A temperature difference power generation device and method

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a temperature difference power generation device and method. The temperature difference power generation device and method include a closed circulation pipeline, wherein the closed circulation pipeline is filled with liquid metal; the closed circulation pipeline is composed of a heating section, a first pipeline section, a cooling section, and a second pipeline section connected end to end; a magnet pair, wherein the magnet pair includes two magnets with opposite polarities; a magnet pair is arranged at a preset position of at least one of the first pipeline section and the second pipeline section, and the magnetic field directions of the magnet pairs arranged in the first pipeline section and the second pipeline section are opposite; an electrode plate is arranged on the pipe wall of the closed circulation pipeline; the liquid metal is used to be heated in the heating section and cooled in the cooling section, forming a directional circulation flow in the closed circulation pipeline, cutting the magnetic lines of force between the magnet pairs, accumulating positive and negative charges on the electrode plate, and thus generating electric energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure belongs to the field of power generation devices, and in particular, relates to a temperature difference power generation device and method. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] At present, the most common method of converting thermal energy into electrical energy is to use a high-temperature and high-pressure working medium to drive mechanical devices such as turbines and pistons to drive the rotor of the generator to rotate, so that it interacts with the magnetic field formed by the stator of the generator, thereby generating voltage, and forming a loop with the load through the brush to generate alternating current. This process not only includes multiple energy conversion processes such as thermal energy conversion into mechanical energy and mechanical energy conversion into electrical energy, but also involves many links such as the transmission of mechanical energy and friction loss that will inevitably cause irreversible energy loss, which has a certain negative impact on system efficiency. The inventors found that traditional thermal generators have many moving parts, large mechanical energy losses, and low efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a temperature difference power generation device is provided, which has the effects of small mechanical energy loss and high power generation efficiency.

[0005] The technical solution of a temperature difference power generation device provided by the present disclosure is:

[0006] A temperature difference power generation device disclosed in the present invention comprises:

[0007] A closed circulation pipeline, wherein the closed circulation pipeline is filled with liquid metal; the closed circulation pipeline is composed of a heating section, a first pipeline section, a cooling section and a second pipeline section connected end to end;

[0008] A magnet pair, the magnet pair comprising two magnets with opposite polarities; a magnet pair is arranged at a preset position of at least one of the first pipeline segment and the second pipeline segment, and the magnetic fields of the magnet pair arranged in the first pipeline segment and the second pipeline segment are in opposite directions;

[0009] An electrode plate, which is arranged on the pipe wall of the closed circulation pipe;

[0010] The liquid metal is used to be heated in the heating section and cooled in the cooling section, forming a directional circulating flow in the closed circulation pipeline, cutting the magnetic lines of force between the magnet pairs, accumulating positive and negative charges on the electrode plates to generate electrical energy.

[0011] Furthermore, the closed circulation pipeline is a point-symmetrical structure, and the heating section and the cooling section are symmetrically arranged about the center point of the closed circulation pipeline.

[0012] The advantage of the above technical solution is that it can quickly meet the amount of heating and cooling to achieve a certain matching relationship and maintain continuous directional flow of the fluid in the ring.

[0013] The closed circulation pipeline may also be an axisymmetric structure.

[0014] It should be noted that the shape of the closed circulation pipeline can be any shape, as long as the heating section and the cooling section can meet a certain matching relationship in the amount of heating and cooling, and maintain continuous directional flow of the fluid in the ring.

[0015] Furthermore, the heating section is connected to a heat source.

[0016] The advantage of the above technical solution is that the heat source provides thermal energy for the heating section.

[0017] Furthermore, the cooling section is connected to a cold source.

[0018] The advantage of the above technical solution is that the cold source cools the liquid metal in the closed circulation pipeline.

[0019] Furthermore, the electrode plate is connected to the pipe wall of the closed circulation pipeline, and the pipe wall of the closed circulation pipeline at the connection position is made of conductive material.

[0020] The advantage of the above technical solution is that, through the conductivity between the conductive material of the tube wall and the electrode plate, the charges are gathered on the electrode plate through the tube wall, thereby forming an electric current.

[0021] Furthermore, a preset hole is arranged on the pipe wall of the closed circulation pipeline, and the electrode plate is arranged in the preset hole.

[0022] The advantage of the above technical solution is that the electrode plate and the tube wall are integrated into one, which makes the structure of the thermoelectric power generation device simpler and improves the operating stability of the thermoelectric power generation device.

[0023] Furthermore, the closed circulation pipeline is formed by connecting a first curved pipe section, a first straight pipe section, a second curved pipe section and a second straight pipe section end to end, and the heating section and the cooling section are respectively arranged in the first curved pipe section and the second curved pipe section.

