Thermoelectric module and method for adjusting thermoelectric module

Abstract

The thermoelectric module (2) comprises: a substrate (21); a plurality of electrodes (23) arranged on a surface (21S) of the substrate; a plurality of thermoelectric elements (25) respectively connected to the plurality of electrodes; and at least three terminals (81, 82, 83) respectively connected to different electrodes and connected to one or both of a first load (7) and a second load (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a thermoelectric module and a method for adjusting the thermoelectric module. Background Art

[0002] Thermoelectric modules are known that convert thermal energy into electrical energy by the Seebeck effect.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-164947 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] Sometimes the electric energy generated from the thermoelectric module is distributed to the first load and the second load. For example, in the case where a motor is provided to rotate a fan for cooling the thermoelectric module, sometimes part of the electric energy generated from the thermoelectric module is supplied to the motor, and the remaining electric energy is supplied to the external load. If the electric energy supplied to the motor is large, the electric energy supplied to the external load will be reduced. If the electric energy supplied to the motor is small, the thermoelectric module cannot be fully cooled, resulting in a decrease in the electric energy generated from the thermoelectric module.

[0008] An aspect of the present invention aims to efficiently supply electric energy to each of the first load and the second load when electric energy generated by a thermoelectric module is distributed to the first load and the second load.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] According to the present invention, a thermoelectric module is provided, comprising: a substrate; a plurality of electrodes arranged on the surface of the substrate; a plurality of thermoelectric elements respectively connected to the plurality of electrodes; and at least three terminals respectively connected to different electrodes and connected to one or both of a first load and a second load.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the aspect of the present invention, when the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric module is distributed to the first load and the second load, the electric energy can be efficiently supplied to each of the first load and the second load. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the thermoelectric device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2Schematic diagram showing a thermoelectric module according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a plan view showing an example of the first substrate according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 Schematic diagram showing the connection between the terminal and the first load and the second load according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a plan view showing the first terminal according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a plan view showing the second terminal according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram showing the thermal resistance of the thermoelectric device according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing an example of the method for adjusting the thermoelectric module according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 9 This is a block diagram showing a computer system according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Fig.10 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between the voltage applied to the motor and the air volume generated by the fan according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Fig.11 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between the amount of air applied to the heat dissipating member and the thermal resistance of the heat dissipating member according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Fig.12 : is a graph showing the relationship between the voltage applied to the motor and the thermal resistance of the heat dissipation member according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Fig.13 : is a graph showing the relationship between the voltage applied to the motor and the effective output according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Fig.14 It is a plan view showing an example of the first substrate according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The constituent elements of the embodiments described below can be combined as appropriate. In addition, there is also a case where some constituent elements are not used.

[0028] In the following description, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system is set, and the positional relationship of each component is described while referring to the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. The direction parallel to the X-axis in the specified plane is set as the X-axis direction (first axis direction), the direction parallel to the Y-axis orthogonal to the X-axis in the specified plane is set as the Y-axis direction (second axis direction), and the direction parallel to the Z-axis orthogonal to the specified plane is set as the Z-axis direction (third axis direction). The X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction are orthogonal. The XY plane containing the X-axis and the Y-axis is parallel to the specified plane. The YZ plane containing the Y-axis and the Z-axis is orthogonal to the XY plane. The XZ plane containing the X-axis and the Z-axis is orthogonal to the XY plane and the YZ plane, respectively.

[0029] [First embodiment]

[0030] <Thermoelectric device>

[0031] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a thermoelectric device 1 according to the present embodiment. The thermoelectric device 1 includes: a thermoelectric module 2; a heat absorbing component 3 connected to an end surface 21T on the -Z side of the thermoelectric module 2; a heat dissipating component 4 connected to an end surface 22T on the +Z side of the thermoelectric module 2; a fan 5 disposed at a position closer to the +Z side than the heat dissipating component 4; and a second load 6 generating power for rotating the fan 5.

[0032] The thermoelectric module 2 generates electric energy by utilizing the Seebeck effect. The thermoelectric module 2 generates electric energy by heating the end surface 21T on the −Z side of the thermoelectric module 2 and cooling the end surface 22T on the +Z side of the thermoelectric module 2 .

[0033] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the thermoelectric module 2 according to the present embodiment. The thermoelectric module 2 includes: a first substrate 21; a second substrate 22; a plurality of electrodes 23 disposed on a surface 21S of the first substrate 21; a plurality of electrodes 24 disposed on a surface 22S of the second substrate 22; and a plurality of thermoelectric elements 25 connected to the plurality of electrodes 23 and the plurality of electrodes 24, respectively.

