no need to form electrodes on the heat absorption surface or the heat dissipation surface.
  • thermoelectric element as described in Patent Document 1 is used to cool or heat an object, it is desired that the temperature of the object can be finely adjusted.
  • the object of Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure is to provide a thermoelectric device that can finely adjust the heat dissipation amount and the heat absorption amount as a whole of the thermoelectric device including a plurality of lateral thermoelectric elements of Embodiment 1 or 2.
  • thermoelectric device (1) of this embodiment includes a plurality of thermoelectric element modules (10) and a controller (100).
  • the thermoelectric device (1) of this example comprises two thermoelectric element modules (10), the number of which is merely exemplary.
  • a plurality of thermoelectric element modules (10) are composed of first thermoelectric element modules (10A) and second thermoelectric element modules (10B).
  • first thermoelectric element module (10A) and the second thermoelectric element module (10B) may be simply referred to as the thermoelectric element module (10).
  • thermoelectric element module (10) of this embodiment includes a pair of electrodes (11, 11) and a thermoelectric element (12) arranged between the pair of electrodes (11, 11).
  • a voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes (11, 11) from the power source (101) of the controller (100).
  • thermoelectric element (12) a current flows through the thermoelectric element (12) from one electrode (11) with a high potential toward the other electrode (11) with a low potential.
  • the direction in which current flows in the thermoelectric element (12) will be referred to as the current direction.
  • thermoelectric element (12) By applying a magnetic field (B) in the direction perpendicular to the current direction (hereinafter referred to as the magnetic field direction), the thermoelectric element (12) generates heat flow in the direction perpendicular to both the current direction and the magnetic field direction (hereinafter referred to as heat flow It is an Etchshausen element that produces a temperature gradient (heat flow) in a direction.
  • the thermoelectric element (12) is an element that performs thermoelectric conversion based on the Etchingshausen effect.
  • the thermoelectric device (1) has means for applying a magnetic field (B) (not shown).
  • a magnetic field B
  • the current direction, the heat flow direction, and the magnetic field direction intersect each other (strictly speaking, they are orthogonal), and the heat dissipation part (13) is formed on one side of the heat flow direction, An endothermic part (14) is formed.
  • a heat flow occurs from the heat absorbing section (14) to the heat radiating section (13), resulting in a high temperature on the heat radiating section (13) side and a low temperature on the heat absorbing section (14) side.
  • thermoelectric element (12) when a current Ix is passed through the thermoelectric element (12) in the X direction and a magnetic field Bz is applied in the Z direction perpendicular to the X direction, the temperature gradient ( A heat flow Qy) is produced.
  • the heat radiating portion (13) is formed on one side in the Y direction (heat flow direction), and the heat absorbing portion (14) is formed on the other side.
  • a temperature difference ⁇ T is generated between the portion (13) and the portion (13).
  • thermoelectric element (12) examples include bismuth, bismuth-antimony alloy, mercury telluride, mercury selenide, tin, magnesium lead, etc., Co 2 MnGa, Co2MnAl , Co2MnIn , Mn3Ga , Mn3Ge, Fe2NiGa , etc. may be used.
  • thermoelectric element (12) As shown in FIG. 20, when a current Ix is passed in the X direction and a magnetic field Bz is applied in the Z direction, both the electrons (e) and the holes (h) are induced by the Lorentz force. Bend in the direction Electrons (e) and holes (h) travel along the X direction while repeating pair generation and recombination, and the activation energy generated during pair generation is released again during recombination.
  • electrons (e) and holes (h) are also displaced in the Y direction by the Lorentz force during pair generation and recombination, so the activation energy is carried in the Y direction.
  • a temperature difference ⁇ T occurs in the Y direction.
  • thermoelectric element (12) examples include Co 2 MnGa, Co 2 MnAl, Co 2 MnIn, Mn 3 Ga, Mn 3 Ge, Fe 2 NiGa, etc. may be used.
  • a means for applying a magnetic field (B) may or may not be provided.
  • thermoelectric device (1) comprises a thermoelectric unit (U).
  • thermoelectric unit (U) a plurality of thermoelectric element modules (10) are stacked in the direction of heat flow so as to be electrically insulated from each other and thermally connected to each other.
