A thermoelectric power generation structure, closed loop control system and method

By designing a thermoelectric power generation structure and a closed-loop control system, the problems of normal operation and low back pressure of the waste heat thermoelectric power generation system under engine load changes were solved, achieving the effects of high-efficiency power generation and low back pressure.

CN114826023BActive Publication Date: 2026-04-24ZHEJIANG ZHENENG SMART ENERGY TECH IND PARK CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
ZHEJIANG ZHENENG SMART ENERGY TECH IND PARK CO LTD
Filing Date
2022-03-10
Publication Date
2026-04-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

How to ensure the normal operation of the waste heat thermoelectric power generation system and the engine back pressure is low enough to solve the problem of fluctuating exhaust gas temperature caused by changes in engine load.

Method used

Design a thermoelectric power generation structure, including a waste smoke and gas channel and a waste heat recovery channel. The waste heat recovery channel is located around the waste smoke and gas channel. A thermoelectric power generation unit is set up, and closed-loop control is realized through a differential pressure sensor and a controller to adjust the opening of the waste smoke and gas channel to control the temperature and pressure.

Benefits of technology

This system enables efficient operation of the waste heat thermoelectric power generation system, ensures sufficiently low engine back pressure, improves power generation efficiency and heat recovery rate, and reduces maintenance difficulty.

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Abstract

The application discloses a temperature difference power generation structure, a closed-loop control system and a method, relates to the technical field of waste heat recycling and power generation, and comprises a waste smoke and waste gas channel and a waste heat recycling channel; the waste heat recycling channel is located around the waste smoke and waste gas channel; the waste heat recycling channel is externally provided with a temperature difference power generation unit; one end of the waste smoke and waste gas channel and one end of the waste heat recycling channel are communicated; the other end of the waste smoke and waste gas channel and the other end of the waste heat recycling channel are communicated; a controller controls the temperature and the pressure in the waste smoke and waste gas channel in a closed loop, and can ensure that the temperature difference power generation unit normally and efficiently carries out waste heat recycling and power generation and the back pressure of an engine discharging waste smoke and waste gas is low enough in view of the technical problem of how to ensure that the waste heat temperature difference power generation system normally operates and the back pressure of the engine is low enough. It is verified through experiments that the temperature difference power generation structure has low maintenance rate, high power generation efficiency and high heat recycling rate.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of waste heat recovery and power generation technology, specifically to a thermoelectric power generation structure, closed-loop control system, and method. Background Technology

[0002] Under the premise of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, utilizing engine exhaust waste heat for power generation improves overall energy utilization efficiency and is a low-carbon and energy-saving technology. Engine exhaust waste heat thermoelectric generators are an advanced waste heat power generation technology with a compact structure, a purely solid-state power generation process, and simple maintenance, showing broad application prospects. Due to frequent changes in engine load, the exhaust temperature fluctuates greatly; simultaneously, the engine exhaust back pressure has certain requirements and cannot be too high, otherwise it will affect the normal operation of the engine. Therefore, the development of technology that can simultaneously ensure the normal and efficient operation of the waste heat thermoelectric generator and sufficiently low engine back pressure is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] 1. The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] To address the technical problem of ensuring the normal operation of a waste heat thermoelectric power generation system and sufficiently low engine back pressure, this invention provides a thermoelectric power generation structure, a closed-loop control system, and a method that can ensure the normal operation of the waste heat thermoelectric power generation system and sufficiently low engine back pressure.

[0005] 2. Technical Solution

[0006] To solve the above problems, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] Firstly, this invention provides a thermoelectric power generation structure, including a waste smoke and gas channel and a waste heat recovery channel; the waste heat recovery channel is located around the waste smoke and gas channel; a thermoelectric power generation unit is provided on the outer side of the waste heat recovery channel; one end of the waste smoke and gas channel is connected to one end of the waste heat recovery channel; the other end of the waste smoke and gas channel is connected to the other end of the waste heat recovery channel. This ensures that the thermoelectric power generation unit can perform waste heat recovery and power generation normally and efficiently, while ensuring that the engine back pressure emitting waste smoke and gas is sufficiently low. Experimental verification shows that the thermoelectric power generation structure of this solution has a low maintenance rate, high power generation efficiency, and high heat recovery utilization rate.

[0008] Furthermore, one end of the waste smoke and exhaust gas passage is connected to the engine exhaust passage, or at least one of the two ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas passage and the waste heat recovery passage is connected to the engine exhaust passage. This is used to generate electricity using the heat from the waste smoke and exhaust gas emitted from the engine exhaust passage.

[0009] Furthermore, the waste heat recovery channels are evenly distributed around the waste smoke and exhaust gas channels. This is used to fully utilize the heat from the waste smoke and exhaust gas emitted from the engine exhaust channels for power generation, thereby improving the waste heat recovery and utilization rate and the power generation efficiency per unit space.

[0010] Furthermore, the waste smoke and exhaust gas passage is equipped with a valve to adjust the opening of the waste smoke and exhaust gas passage, thereby controlling the temperature and pressure, ensuring that the thermoelectric power generation unit can perform waste heat recovery and power generation normally and efficiently, and at the same time ensuring that the engine back pressure of the exhaust smoke and exhaust gas is low enough.

[0011] Furthermore, at least one end of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel is provided with a flange; or, at least one of the two ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel and the waste heat recovery channel is provided with a flange, which facilitates quick disassembly and installation and convenient maintenance.