[0034] The first substrate 21 and the second substrate 22 are respectively formed of an electrically insulating material such as ceramic or polyimide. The first substrate 21 is arranged at a position closer to the -Z side than the thermoelectric element 25. The second substrate 22 is arranged at a position closer to the +Z side than the thermoelectric element 25. The first substrate 21 has a surface 21S facing the +Z side and an end face 21T facing the -Z side. The surface 21S and the end face 21T of the first substrate 21 are respectively parallel to the XY plane. The second substrate 22 has a surface 22S facing the -Z side and an end face 22T facing the +Z side. The surface 22S and the end face 22T of the second substrate 22 are respectively parallel to the XY plane. The end face 21T of the first substrate 21 includes the end face 21T of the thermoelectric module 2. The end face 22T of the second substrate 22 includes the end face 22T of the thermoelectric module 2.

[0035] The plurality of electrodes 23 are arranged in a matrix on the surface 21S of the first substrate 21. The plurality of electrodes 24 are arranged in a matrix on the surface 22S of the second substrate 22.

[0036] The thermoelectric element 25 includes, for example, a BiTe-based thermoelectric material. The thermoelectric element 25 includes an n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 25N and a p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 25P. The n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 25N and the p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 25P are alternately arranged in the XY plane. The electrode 23 is connected to the end surface on the -Z side of the n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 25N and the end surface on the -Z side of the p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 25P, respectively. The electrode 24 is connected to the end surface on the +Z side of the n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 25N and the end surface on the +Z side of the p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 25P, respectively.

[0037] By heating the first substrate 21 and cooling the second substrate 22, a temperature difference is generated between the end surface on the -Z side and the end surface on the +Z side of each of the n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 25N and the p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 25P. When a temperature difference is generated between the end surface on the -Z side and the end surface on the +Z side of the n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 25N, electrons move from the end surface on the -Z side to the end surface on the +Z side in the n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 25N. When a temperature difference is generated between the end surface on the -Z side and the end surface on the +Z side of the p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 25P, holes move from the end surface on the -Z side to the end surface on the +Z side in the p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 25P. The n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 25N and the p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 25P are connected in series via the electrode 23 and the electrode 24. A potential difference is generated between the electrode 23 and the electrode 24 by the electrons and the holes. The thermoelectric module 2 generates electric energy by generating a potential difference between the electrode 23 and the electrode 24 .

[0038] The heat absorbing member 3 receives heat from the heat source and transfers it to the thermoelectric module 2. The heat absorbing member 3 is formed of a metal material such as aluminum or copper. The heat absorbing member 3 is connected to the end surface 21T of the thermoelectric module 2.

[0039] The heat dissipation member 4 absorbs heat from the thermoelectric module 2. The heat dissipation member 4 is formed of a metal material such as aluminum. The heat dissipation member 4 is arranged between the thermoelectric module 2 and the fan 5 in the Z-axis direction.

[0040] The heat dissipation member 4 includes a heat sink. The heat dissipation member 4 includes a heat dissipation plate 4P connected to the end surface 22T of the thermoelectric module 2, and heat dissipation fins 4F supported by the heat dissipation plate 4P. The heat dissipation fins 4F are pin fins. Alternatively, the heat dissipation fins 4F may be plate fins.

[0041] The fan 5 rotates to circulate air around the heat sink 4 and cool the end surface 22T of the thermoelectric module 2. The fan 5 is disposed closer to the +Z side than the thermoelectric module 2 and the heat sink 4. The fan 5 rotates to cool the heat sink 4 and the second substrate 22.

[0042] The motor 6 generates power to rotate the fan 5. The fan 5 is rotated by driving the motor 6. The fan 5 is rotated to circulate air around the heat sink 4, thereby promoting heat dissipation by the heat sink 4. The heat dissipation by the heat sink 4 cools the second substrate 22.

[0043] The electric energy generated from the thermoelectric module 2 is distributed to the first load and the second load. In the present embodiment, the first load is an external load 7 provided outside the thermoelectric device 1. The second load is a motor 6. The motor 6 is driven by the electric energy generated from the thermoelectric module 2. The thermoelectric device 1 is a self-supporting thermoelectric device that drives the motor 6 provided in the thermoelectric device 1 by the electric energy generated from the thermoelectric module 2.

[0044] In the following description, the external load 7 is appropriately referred to as a first load 7 , and the motor 6 is appropriately referred to as a second load 6 .

[0045] <Terminal>

[0046] Figure 3 FIG. 2 is a top view showing an example of the first substrate 21 according to the present embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the thermoelectric module 2 includes a first substrate 21 and a plurality of electrodes 23 disposed on a surface 21S of the first substrate 21. The plurality of electrodes 23 are respectively connected to thermoelectric elements 25. The plurality of electrodes 23 are connected in series via the plurality of thermoelectric elements 25.

[0047] The first substrate 21 has a quadrilateral shape in the XY plane. The first substrate 21 has four edge portions 21E. The edge portion 21E includes a pair of first edge portions 21EX extending in the X-axis direction and a pair of second edge portions 21EY extending in the Y-axis direction.