  • the thermoelectric unit (U) consists of a first thermoelectric element module (10A), a heat sink (215 ), and a second thermoelectric element module (10B).
  • Each thermoelectric element module (10) includes a thermoelectric element (12) and a pair of electrodes (11, 11).
  • a pair of electrodes (11, 11) is composed of a first electrode (11A) and a second electrode (11B).
  • the first electrode (11A) is formed on one side (left side in FIG. 19) of the thermoelectric element (12).
  • the second electrode (11B) is formed on the other side (right side in FIG. 19) of the thermoelectric element (12).
  • Each thermoelectric element (12) has a first heat transfer section (221) and a second heat transfer section (222).
  • the first heat transfer section (221) is formed on one side (the upper side in FIG. 19) in the heat flow direction of the thermoelectric element (12).
  • a second heat transfer portion (222) is formed on the other side (lower side in FIG. 19) of the thermoelectric element (12) in the direction of heat flow.
  • Each of the first heat transfer section (221) and the second heat transfer section (222) functions as one of the heat dissipation section (13) and the heat absorption section (14) as the current direction of the thermoelectric element (12) is switched. .
  • Each thermoelectric element module (10) has a first insulating layer (23) and a second insulating layer (24).
  • the first insulating layer (23) covers the first heat transfer part (221) so that the first heat transfer part (221) is not exposed to the outside.
  • the second insulating layer (24) covers the second heat transfer part (222) so that the second heat transfer part (222) is not exposed to the outside.
  • the heat sink (215) is arranged between adjacent thermoelectric element modules (10). Specifically, the heat sink (215) is located between the second heat transfer section (222) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A) and the first heat transfer section (221) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B). placed in More precisely, the heat sink (215) is arranged between the second insulating layer (24) of the first thermoelectric module (10A) and the first insulating layer (23) of the second thermoelectric module (10B). be done.
  • the heat sink (215) is a heat transfer member that transfers heat from one thermoelectric element module (10) to the other thermoelectric element module (10).
  • thermoelectric device (1) is applied to an air conditioner (40).
  • the air conditioner (40) includes a thermoelectric device (1), a first air passageway (41), a second air passageway (42), a first fan (43), and a second air passageway (42).
  • a fan (44) is provided.
  • the first air passageway (41) is a passageway for taking in room air (RA) and supplying this air to the room space as supply air (SA).
  • the second air passageway (42) is a passageway for taking in outdoor air (OA) and discharging the air to the outdoor space as exhaust air (EA).
  • a first fan (43) is provided in the first air passage (41).
  • a second fan (44) is provided in the second air passage (42).
  • the first air passageway (41) may be a passageway for taking in outdoor air (OA) and supplying this air to the indoor space as supply air (SA).
  • the second air passageway (42) may be a passageway for taking in room air (RA) and discharging the air outside the room as exhaust air (EA).
  • a first heat transfer section (221) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A) is provided inside the first air passage (41).
  • a second heat transfer section (222) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B) is provided inside the second air passage (42).
  • thermoelectric device (1) includes a first temperature sensor (251), a second temperature sensor (252), a third temperature sensor (253), and a fourth temperature sensor (254). have.
  • the first temperature sensor (251) is attached to the first heat transfer section (221) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A).
  • the second temperature sensor (252) is attached to the second heat transfer section (222) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A).
  • the third temperature sensor (253) is attached to the first heat transfer section (221) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B).
  • the fourth temperature sensor (254) is attached to the second heat transfer section (222) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B).
  • the controller (100) includes a microcomputer mounted on a control board and a memory device (specifically, a semiconductor memory) that stores software for operating the microcomputer.
  • the controller (100) is a control unit that individually controls the plurality of thermoelectric element modules (10).
  • the controller (100) has a power source (101), a switching section (102) and an adjusting section (103).
  • a power supply (101) is connected to the first electrode (11A) and the second electrode (11B).
  • a power supply (101) applies a predetermined voltage to the first electrode (11A) and the second electrode (11B).
  • the switching unit (102) is a circuit that switches the direction of current flowing through the thermoelectric element (12) bidirectionally.