[0024] Furthermore, a magnet pair is disposed on at least one of the first straight pipe section and the second straight pipe section.

[0025] The advantage of the above technical solution is that the direction of the magnetic force lines of the magnet pair is perpendicular to the pipe wall of the first straight pipe section or the second straight pipe section, and parallel to the electrodes.

[0026] Furthermore, the electrode plate is also connected to a wire to realize external power supply.

[0027] The advantage of the above technical solution is that it can realize external power supply, so that the temperature difference power generation device can be modularized, and the external circuit does not need brushes, outputs direct current and constant voltage.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for thermoelectric power generation is provided.

[0029] A technical solution of a temperature difference power generation method disclosed in the present invention is:

[0030] A temperature difference power generation method disclosed in the present invention is based on the temperature difference power generation device described above;

[0031] After being heated in the heating section, the density of the liquid metal decreases and it floats up. After being cooled in the cooling section, the density increases and it sinks, thus forming a directional circulating flow in the closed circulation pipeline, cutting the magnetic lines of force between the magnet pairs, accumulating positive and negative charges on the electrode plates, and generating electrical energy.

[0032] The beneficial effects of the present disclosure are:

[0033] (1) The temperature difference power generation device disclosed in the present invention includes a closed circulation pipeline, a magnet pair and an electrode plate. The closed circulation pipeline is provided with a heating section and a cooling section; a magnet pair is provided at a preset position of at least one of the first pipeline section and the second pipeline section; the electrode plate is connected to the pipe wall of the closed circulation pipeline, which reduces the link of converting thermal energy into electrical energy. Compared with the traditional power generation device, the link of mechanical energy transmission is omitted, and the efficiency is effectively improved.

[0034] (2) The closed circulation pipeline of the temperature difference power generation device disclosed in the present invention is filled with liquid metal. There are no moving parts in the power generation process, only the flow of fluid, small mechanical loss, no wear, low maintenance cost and low noise.

[0035] (3) The electrode plate of the present invention is also connected to a wire to realize external power supply, so that the temperature difference power generation device can be modularized, and the external circuit does not need brushes, outputs direct current, and constant voltage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The accompanying drawings constituting a part of the present disclosure are used to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure. The illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure and their descriptions are used to explain the present disclosure and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 1 It is a front view of a temperature difference power generation device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 2 It is a left view of a temperature difference power generation device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Among them, 1. closed circulation pipeline; 2. first pipe wall; 3. second pipe wall; 4. magnet; 5. heating section; 6. cooling section; 7. electrode plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are all illustrative and are intended to provide further explanation of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0041] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, a temperature difference power generation device of this embodiment includes:

[0043] A closed circulation pipeline 1 is filled with liquid metal. The closed circulation pipeline is composed of a heating section, a first pipeline section, a cooling section and a second pipeline section connected end to end.

[0044] Specifically, any liquid metal may be selected as the medium, for example, mercury.

[0045] In this embodiment, the closed circulation pipeline is formed by connecting the first curved pipe section, the first straight pipe section, the second curved pipe section and the second straight pipe section end to end, wherein the heating section is arranged in the first curved pipe section and the cooling section is arranged in the second curved pipe section.

[0046] In one embodiment, the closed circulation pipeline is a point-symmetrical structure, and the heating section and the cooling section are symmetrically arranged about the center point of the closed circulation pipeline.

[0047] This can quickly meet the heating and cooling requirements to achieve a certain matching relationship and maintain continuous directional flow of the fluid within the ring.

[0048] In other embodiments, the closed circulation pipeline may also be an axisymmetric structure.

[0049] It should be noted that the shape of the closed loop pipeline can be any shape, such as circular or elliptical, as long as the heating section and the cooling section can meet a certain matching relationship in the amount of heating and cooling, and maintain the continuous directional flow of the fluid in the loop.

[0050] In a specific implementation, the heating section is connected to a heat source, and the cooling section is connected to a cold source.

[0051] The heat source is used to provide thermal energy for the heating section; the cold source is used to cool the temperature of the liquid metal in the closed circulation pipeline.

[0052] Specifically, the heating section is arranged below and on one side of the center line, and the heating section receives heat from a heat source, which may be a heating device. The cold source may be cooling water or a low-temperature coolant.

[0053] Heat is input at the heating section 5 to heat up the liquid metal, reduce its density and make it float; heat is taken out at the cooling section 6 to cool the liquid metal, increase its density and make it sink. Maintaining heating and cooling, the liquid metal will continue to circulate in a directional manner and cut the magnetic lines of force, forming an electromotive force on the electrode plates 7 on both sides, and can output electrical energy when connected to a load.