[0048] In the XY plane, the outer shape of the electrode 23 is a quadrilateral. The shapes and sizes of the plurality of electrodes 23 are equal. The plurality of electrodes 23 are arranged in a matrix on the surface 21S of the first substrate 21. The electrodes 23 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0049] The thermoelectric module 2 includes at least three terminals 8, each connected to a different electrode 23, and connected to one or both of the first load 7 and the second load 6. The terminal 8 is arranged between the electrode 23 and the edge 21E of the first substrate 21 on the surface 21S of the first substrate 21. In the present embodiment, the terminal 8 is arranged between the electrode 23 closest to the -Y side among the plurality of electrodes 23 arranged along the Y-axis direction and the first edge 21EX of the first substrate 21 on the -Y side.

[0050] In this embodiment, the terminal 8 includes: a first terminal 81 connected to the first load 7 ; a second terminal 82 connected to the first load 7 and the second load 6 , respectively; and a third terminal 83 connected to the second load 6 .

[0051] The first terminal 81 , the second terminal 82 , and the third terminal 83 are arranged along the X-axis direction between the electrode 23 and the first edge portion 21EX.

[0052] The first terminal 81 is connected to the electrode 23 closest to the +X side among the plurality of electrodes 23 arranged along the X-axis direction. The second terminal 82 is connected to the electrode 23 closest to the -X side among the plurality of electrodes 23 arranged along the X-axis direction. The third terminal 83 is arranged between the first terminal 81 and the second terminal 82 in the X-axis direction. That is, the third terminal 83 is connected to the electrode 23 between the electrode 23 connected to the first terminal 81 and the electrode 23 connected to the second terminal 82.

[0053] Figure 4 Schematic diagram showing the connection between the terminal 8 and the first load 7 and the second load 6 according to the present embodiment. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the first terminal 81 is a positive terminal. The second terminal 82 is a negative terminal. The third terminal 83 is a positive terminal. The first terminal 81 is connected to the first load 7 via the lead 11. The first terminal 81 is not connected to the second load 6. The second terminal 82 is connected to both the first load 7 and the second load 6 via the lead 12. The third terminal 83 is connected to the second load 6 via the lead 13. The third terminal 83 is not connected to the first load 7. The voltage V between the first terminal 81 and the second terminal 82 el is greater than the voltage V between the second terminal 82 and the third terminal 83 fan Voltage V el is the voltage applied to the first load 7. Voltage V fan is the voltage applied to the second load 6.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the third terminal 83 includes a plurality of third terminals 83A, 83B, and 83C respectively connected to different electrodes 23. Among the three electrodes 23 connected to the third terminals 83A, 83B, and 83C, the electrode 23 connected to the third terminal 83A is farthest from the electrode 23 connected to the second terminal 82, and the electrode 23 connected to the third terminal 83C is closest to the electrode 23 connected to the second terminal 82. By selecting the third terminal 83 connected to the lead 13 from the plurality of third terminals 83A, 83B, and 83C, the voltage V fan By connecting the lead 13 to the third terminal 83A, the voltage V fan By connecting the lead 13 to the third terminal 83C, the voltage V fan By connecting the lead 13 to the third terminal 83B, the voltage V fan Adjust to a mid-range voltage.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first terminal 81 and the third terminal 83 as positive terminals are arranged closer to the +X side than the center of the first substrate 21 in the X-axis direction. The second terminal 82 is arranged closer to the −X side than the center of the first substrate 21 in the X-axis direction.

[0056] Figure 5 FIG. 8 is a top view showing the first terminal 81 according to the present embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, the first terminal 81 as a positive terminal includes: a first portion 71 protruding from the electrode 23 toward the first edge portion 21EX; a second portion 72 connected to the front end portion of the first portion 71 on the -Y side and extending between the electrode 23 and the first edge portion 21EX in the X-axis direction; and a third portion 73 protruding from the second portion 72 toward the first edge portion 21EX. The second portion 72 of the first terminal 81 protrudes from the front end portion of the first portion 71 toward the center of the first substrate 21 in the X-axis direction.

[0057] The third terminal 83 as the positive terminal has the same shape as the first terminal 81. That is, the third terminal 83 also includes: a first portion 71 protruding from the electrode 23 toward the first edge portion 21EX; a second portion 72 connected to the front end portion on the -Y side of the first portion 71 and extending between the electrode 23 and the first edge portion 21EX in the X-axis direction; and a third portion 73 protruding from the second portion 72 toward the first edge portion 21EX. The second portion 72 of the third terminal 83 protrudes from the front end portion of the first portion 71 toward the center of the first substrate 21 in the X-axis direction.