  • a switching unit (102) reverses the direction of the current so as to switch between the first operation and the second operation.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) In the first operation shown in FIG. 22, in each thermoelectric element module (10), the first electrode (11A) has a positive potential and the second electrode (11B) has a negative potential. In this state, a current Ix flows from the first electrode (11A) to the second electrode (11B). Then, in each thermoelectric element module (10), the first heat transfer section (221) functions as the heat dissipation section (13), and the second heat transfer section (222) functions as the heat absorption section (14). In this case, the thermoelectric element (12) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A) becomes the heat radiation side thermoelectric element (12A) having the heat radiation portion (13) at the end of the thermoelectric unit (U). The thermoelectric element (12) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B) becomes the heat absorbing side thermoelectric element (12B) having the endmost heat absorbing portion (14) of the thermoelectric unit (U).
  • thermoelectric element (12) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B) becomes the heat radiation side thermoelectric element (12A) having the heat radiation portion (13) at the end of the thermoelectric unit (U).
  • thermoelectric element (12) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A) becomes the heat absorbing side thermoelectric element (12B) having the endmost heat absorbing portion (14) of the thermoelectric unit (U).
  • the adjustment unit (103) adjusts the power consumption of the thermoelectric elements (12) of each thermoelectric element module (10). Specifically, the adjustment section (103) individually controls the current value of the current Ix of each thermoelectric element (12). Therefore, in the thermoelectric device (1), the amount of heat dissipation and the amount of heat absorption of each thermoelectric element module (10) can be individually adjusted.
  • the controller (103) controls the current values of the thermoelectric elements (12) corresponding to the temperature sensors (251, 252, 253, 254) based on the detected values of the temperature sensors (251, 252, 253, 254). Thereby, the temperatures of the first heat transfer section (221) and the second heat transfer section (222) of each thermoelectric element module (10) can be adjusted.
  • the air conditioner (40) switches between heating operation and cooling operation. In the cooling operation, air cooled by the thermoelectric device (1) is supplied to the indoor space. In the heating operation, air heated by the thermoelectric device (1) is supplied to the indoor space.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) causes each thermoelectric element module (10) to perform the first operation.
  • thermoelectric element (12) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A) becomes the heat radiation side thermoelectric element (12A)
  • thermoelectric element (12) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B) becomes the heat absorption side thermoelectric element (12B).
  • first fan (43) and the second fan (44) are in operation, air flows through the first air passageway (41) and the second air passageway (42), respectively.
  • Outdoor air (OA) is taken into the second air passage (42). This air passes through the second heat transfer section (222) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B).
  • the heat of the air in the second air passageway (42) transfers from the second heat transfer section (222) to the first heat transfer section (221) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B).
  • the heat released from the first heat transfer section (221) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B) is transferred from the second heat transfer section (222) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A) to the first heat transfer section (221).
  • EA exhaust air
  • Room air (RA) is taken into the first air passage (41). This air passes through the first heat transfer section (221) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A) and is heated by the heat emitted from the first heat transfer section (221). The air heated in the first air passageway (41) is supplied to the indoor space as supply air (SA).
  • thermoelectric element (12) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A) becomes the heat absorption side thermoelectric element (12B)
  • thermoelectric element (12) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B) becomes the heat dissipation side thermoelectric element (12A).
  • first fan (43) and the second fan (44) are in operation, air flows through the first air passageway (41) and the second air passageway (42), respectively.
  • Room air (RA) is taken into the first air passage (41). This air passes through the first heat transfer section (221) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A) and is cooled by applying heat to the first heat transfer section (221). The air cooled in the first air passageway (41) is supplied to the indoor space as supply air (SA).
  • the heat of the air in the first air passage (41) moves from the first heat transfer section (221) to the second heat transfer section (222) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A).
  • the heat released from the second heat transfer section (222) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A) is transferred from the first heat transfer section (221) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B) to the second heat transfer section (222).
  • Outdoor air (OA) is taken into the second air passage (42). This air passes through the second heat transfer section (222) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B) and is imparted with heat emitted from the second heat transfer section (222).
  • the air to which the heat of the thermoelectric device (1) is applied in the second air passage (42) is discharged to the outdoor space as exhaust air (EA).