[0054] In this embodiment, the closed circulation pipeline is formed by connecting the first curved pipe section, the first straight pipe section, the second curved pipe section and the second straight pipe section end to end. The heating section 5 and the cooling section 6 are respectively arranged in the first curved pipe section and the second curved pipe section. A pair of magnets 4 with opposite polarities are arranged at preset positions of the first pipe section and the second pipe section between the heating section 5 and the cooling section 6; an electrode plate 7 is connected to the pipe wall of the closed circulation pipeline.

[0055] Specifically, magnets with opposite polarities are arranged on both sides of the tube wall of the first straight tube section, and an electrode plate is connected to the tube wall of the first straight tube section.

[0056] Magnets with opposite polarities are also arranged on both sides of the outer tube wall of the second straight tube section, and the direction of the magnetic lines of force on both sides of the first straight tube section is opposite to the direction of the magnetic lines of force on both sides of the second straight tube section.

[0057] The direction of the magnetic force lines of the magnet is perpendicular to the outer wall of the first straight pipe section and parallel to the electrodes.

[0058] In one embodiment, the electrode plate is connected to the pipe wall of the closed circulation pipe, and the pipe wall of the closed circulation pipe at the connection position is made of a conductive material.

[0059] Through the conductivity between the conductive material of the tube wall and the electrode plate, the charges are gathered on the electrode plate through the tube wall, thereby forming an electric current.

[0060] In another embodiment, a preset hole is arranged on the pipe wall of the closed circulation pipeline, and the electrode plate is arranged in the preset hole.

[0061] In this way, the electrode plate and the tube wall are integrated into one, which makes the structure of the thermoelectric power generation device simpler and improves the operating stability of the thermoelectric power generation device.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, taking the electrode plate as a component of the tube wall as an example:

[0063] The first tube wall 2 and the second tube wall 3 and the electrode plate 7 between the first tube wall 2 and the second tube wall 3 form a ring-shaped closed circulation pipeline, and the liquid metal is filled into the above-mentioned closed circulation pipeline 1. Among them, the first tube wall 2 and the second tube wall 3 are insulating materials, such as plastic, glass or ceramic. The electrode plate is a good conductor of electricity, such as graphite, metal.

[0064] The cross-section of the pipeline in the first straight pipe section and the second straight pipe section perpendicular to the central axis of the pipeline is rectangular, the axial direction of the straight pipe section is parallel to the direction of gravity, the wall surface in the length direction of the cross-section is composed of insulating material, and the wall surface in the width direction of the cross-section is composed of electrodes with good conductivity. The insulating material and the electrode material together constitute a closed liquid metal flow channel.

[0065] The temperature difference power generation device of this embodiment utilizes the thermosiphon principle to enable the metal liquid in the closed circulation pipeline to maintain directional movement. The specific principle is:

[0066] When the liquid is heated, its density decreases and it floats; when it is cooled, its density increases and it sinks. At the same time, since the liquid is bound in a closed annular flow channel (placed vertically), no matter whether the liquid floats or sinks, under the action of the intermolecular cohesive force, the holes created by the removed liquid molecules must be filled by another part of the liquid molecules. Therefore, as long as heat is continuously supplied to the fluid at the appropriate position at the bottom of the closed annular flow channel and cooling is continuously supplied to the fluid at the appropriate position at the top of the closed annular flow channel, and the amount of heat and cooling reaches a certain matching relationship, the continuous directional flow of the fluid in the ring can be maintained.

[0067] The power generation principle of the temperature difference power generation device of this embodiment is:

[0068] Filling the liquid metal into a closed circulation pipe placed vertically along the direction of gravity;

[0069] The liquid metal is a room temperature liquid metal or a low temperature liquid metal alloy;

[0070] Heating is performed at the bottom of the closed circulation pipeline, so that the density of the liquid metal decreases after being heated and the liquid metal floats up, and cooling is performed at the top of the closed circulation pipeline, so that the density of the liquid metal increases after being cooled and the liquid metal sinks. Continuous heating and cooling make the liquid metal form a directional circulation flow in the channel;

[0071] The cross section of the closed circulation pipeline should be approximately rectangular, the wall surface in the length direction of the cross section is made of insulating material, and the wall surface in the width direction of the cross section is made of electrode material with good conductivity. Permanent magnets are arranged on both sides of the wall surface in the length direction of the cross section so that the magnetic field is perpendicular to the flow direction of the liquid metal;

[0072] When liquid metal circulates in a directed manner in the annular flow channel, it is equivalent to the wire cutting the magnetic lines of force, and an electric potential difference is formed on the electrode plates on both sides of the cross-sectional width direction, thereby achieving power generation.