[0058] Figure 6FIG. 8 is a top view showing the second terminal 82 according to the present embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, the second terminal 82 as a -terminal includes: a first portion 71 protruding from the electrode 23 toward the first edge portion 21EX; a second portion 72 connected to the front end portion of the -Y side of the first portion 71 and extending between the electrode 23 and the first edge portion 21EX in the X-axis direction; and a third portion 73 protruding from the second portion 72 toward the first edge portion 21EX. The second portion 72 of the second terminal 82 protrudes from the front end portion of the first portion 71 toward the center of the first substrate 21 in the X-axis direction.

[0059] <How to adjust the thermoelectric module>

[0060] Next, the adjustment method of the thermoelectric module 2 is described. In addition, the adjustment method described below is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As described above, in the present embodiment, the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric module 2 is distributed to the first load 7 (external load) and the second load 6 (motor). When the power generation output representing the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric module 2 is set to P g , the effective output representing the electric energy distributed to the first load 7 is set to P e , the power consumption representing the electric energy allocated to the second load 6 is set to P f When , equation (1) holds.

[0061]

Mathematical formula 1

[0062] P e =P g -P f …(1)

[0063] In this embodiment, the step of adjusting the thermoelectric module 2 includes determining the effective output P e Become the maximum voltage V fan In the following instructions, the effective output P e Become the maximum voltage V fan Properly called the optimum voltage V fan_op In addition, the optimal voltage V fan_op It may not be a valid output P e Become the maximum voltage V fan , can also be a valid output P e The voltage V becomes greater than a predetermined value. fan .

[0064] Figure 7 Schematic diagram showing the thermal resistance of the thermoelectric device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 7 As shown, the heat absorbing component 3, the thermoelectric module 2 and the heat dissipating component 4 are connected in series. The temperature of the heat source that heats the thermoelectric module 2 is set to T sThe temperature of the air space around the thermoelectric module 2 is set to T a The thermal resistance of the heat absorbing component 3 is R h The thermal resistance of the thermoelectric module 2 is set to R m . Let the thermal resistance of the heat dissipation component 4 be R c The temperature of the end surface 21T on the high temperature side of the thermoelectric module 2 connected to the heat absorbing member 3 is T hj The temperature of the end surface 22T on the low temperature side of the thermoelectric module 2 connected to the heat sink 4 is T cj The amount of heat that penetrates the thermoelectric device 1 from the heat source including the heat absorbing component 3, the thermoelectric module 2, and the heat dissipating component 4 to the air space is Q n .

[0065] Figure 8 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for adjusting the thermoelectric module 2 according to the present embodiment. The method for adjusting the thermoelectric module 2 includes: fan_op method of decision.

[0066] Fig. 9 1 is a block diagram showing a computer system 1000 according to the present embodiment. The computer system 1000 includes: a processor 1001 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit); a main memory 1002 including a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory); a storage 1003; and an interface 1004 including input and output circuits. The computer system 1000 determines the optimal voltage V fan_op The memory 1003 stores the information used to determine the optimal voltage V fan_op The processor 1001 reads the program from the storage 1003 and expands it in the main memory 1002, and determines the optimal voltage V according to the program. fan_op In addition, the program may be distributed to the computer system 1000 via a network.

[0067] The processor 1001 obtains the voltage V applied to the second load 6 fan Thermal resistance R c relevant data (step S1).

[0068] In this embodiment, the voltage V fan Thermal resistance R c The relevant data include the voltage V fan Thermal resistance R c The relationship between the relationship.

[0069] Fig.10 is a voltage V applied to the second load 6 according to the present embodiment. fan The air volume F generated by fan 5 fan A diagram of the relationship between . Fig.11 represents the air volume F applied to the heat dissipation member 4 according to the present embodiment. fan Thermal resistance R c A diagram of the relationship between .

[0070] exist Fig.10 In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the voltage V applied to the second load 6. fan [V], the vertical axis represents the voltage V applied to the second load 6 fan The air volume F generated by fan 5 fan [m 3 / min]. Fig.11 In FIG. 1 , the horizontal axis represents the air volume F applied to the heat dissipation component 4. fan , the vertical axis represents the applied air volume F fan The thermal resistance R of the heat sink 4 is c [K / W].

[0071] The voltage V applied to the second load 6 fan Applying voltage V to the second load 6 fan The air volume F generated by fan 5 fan In the formula (2), a is a constant.

[0072]

Mathematical formula 2

[0073] F fan =a×V fan …(2)

[0074] The air volume F applied from the fan 5 to the heat dissipation member 4 fan With applied air volume F fan The thermal resistance R of the heat sink 4 is c In the formula (3), b and c are constants.

[0075]

Mathematical formula 3

[0076]

[0077] Fig.10 This is a graph showing equation (2). Fig.11 This is a graph showing equation (3).