  • thermoelectric device (1) In heating operation, the controller (100) individually controls the current values of the thermoelectric element modules (10). Therefore, the heat radiation amount and the heat absorption amount of each thermoelectric element module (10) can be individually adjusted. As a result, the overall heating capacity of the thermoelectric device (1) can be finely adjusted compared to controlling only one thermoelectric element module. As a result, the heating capacity of the thermoelectric device (1) can be optimally adjusted according to the operating conditions, and the COP of the thermoelectric device (1) or the air conditioner (40) can be improved. In addition, the heating capacity of the thermoelectric device (1) can be optimally adjusted according to the heating load, improving the comfort of the indoor space.
  • the controller (100) individually controls the current values of the thermoelectric element modules (10). Therefore, the heat radiation amount and the heat absorption amount of each thermoelectric element module (10) can be individually adjusted. As a result, the overall cooling capacity of the thermoelectric device (1) can be finely adjusted as compared with the case where only one thermoelectric element module is controlled. As a result, the cooling capacity of the thermoelectric device (1) can be optimally adjusted according to the operating conditions, and the COP of the thermoelectric device (1) or the air conditioner (40) can be improved. In addition, the cooling capacity of the thermoelectric device (1) can be optimally adjusted according to the cooling load, improving the comfort of the indoor space.
  • the controller (100) individually controls the plurality of thermoelectric element modules (10). Specifically, the controller (100) individually controls current values or power consumption of the thermoelectric elements (12) of the plurality of thermoelectric element modules (10). Therefore, the amount of heat dissipation and the amount of heat absorption can be adjusted for each of the plurality of thermoelectric element modules (10), so the amount of heat dissipation and the amount of heat absorption of the entire thermoelectric device (1) can be finely adjusted.
  • the heating capacity of the thermoelectric device (1) can be finely adjusted, and the temperature of the supplied air (SA) can be finely adjusted. Since the controller (100) can optimally adjust the heating capacity of the thermoelectric device (1) according to the operating conditions, the COP and the comfort of the indoor space can be improved.
  • the cooling capacity of the thermoelectric device (1) can be finely adjusted, and the temperature of the supplied air (SA) can be finely adjusted.
  • the cooling capacity of the thermoelectric device (1) can be optimally adjusted according to the operating conditions, so the COP and the comfort of the indoor space can be improved.
  • thermoelectric element modules (10) are stacked in the direction of heat flow so as to be electrically insulated and thermally connected by insulating layers (23, 24). Therefore, a plurality of thermoelectric element modules (10) can be integrated, and the thermoelectric device (1) can be miniaturized.
  • the controller (100) comprises a plurality of thermoelectric elements (12) such that the heat radiation part (13) of one thermoelectric element (12) and the heat absorption part (14) of the other thermoelectric element (12) face each other. Controls the thermoelectric module (10). Therefore, the heat released from the heat radiation portion (13) of one thermoelectric element (12) can be transferred to the heat absorption portion (14) of the other thermoelectric element (12).
  • the controller (100) switches the current direction of each thermoelectric element (12) bidirectionally. Therefore, the air conditioner (40) can switch between the cooling operation and the heating operation.
  • Embodiment 3 the configuration of the following modified example may be adopted.
  • the controller (100) may cause each thermoelectric element module (10) to perform only one of the first operation and the second operation. If the air conditioner (40) is a heating-only machine, the controller (100) causes each thermoelectric element module (10) to perform only the first operation. If the air conditioner (40) is a cooling-only machine, the controller (100) causes each thermoelectric element module (10) to perform only the second operation.
  • the controller (100) may reverse the positions of the heat absorption side thermoelectric element (12B) and the heat dissipation side thermoelectric element (12A) by bidirectionally switching the magnetic field direction of the magnetic field applying means.
  • the first operation (heating operation) and the second operation (cooling operation) can be switched by keeping the current direction constant and switching the magnetic field direction.
  • thermoelectric device (1) As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the thermoelectric device (1) according to Embodiment 4 includes a first thermoelectric element module (10A), a second thermoelectric element module (10B), and a third thermoelectric element module (10C). Prepare.
  • the configuration of these thermoelectric element modules (10) is basically the same as that of the third embodiment.
  • the third thermoelectric element module (10C) is arranged between the first thermoelectric element module (10A) and the second thermoelectric element module (10B).