[0073] In specific implementation, the flow of liquid metal is accelerated during the startup phase. When the magnetic lines are cut to generate induced electromotive force, internal current will be generated. At the same time, it will be affected by the Ampere force opposite to the flow direction. When the flow rate reaches a certain value, the force is balanced and the flow rate no longer increases.

[0074] In a specific implementation, the electrode plate is also connected to a wire to achieve external power supply.

[0075] The temperature difference power generation device of this embodiment includes a closed circulation pipeline, a magnet pair and an electrode plate. The closed circulation pipeline is provided with a heating section and a cooling section; a magnet pair is provided at a preset position of at least one of the first pipeline section and the second pipeline section; the electrode plate is connected to the pipe wall of the closed circulation pipeline, which reduces the link of converting thermal energy into electrical energy. Compared with traditional power generation devices, the link of mechanical energy transmission is omitted, and the efficiency is effectively improved.

[0076] The closed circulation pipeline of the temperature difference power generation device of this embodiment is filled with liquid metal. There are no moving parts in the power generation process, only the flow of fluid, small mechanical loss, no wear, low maintenance cost and low noise.

[0077] The electrode plates of this embodiment are also connected to the wires to realize external power supply, so that the temperature difference power generation device can be modularized, and the external circuit does not need brushes, outputs direct current and constant voltage.

[0078] A temperature difference power generation method of this embodiment is based on Figure 1 The temperature difference power generation device shown;

[0079] After being heated in the heating section, the density of the liquid metal decreases and it floats up. After being cooled in the cooling section, the density increases and it sinks, thus forming a directional circulating flow in the closed circulation pipeline, cutting the magnetic lines between the magnets, accumulating positive and negative charges on the electrode plates to generate electrical energy.

[0080] The temperature difference power generation method of this embodiment reduces the link of converting thermal energy into electrical energy, saves the link of mechanical energy transmission compared with the traditional power generation method, and effectively improves the efficiency.

[0081] Although the above describes the specific implementation methods of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Technical personnel in the relevant field should understand that on the basis of the technical solution of the present disclosure, various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative work are still within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A temperature difference power generation device, characterized in that: include: A closed circulation channel, wherein the closed circulation channel is filled with liquid metal; the closed circulation channel is composed of a heating section, a first pipeline section, a cooling section and a second pipeline section connected end to end; A magnet pair, the magnet pair comprising two magnets with opposite polarities; a magnet pair is arranged at a preset position of the first pipeline segment and the second pipeline segment, and the magnetic fields of the magnet pair arranged in the first pipeline segment and the second pipeline segment are in opposite directions; An electrode plate, which is arranged on the pipe wall of the closed circulation pipe; The liquid metal is used to be heated in the heating section and cooled in the cooling section, forming a directional circulation flow in the closed circulation pipeline, cutting the magnetic lines of force between the magnet pairs, accumulating positive and negative charges on the electrode plates to generate electrical energy; The electrode plate is connected to the pipe wall of the closed circulation pipeline, and the pipe wall of the closed circulation pipeline at the connection position is made of conductive material; A preset hole is arranged on the pipe wall of the closed circulation pipe, and the electrode plate is arranged in the preset hole; The closed circulation channel is formed by connecting the first curved pipe section, the first straight pipe section, the second curved pipe section and the second straight pipe section end to end, and the heating section and the cooling section are respectively arranged in the first curved pipe section and the second curved pipe section; The magnet pair is arranged on the first straight pipe section and the second straight pipe section; The cross-section of the pipeline in the first straight pipe section and the second straight pipe section perpendicular to the central axis of the pipeline is rectangular, the axial direction of the straight pipe section is parallel to the direction of gravity, the wall surface in the length direction of the cross-section is composed of insulating material, and the wall surface in the width direction of the cross-section is composed of electrodes with good conductivity. The insulating material and the electrode material together constitute a closed liquid metal flow channel.

2. The thermoelectric power generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The closed circulation pipeline is a point-symmetrical structure, and the heating section and the cooling section are symmetrically arranged about the center point of the closed circulation pipeline.

3. The thermoelectric power generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating section is connected to a heat source.

4. The thermoelectric power generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling section is connected to the cold source.

5. The thermoelectric power generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrode plate is also connected to a wire to realize external power supply.

6. A temperature difference power generation method, characterized in that: Based on the temperature difference power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; After being heated in the heating section, the density of the liquid metal decreases and it floats up. After being cooled in the cooling section, the density increases and it sinks, thus forming a directional circulating flow in the closed circulation pipeline, cutting the magnetic lines of force between the magnet pairs, accumulating positive and negative charges on the electrode plates, and generating electrical energy.

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