[0078] Fig.12 is a voltage V applied to the second load 6 according to the present embodiment. fanThermal resistance R c A diagram showing the relationship between . Fig.12 In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the voltage V applied to the second load 6. fan [V], the vertical axis represents the voltage V applied to the second load 6 fan The thermal resistance R of the heat sink 4 is c [K / W] According to equations (2) and (3), the voltage V applied to the second load 6 is fan Applying voltage V to the second load 6 fan The thermal resistance R of the heat sink 4 is c The equation (4) holds true.

[0079]

Mathematical formula 4

[0080] R c =a -c ×b×V fan -c …(4)

[0081] Fig.12 This is a graph showing equation (4).

[0082] The voltage V shown in equation (4) fan With thermal resistance R c The data related to the relationship between is pre-stored in the memory 1003. The processor 1001 obtains the voltage V shown in equation (4) from the memory 1003 fan With thermal resistance R c The relationship between the voltage V fan With thermal resistance R c relevant data.

[0083] After obtaining the voltage V fan With thermal resistance R c After the relevant data is received, the processor 1001 sets the voltage V fan Set to the initial value (step S2).

[0084] At voltage V fan After being set to the initial value, the processor 1001 applies a voltage V fan And the applied voltage V fan The current I flowing through the second load 6 is fan , calculate the power consumption P f (Step S3).

[0085] The voltage V applied to the second load 6 fan With applied voltage V fan The current I flowing through the second load 6 is fanThe relationship between is known data that can be derived from the specification data of the second load 6 and is pre-stored in the memory 1003. fan With current I fan The relationship between can also be derived through, for example, preliminary experiments or simulations. The processor 1001 calculates the power consumption P based on equation (5): f .

[0086]

Mathematical formula 5

[0087] P f =I fan ×V fan …(5)

[0088] The processor 1001 is based on the thermal resistance R of the heat absorbing component 3 h 、Thermal resistance R of thermoelectric module 2 m , thermal resistance R of heat dissipation component 4 c , the temperature of the heat source T s and the temperature of the atmosphere T a , calculate the temperature T of the end surface 21T on the high temperature side of the thermoelectric module 2 hj and the temperature T of the end surface 22T on the low temperature side cj (Step S4).

[0089] Generally speaking, when the temperature difference between the two end surfaces of an object with thermal resistance R is ΔT, the amount of heat Q that penetrates the object is expressed by equation (6).

[0090]

Mathematical formula 6

[0091]

[0092] Therefore, the through heat Q of the thermoelectric device 1 is n is calculated based on equation (7). In addition, the temperature T of the high temperature side of the thermoelectric module 2 hjn+1 and the temperature T on the low temperature side cjn+1 It is calculated based on equation (8) and equation (9).

[0093]

Mathematical formula 7

[0094]

[0095]

Mathematical formula 8

[0096] T hjn+1 =T s -Q n ×R h …(8)

[0097]

Mathematical formula 9

[0098] T cjn+1 =Ta +Q n ×R c …(9)

[0099] In equations (7) and (9), the thermal resistance R c is obtained by setting the voltage V set in step S2 fan Substitute the initial value of into equation (4) to calculate. In equation (7), the thermal resistance R m It is calculated based on formula (10) and formula (11).

[0100]

Mathematical formula 10

[0101]

[0102]

Mathematical formula 11

[0103] R m =a×T m 3 +b×T m 2 +c×T m +d…(11)

[0104] As shown in formula (10), the temperature T m is the temperature T of the end surface 21T on the high temperature side of the thermoelectric module 2 hj The temperature T of the end surface 22T on the low temperature side cj In formula (11), constants a, b, c, and d are inherent values ​​determined by the material of the thermoelectric element 25. As shown in formula (11), the thermal resistance R of the thermoelectric module 2 is m is the temperature T m (Temperature T hj , Temperature T cj ) function.

[0105] Processor 1001 performs operation [T hjn+1 -T hjn ] and operation [T cjn+1 -T cjn ], and determine [T hjn+1 -T hjn ] and the value of [T cjn+1 -T cjn ] is approximately 0 (step S5).

[0106] In [T hjn+1 -T hjn ] and 0 is less than a predetermined threshold, the processor 1001 determines that [T hjn+1 -T hjn ] is approximately 0. cjn+1 -Tcjn ] and 0 is less than a predetermined threshold, the processor 1001 determines that [T cjn+1 -T cjn ] is approximately 0.

[0107] In addition, in the first calculation, the temperature T on the high temperature side hjn Assigned an initial value T hj0 , the temperature of the low temperature side T cjn Assigned an initial value T cj0 . Initial value T hj0 And the initial value T cj0 are arbitrary values.

[0108] In step S5, if it is determined that [T hjn+1 -T hjn ] and the value of [T cjn+1 -T cjn ] is close to 0 (step S5: No), the processor 1001 returns to the process of step S4. The processor 1001 repeats the above process until it is determined that [T hjn+1 -T hjn ] and the value of [T cjn+1 -T cjn ] is approximately 0.