  • the first thermoelectric element module (10A), the third thermoelectric element module (10C), and the second thermoelectric element module (10B) are stacked in order in the direction of heat flow.
  • the second insulating layer (24) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A) covers the first heat transfer section (221) of the third thermoelectric element module (10C).
  • the first insulating layer (23) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B) covers the second heat transfer part (222) of the third thermoelectric element module (10C).
  • thermoelectric device (1) of Embodiment 4 controls each thermoelectric element module (10) to switch between the first operation and the second operation, as in Embodiment 2.
  • each of the first heat transfer parts (221) of each thermoelectric element module (10) functions as a heat dissipation part (13), and each of the second heat transfer parts (222) of each thermoelectric element module (10) Each functions as a heat sink (14).
  • the thermoelectric element (12) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A) becomes the heat radiation side thermoelectric element (12A)
  • the thermoelectric element (12) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B) becomes the heat absorption side thermoelectric element (12B).
  • each of the first heat transfer sections (221) of each thermoelectric element module (10) functions as the heat absorption section (14), and the second heat transfer section (222) of each thermoelectric element module (10) Each functions as a radiator (13).
  • the thermoelectric element (12) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B) becomes the heat radiation side thermoelectric element (12A)
  • the thermoelectric element (12) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A) becomes the heat absorption side thermoelectric element (12B).
  • the controller (100) of the fourth embodiment controls the thermoelectric elements (12B) so that the power consumption of the thermoelectric elements (12) increases from the heat absorption side thermoelectric element (12B) toward the heat radiation side thermoelectric element (12A). Each element module (10) is controlled.
  • the control unit (100) controls the current value of each thermoelectric element (12) so as to satisfy the relationship Ix2 ⁇ Ix3 ⁇ Ix1.
  • Ix2 is the current value of the thermoelectric element (12) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B)
  • Ix3 is the current value of the thermoelectric element (12) of the third thermoelectric element module (10C)
  • Ix1 is the first thermoelectric element module.
  • (10A) is the current value of the thermoelectric element (12).
  • thermoelectric device (1) heat generated by the thermoelectric element (12) can be prevented from moving to portions other than the heat transfer section, and heat loss can be reduced. Therefore, the efficiency of the thermoelectric device (1) can be improved without increasing the heat radiation area of the heat radiation part (13) in stages, and the COP of the heating operation can be improved.
  • the control unit (100) controls the current value of each thermoelectric element (12) so as to satisfy the relationship Ix1 ⁇ Ix3 ⁇ Ix2.
  • the same effect as increasing the heat radiation area of the heat radiation portion (13) toward the heat radiation side thermoelectric element (12A) can be obtained. be able to.
  • heat generated by the thermoelectric element (12) can be prevented from moving to portions other than the heat transfer section, and heat loss can be reduced. Therefore, the efficiency of the thermoelectric device (1) can be improved without increasing the heat radiation area of the heat radiation part (13) in stages, and the COP of the cooling operation can be improved.
  • the heat dissipation area of the heat dissipation part increases toward the thermoelectric element on the heat dissipation side, the heat dissipation area of the heat dissipation part will become smaller in either cooling operation or heating operation, resulting in an increase in heat loss.
  • the above-described control can provide the same effect as enlarging the heat radiating area of the heat radiating section (13) in both the cooling operation and the heating operation.
  • the controller (100) may cause only one of the first action and the second action. If the air conditioner (40) is a heating-only machine, the control section (100) causes only the first operation to be performed. In this case, in the first operation, the controller (100) controls the plurality of thermoelectric elements (12) such that the power consumption of the plurality of thermoelectric elements (12) increases from the heat absorption side thermoelectric element (12B) toward the heat radiation side thermoelectric element (12A). Each element module (10) is controlled.
  • the controller (100) controls the plurality of thermoelectric elements (12) such that the power consumption of the plurality of thermoelectric elements (12) increases from the heat absorption side thermoelectric element (12B) toward the heat radiation side thermoelectric element (12A).
  • Each element module (10) is controlled.
  • the controller (100) may reverse the positions of the heat absorption side thermoelectric element (12B) and the heat dissipation side thermoelectric element (12A) by bidirectionally switching the magnetic field direction of the magnetic field applying means.
  • the first operation (heating operation) and the second operation (cooling operation) can be switched by keeping the current direction constant and switching the magnetic field direction.
  • thermoelectric element modules (10) may be two as in Embodiment 1, or may be four or more. In these cases, the controller (100) also controls the plurality of thermoelectric element modules so that the power consumption of the plurality of thermoelectric elements (12) increases from the heat absorption side thermoelectric element (12B) toward the heat radiation side thermoelectric element (12A). (10) respectively.
  • thermoelectric device (1) of Embodiment 5 has a winding type thermoelectric unit (U).
  • the thermoelectric unit (U) has an axis (60) and a plurality (eg, three) of thermoelectric element modules (10).
  • Each thermoelectric element module (10) has a long sheet-like insulator layer (61) and a long sheet-like thermoelectric element (12) held by the insulator layer (61).
  • a pair of electrodes corresponding to the thermoelectric elements (12) are arranged on the insulator layer (61).
  • a plurality of thermoelectric element modules (10) are laminated in the thickness direction and are integrally wound around the axis (60).
  • the thermoelectric element (12) is spirally formed when viewed from the direction in which the axis (60) extends.
  • thermoelectric device (1) a pair of electrodes are arranged so that the current direction is the winding direction of the thermoelectric element (12).
  • a magnetic field applying means is provided so as to generate a magnetic field in the direction in which the axis (60) extends, or the constituent material of the thermoelectric element (12) is magnetized. Thereby, a heat flow can be generated in the radial direction of the spirally formed thermoelectric element (12).
  • the current direction corresponds to the winding direction of the thermoelectric element (12)
  • the heat flow direction corresponds to the radial direction of the thermoelectric element (12)
  • the magnetic field direction corresponds to the thermoelectric element ( 12) corresponds to the axial direction.
  • the controller (100) individually controls each thermoelectric element module (10), as in Embodiments 3 and 4.
  • the thermoelectric unit (U) can be configured in a cylindrical shape.
  • the heat-conducting shaft center (60) may be formed in a pipe shape, and a fluid such as air or a heat medium may flow inside the shaft center (60).
  • a fluid such as air or a heat medium
  • the fluid in the axial center (60) can be heated by the heat released from the heat radiating portion (13) of the thermoelectric device (1).
  • the heat of the fluid within the axis (60) can be transferred to the heat sink (14) to cool the fluid.
  • Fluids consist of air, water, refrigerants, brines, and the like.
  • thermoelectric unit (U) may be configured by sequentially winding a plurality of thermoelectric element modules (10) similar to those of the fifth embodiment one by one around the axis (60). Also in this case, the thermoelectric element modules (10) are stacked in the thickness direction (radial direction). Also in this configuration, the controller (100) individually controls the thermoelectric element modules (10).
  • thermoelectric unit (U) consists of one long sheet-like insulator layer (61) and a plurality of sheet-like thermoelectric elements formed on the insulator layer (61). (12) and a pair of electrodes (not shown) corresponding to these thermoelectric elements (12).
  • a plurality of portions of the insulator layer (61) provided with the respective thermoelectric elements (12) respectively constitute the thermoelectric element modules (10).
  • the controller (100) individually controls the thermoelectric element modules (10).
  • thermoelectric device (1) of Embodiment 6 As shown in FIGS. 29 to 31, in the thermoelectric device (1) of Embodiment 6, the plurality of thermoelectric element modules (10) are not laminated and are constructed separately.
  • the thermoelectric device (1) of this example has a first thermoelectric element module (10A) and a second thermoelectric element module (10B) which are separate bodies.
  • a thermoelectric device (1) is applied to an air conditioner (40).
  • the first heat transfer section (221) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A) and the first heat transfer section (221) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B) are provided in the first air passage (41).
  • the first heat transfer section (221) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A) is arranged upstream of the air flow relative to the first heat transfer section (221) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B).
  • the second heat transfer section (222) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A) and the second heat transfer section (222) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B) are provided in the second air passage (42).
  • the second heat transfer section (222) of the first thermoelectric element module (10A) is arranged upstream of the air flow relative to the second heat transfer section (222) of the second thermoelectric element module (10B).