[0109] In step S5, if it is determined that [T hjn+1 -T hjn ] and the value of [T cjn+1 -T cjn ] is close to 0 (step S5: Yes), the processor 1001 calculates the value of [T hjn+1 -T hjn ] and the value of [T cjn+1 -T cjn The temperature T when the value of ] is close to 0 hjn and temperature T cjn To calculate the power output P g (Step S6).

[0110] Power output P g It is calculated based on the formula (12). In the formula (12), the constant A is a specific constant determined based on the material of the thermoelectric element 25.

[0111]

Mathematical formula 12

[0112] p g =A(T hjn -T cjn ) 2 …(12)

[0113] The processor 1001 calculates the power consumption P in step S3 based on the power consumption Pf and the power generation output P calculated in step S7 g To calculate the effective output P e That is, the processor 1001 calculates the effective output P based on equation (1): e (Step S7).

[0114] By the above method, calculate the voltage V fan The effective output P when it is the initial value e The processor 1001 sets the voltage V fan The processor 1001 changes the voltage V to an arbitrary value and executes the processing from step S3 to step S7. fan , and respectively for multiple voltages V fan The processing from step S3 to step S7 is executed.

[0115] Processor 1001 determines voltage V fan Is the change completed (step S8).

[0116] In step S8, if it is determined that the voltage V fan If the change of voltage V is not completed (step S8: No), the processor 1001 changes the voltage V fan Thereafter (step S9), the processes from step S3 to step S7 are executed.

[0117] Fig.13 is a voltage V applied to the second load 6 according to the present embodiment. fan With effective output P e A diagram showing the relationship between . Fig.13 In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the voltage V applied to the second load 6. fan The vertical axis represents the voltage V applied to the second load 6. fan The effective output P e The processor 1001 changes the voltage V fan , and execute the processing from step S3 to step S7 to calculate the voltage V applied to the motor 10 fan The effective output P e .exist Fig.13 In the example shown, the voltage V applied to the second load 6 is calculated. fan _ 1 、V fan _ 2 、V fan _ 3 、V fan _ 4 、V fan _ 5 The effective output P e .

[0118] In step S8, if it is determined that the voltage V fan When the change is completed (step S8: Yes), the processor 1001 Fig.13 The voltage V fan With effective output P e The relationship between the effective output P e The maximum optimum voltage V fan_op (Step S9).

[0119] That is, the processor 1001 sequentially changes the voltage V applied to the second load 6. fan Thus, the multiple valid outputs P are calculated e , determine the optimal voltage V applied to the second load 6 fan_op .exist Fig.13 In the example shown, the effective output P e Become the maximum voltage V fan_3 By the optimum voltage fan_op Decide.

[0120] <Effect>

[0121] As described above, according to the present embodiment, at least three terminals 8 are provided, each connected to a different electrode 23. The terminal 8 is connected to one or both of the first load 7 and the second load 6 via a lead wire. Thus, when the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric module 2 is distributed to the first load 7 and the second load 6, the electric energy can be efficiently supplied to the first load 7 and the second load 6, respectively.

[0122] The terminal 8 is arranged between the electrode 23 and the edge portion 21E of the first substrate 21 on the surface 21S of the first substrate 21. Thus, the connection between the terminal 8 and the lead wire can be smoothly performed.

[0123] The terminal 8 includes a first terminal 81 connected only to the first load 7, a second terminal 82 connected to both the first load 7 and the second load 6, and a third terminal 83 connected only to the second load 6. Thus, while the number of terminals 8 is reduced, electric energy can be efficiently supplied to the first load 7 and the second load 6, respectively.

[0124] The first substrate has a first edge portion 21EX extending in the X-axis direction. The first terminal 81, the second terminal 82, and the third terminal 83 are arranged in the X-axis direction between the electrode 23 and the first edge portion 21EX. Thus, the first terminal 81, the second terminal 82, and the third terminal 83 can be smoothly connected to the lead 11, the lead 12, and the lead 13, respectively.

[0125] The third terminal 83 is arranged between the first terminal 81 and the second terminal 82 in the X-axis direction. el is greater than the voltage V applied to the second load 6 fan .

[0126] The terminal 8 includes: a first portion 71 protruding from the electrode 23 toward the first edge portion 21EX; a second portion 72 connected to the front end of the first portion 71 and extending between the electrode 23 and the first edge portion 21EX in the X-axis direction; and a third portion 73 protruding from the second portion 72 toward the first edge portion 21EX. In the X-axis direction, the first terminal 81 and the third terminal 83 as positive terminals are arranged at positions closer to the +X side than the center of the first substrate 21, and the second terminal 82 as a negative terminal is arranged at a position closer to the -X side than the center of the first substrate 21. The second portion 72 of each of the first terminal 81, the second terminal 82, and the third terminal 83 protrudes from the front end of the first portion 71 toward the center of the first substrate 21. Thus, the operator can distinguish whether the terminal 8 is a positive terminal or a negative terminal based on the shape of the terminal 8. That is, the operator can visually distinguish whether the terminal 8 is a positive terminal or a negative terminal.

[0127] Based on the voltage V applied to the second load 6 being changed sequentially fan Thus, the multiple valid outputs P are calculated e , determines the effective output P e The maximum optimum voltage V fan_op Thus, the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric module 2 can be efficiently distributed to the first load 7 and the second load 6 .

[0128] [Second embodiment]

[0129] In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent components as those in the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted.

[0130] Fig.14 FIG. 2 is a top view showing an example of the first substrate 21 according to the present embodiment. Fig.14 As shown, the terminal 8 includes: a first terminal 81 connected to the first load 7; a second terminal 82 connected to the first load 7; a third terminal 83 connected to the second load 6; and a fourth terminal 84 connected to the second load 6. The first terminal 81 is connected to the first load 7 via the lead 11. The second terminal 82 is connected to the first load 7 via the lead 12. The third terminal 83 is connected to the second load 6 via the lead 13. The fourth terminal 84 is connected to the second load 6 via the lead 14.

[0131] The first terminal 81 and the third terminal 83 are positive terminals. The second terminal 82 and the fourth terminal 84 are negative terminals. In the X-axis direction, the first terminal 81 and the third terminal 83 are arranged at a position closer to the +X side than the center of the first substrate 21, and the second terminal 82 and the fourth terminal 84 are arranged at a position closer to the -X side than the center of the first substrate 21.

[0132] Similar to the above embodiment, the first substrate 21 has a first edge portion 21EX extending in the X-axis direction. The first terminal 81 , the second terminal 82 , the third terminal 83 , and the fourth terminal 94 are arranged in the X-axis direction between the electrode 23 and the first edge portion 21EX.

[0133] The third terminal 83 and the fourth terminal 84 are arranged between the first terminal 81 and the second terminal 82 in the X-axis direction.

[0134] The first terminal 81, the second terminal 82, the third terminal 83 and the fourth terminal 84 respectively include: a first portion 71, which protrudes from the electrode 23 toward the first edge portion 21EX; a second portion 72, which is connected to the front end portion on the -Y side of the first portion 71 and extends along the X-axis direction between the electrode 23 and the first edge portion 21EX; and a third portion 73, which protrudes from the second portion 72 toward the first edge portion 21EX.

[0135] The second portion 72 of each of the first terminal 81 , the second terminal 82 , the third terminal 83 , and the fourth terminal 84 protrudes from the front end portion of the first portion 71 toward the center of the first substrate 21 in the X-axis direction.

[0136] As described above, in the present embodiment, even when the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric module 2 is distributed to the first load 7 and the second load 6 , the electric energy can be efficiently supplied to each of the first load 7 and the second load 6 .

[0137] The first substrate 21 has a first edge portion 21EX extending in the X-axis direction. The first terminal 81, the second terminal 82, the third terminal 83, and the fourth terminal 84 are arranged in the X-axis direction between the electrode 23 and the first edge portion 21EX. Thus, the first terminal 81, the second terminal 82, the third terminal 83, and the fourth terminal 84 can be smoothly connected to each lead 11, the lead 12, the lead 13, and the lead 14.

[0138] The third terminal 83 and the fourth terminal 84 are arranged between the first terminal 81 and the second terminal 82 in the X-axis direction. That is, the third terminal 83 and the fourth terminal 84 are respectively connected to the electrode 23 between the electrode 23 connected to the first terminal 81 and the electrode 23 connected to the second terminal 82. Thus, the voltage V applied to the first load 7 can be elis greater than the voltage V applied to the second load 6 fan .

[0139] The terminal 8 includes: a first portion 71 protruding from the electrode 23 toward the first edge portion 21EX; a second portion 72 connected to the front end of the first portion 71 and extending between the electrode 23 and the first edge portion 21EX in the X-axis direction; and a third portion 73 protruding from the second portion 72 toward the first edge portion 21EX. In the X-axis direction, the first terminal 81 and the third terminal 83 as positive terminals are arranged at positions closer to the +X side than the center of the first substrate 21, and the second terminal 82 and the fourth terminal 84 as negative terminals are arranged at positions closer to the -X side than the center of the first substrate 21. The second portion 72 of each of the first terminal 81, the second terminal 82, the third terminal 83, and the fourth terminal 84 protrudes from the front end of the first portion 71 toward the center of the first substrate 21. Thus, the operator can distinguish whether the terminal 8 is a positive terminal or a negative terminal based on the shape of the terminal 8. That is, the operator can distinguish whether the terminal 8 is a positive terminal or a negative terminal by sight.