  • the controller (100) of Embodiment 6 individually controls the first thermoelectric element module (10A) and the second thermoelectric element module (10B). Specifically, the controller (100) controls the power consumption (strictly speaking, current value ) separately. In addition, the controller (100) switches between the first operation and the second operation in each of the first thermoelectric element module (10A) and the second thermoelectric element module (10B).
  • both the first thermoelectric element module (10A) and the second thermoelectric element module (10B) perform the first operation. Thereby, the air in the first air passageway (41) is heated by the first thermoelectric element module (10A) and the second thermoelectric element module (10B).
  • the cooling capacity of the air conditioner (40) can be adjusted with high accuracy.
  • both the first thermoelectric element module (10A) and the second thermoelectric element module (10B) perform the second operation.
  • the air in the first air passageway (41) is cooled by the first thermoelectric element module (10A) and the second thermoelectric element module (10B).
  • the heating capacity of the air conditioner (40) can be adjusted with high accuracy.
  • the first thermoelectric element module (10A) performs the second operation
  • the second thermoelectric element module (10B) performs the first operation.
  • the first thermoelectric element module (10A) cools the air in the first air passageway (41) to below the dew point temperature. This dehumidifies the air.
  • the second thermoelectric element module (10B) heats the air in the first air passageway (41) so as to approach the target temperature of the indoor space.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) by the controller (100), optimum operation can be performed according to the sensible heat load and latent heat load of the indoor space.
  • thermoelectric element module (10) even if a certain thermoelectric element module (10) fails, by operating the remaining thermoelectric element modules (10), cooling or heating of the air can be continued.
  • the Etchingshausen element or the abnormal Etchingshausen element is used as the thermoelectric element (12, 52).
  • Nernst elements elements that perform thermoelectric conversion based on the Nernst effect
  • anomalous Nernst elements elements that perform thermoelectric conversion based on the anomalous Nernst effect
  • thermoelectric elements (12, 52) other lateral thermoelectric elements in which the current direction and the heat flow direction intersect with each other may be used.
  • the pair of electrodes (11, 11) formed on both sides of the thermoelectric elements (12, 52) are both formed with the heat transfer inhibiting portions (21).
  • the heat transfer inhibiting portion (21) may be formed only on one electrode (11).
  • each of the pair of electrodes (11, 11) may be formed with a different form of the heat transfer inhibiting portion (21).
  • thermoelectric element modules (10, 50) and the thermoelectric device (1) of the above embodiments and modifications may be applied to a refrigerating device that cools the air inside a freezer or refrigerator.
  • a refrigeration system that cools the air inside a container for marine transportation or land transportation.
  • a chiller unit that serves as a heat source such as an air conditioner.
  • it may be applied to a refrigerating device that performs a refrigerating cycle to cool or heat the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.
  • it may be applied to a dehumidifying device that dehumidifies air or a humidifying device that humidifies air.
  • the present invention may be applied to a water heater that supplies heated water to a target, a ventilator that ventilates a target space, or an air purifier that purifies the air in the target space.
  • thermoelectric element modules As described above, the present disclosure is useful for thermoelectric element modules and thermoelectric devices.

Landscapes

  • Cooling Or The Like Of Semiconductors Or Solid State Devices (AREA)

Abstract

Ce module d'élément thermoélectrique comprend une paire d'électrodes (11, 11) et un élément thermoélectrique (12) disposé entre la paire d'électrodes (11, 11). Dans l'élément thermoélectrique (12), une direction du courant électrique, une direction d'écoulement de la chaleur et une direction du champ magnétique se croisent, une partie de dissipation de la chaleur (13) est formée sur un côté de la direction d'écoulement de la chaleur et une partie d'absorption de la chaleur (14) est formée sur l'autre côté de celle-ci. Au moins une des électrodes (11) comporte une partie d'inhibition de la transmission de la chaleur (21) formée dans celle-ci, pour inhiber la transmission de la chaleur de la partie de dissipation de la chaleur (13) à la partie d'absorption de la chaleur (14).
PCT/JP2022/020529 2021-05-19 2022-05-17 Module d'élément thermoélectrique et dispositif thermoélectrique WO2022244773A1 (fr)

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