[0140] [Other embodiments]

[0141] In the above embodiment, the first load 7 is an external load, and the second load 6 is a motor for rotating the fan 5. For example, both the first load 7 and the second load 6 may be external loads disposed outside the thermoelectric device 1. In addition, a method in which there are three or more loads may be applied.

[0142] In the above-described embodiment, one or both of the heat absorbing member 3 and the heat dissipating member 4 may be omitted.

[0143] Description of symbols

[0144] 1…thermoelectric device, 2…thermoelectric module, 3…heat absorbing component, 4…heat dissipating component, 4F…heat sink, 4P…heat plate, 5…fan, 6…motor, 7…external load, 8…terminal, 11…lead, 12…lead, 13…lead, 14…lead, 21…first substrate, 21E…edge, 21EX…first edge, 21EY…second edge, 21S…surface, 21T…end surface, 22…second substrate, 22S…surface, 22T…end surface, 23…electrode, 24…electrode, 25…thermoelectric element, 25N…n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element, 25P…p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element, 71…first portion, 72…second portion, 73…third portion, 81…first terminal, 82…second terminal, 83…third terminal, 83A…third terminal, 83B…third terminal, 83C…third terminal, 84…fourth terminal.

Claims

1. A thermoelectric module comprising: substrate; A plurality of electrodes are disposed on the surface of the substrate; a plurality of thermoelectric elements, connected to the plurality of electrodes respectively; and At least three terminals are respectively connected in series with different electrodes and connected to one or both of the first load and the second load, The terminal comprises: a first terminal connected to the first load; a second terminal connected to the first load and the second load respectively; and a third terminal connected to the second load, The substrate has a first edge portion extending along a first axis direction, The plurality of third terminals are arranged between the first terminal and the second terminal in the first axial direction, The first terminal is a positive terminal, The second terminal is a negative terminal, The third terminal is a positive terminal.

2. The thermoelectric module according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal is arranged on the surface of the substrate between the electrode and an edge portion of the substrate.

3. The thermoelectric module according to claim 2, wherein: The first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal are arranged between the electrode and the first edge portion along the first axis direction.

4. The thermoelectric module according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal includes: a first portion protruding from the electrode toward the first edge portion; a second portion connected to the front end of the first portion and extending along the first axis between the electrode and the first edge portion; and a third portion protruding from the second portion toward the first edge portion, In the first axis direction, the first terminal and the third terminal are arranged on one side closer to the substrate than the center of the substrate, and the second terminal is arranged on the other side closer to the substrate than the center of the substrate. The second portion of each of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal protrudes from a front end portion of the first portion toward the center of the substrate.

5. A thermoelectric module comprising: substrate; A plurality of electrodes are disposed on the surface of the substrate; a plurality of thermoelectric elements, connected to the plurality of electrodes respectively; and At least three terminals are respectively connected in series with different electrodes and connected to one or both of the first load and the second load, The terminal comprises: a first terminal connected to the first load; a second terminal connected to the first load; a third terminal connected to the second load; and a fourth terminal connected to the second load, The substrate has a first edge portion extending along a first axis direction, There are multiple third terminals. The third terminal and the fourth terminal are arranged between the first terminal and the second terminal in the first axial direction. The first terminal is a positive terminal, The second terminal is a negative terminal, The third terminal is a positive terminal, The fourth terminal is a negative terminal.

6. The thermoelectric module according to claim 5, wherein: The first terminal, the second terminal, the third terminal, and the fourth terminal are arranged between the electrode and the first edge portion along the first axis direction.

7. The thermoelectric module according to claim 5, wherein: The terminal includes: a first portion protruding from the electrode toward the first edge portion; a second portion connected to the front end of the first portion and extending along the first axis between the electrode and the first edge portion; and a third portion protruding from the second portion toward the first edge portion, In the first axis direction, the first terminal and the third terminal are arranged on one side closer to the substrate than the center of the substrate, and the second terminal and the fourth terminal are arranged on the other side closer to the substrate than the center of the substrate. The second portion of each of the first terminal, the second terminal, the third terminal, and the fourth terminal protrudes from a front end portion of the first portion toward the center of the substrate.

8. A method for adjusting a thermoelectric module, which is the method for adjusting a thermoelectric module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: calculating power consumption representing electrical energy distributed to the second load based on the voltage applied to the second load; Calculating the temperature of the end surface on the high temperature side and the temperature of the end surface on the low temperature side of the thermoelectric module based on the thermal resistance of the thermoelectric module, the temperature of a heat source that heats the thermoelectric module, and the temperature of the air space around the thermoelectric module; calculating a power generation output representing electric energy generated by the thermoelectric module based on the temperature of the end surface on the high temperature side and the temperature of the end surface on the low temperature side; as well as calculating an effective output representing electrical energy distributed to the first load based on the power consumption and the power generation output, Here, an optimal voltage applied to the second load is determined based on the plurality of effective outputs calculated by sequentially changing the voltage applied to the second load.

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