[0012] Furthermore, both ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel are equipped with mounting plates, and mounting positions are provided on the mounting plates. Waste heat recovery channels are installed on the corresponding mounting positions at both ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel.

[0013] Furthermore, the installation position and the waste heat recovery channel are installed using a pull-out method. Before the waste heat recovery channel is installed in the installation position, a layer of sealant is applied to the contact area between the waste heat recovery channel and the installation position, as well as to the surface of both the waste heat recovery channel and the installation position. This installation method allows for quick assembly and disassembly, and convenient fixing, without interfering with the normal and efficient operation of each thermoelectric power generation unit. It also helps to improve the power generation efficiency per unit space of the entire structure, as well as the waste heat recovery and utilization rate.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a first housing, the two ends of which are respectively connected to mounting plates at both ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel. This serves to combine and divide the flow, while also facilitating quick installation and disassembly of the overall structure.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a second housing, which is provided at the connection between the waste smoke and waste gas channel and the waste heat recovery channel.

[0016] Furthermore, one end of the second housing is open, and the other end of the second housing is connected to the mounting plate at the waste smoke and gas duct, or the other end of the second housing is connected to the first housing on the mounting plate at the waste smoke and gas duct. The second housing and the first housing serve to protect the overall structure, and also facilitate disassembly, assembly, maintenance, and repair.

[0017] Furthermore, at least one opening of the second housing is provided with a flange, or at least one opening of the second housing communicates with the engine exhaust passage. The flange facilitates quick and easy disassembly and assembly, as well as periodic maintenance and repair.

[0018] Furthermore, the waste heat recovery channel has a cubic shape, and a thermoelectric power generation unit is provided on the outer surface of the cubic waste heat recovery channel. The thermoelectric power generation unit is mostly flat, which facilitates the adaptation to conventional thermoelectric power generation unit structures and is convenient for assembly, processing, and production.

[0019] Furthermore, the waste heat recovery channel includes detachably connected waste heat recovery concave plates. The inner surface of the waste heat recovery concave plates has protrusions, and the outer surface of the waste heat recovery concave plates is equipped with thermoelectric power generation units. The detachably connected waste heat recovery concave plates facilitate regular cleaning of the waste heat recovery channel. The protrusions increase the inner surface area of ​​the waste heat recovery channel or the waste heat recovery concave plates, allowing for the absorption of more heat, which is then conducted to the thermoelectric power generation units for power generation, improving heat utilization and power generation efficiency per unit space.

[0020] Secondly, the present invention provides a closed-loop control system for thermoelectric power generation, comprising a thermoelectric power generation structure as described in any of the above technical solutions, and further comprising: a differential pressure sensor and a controller, wherein the differential pressure sensor is disposed at both ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel, or, the differential pressure sensor is disposed at the connection point between the two ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel and the waste heat recovery channel; a temperature sensor disposed in the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel; a valve disposed in the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel; the valve's opening control component and drive component are connected; and the differential pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and drive component are all connected to the controller.

[0021] Furthermore, the controller is located on the outside of the second housing, and an opening in the first housing is connected to the engine exhaust passage.

[0022] Thirdly, the present invention provides a closed-loop control method for thermoelectric power generation, comprising: a differential pressure sensor collecting the pressure difference between the two ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel, or, a differential pressure sensor collecting the pressure difference at the connection point between the two ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel and the waste heat recovery channel, and transmitting it to a controller; a temperature sensor collecting the temperature in the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel and transmitting it to the controller; the controller receiving the pressure difference and temperature parameters; the controller comparing the pressure difference and temperature parameters with a pre-stored pressure difference threshold and a temperature threshold to determine: if at least one of the pre-stored pressure difference threshold and temperature threshold is met, the controller sends a signal to the drive unit to control the opening and closing of the valve, and the drive unit controls the opening and closing of the valve.

[0023] Furthermore, the temperature threshold is related to the normal operating temperature of the thermoelectric generator unit; the pressure difference threshold is related to the engine back pressure requirement.

[0024] 3. Beneficial effects

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided by this invention has the following advantages:

[0026] The waste smoke and exhaust gas enter one end of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel. Since both ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel and the waste heat recovery channel are connected, the waste smoke and exhaust gas will also enter the waste heat recovery channel located around the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel at the same time. The waste heat recovery channel collects waste heat for power generation through thermoelectric generators installed on its outer surface. The waste smoke and exhaust gas channel is used to discharge waste smoke and exhaust gas, preventing excessive accumulation and prolonged residence of waste smoke and exhaust gas in the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel and the waste heat recovery channel, which would lead to an increase in temperature and pressure difference between the two ends. The waste smoke and exhaust gas channel is used to discharge waste smoke and exhaust gas, which can ensure that the temperature and pressure are maintained at normal levels, thereby ensuring that the thermoelectric generator can carry out waste heat recovery and power generation normally and efficiently, while ensuring that the engine back pressure is low enough when discharging waste smoke and exhaust gas. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a closed-loop control system for thermoelectric power generation proposed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is one of the structural cross-sectional views of a thermoelectric power generation structure proposed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a second structural cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric power generation structure proposed in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To further understand the content of this invention, a detailed description of the invention will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0031] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It is understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. The terms "first," "second," etc., used in this invention are for the convenience of describing the technical solutions of the invention and have no specific limiting effect; they are all general terms and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of the invention. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other. In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, not to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances. Multiple technical solutions in the same embodiment, as well as multiple technical solutions in different embodiments, can be arranged and combined to form new technical solutions that do not contradict or conflict, all of which are within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] This embodiment proposes a thermoelectric power generation structure, such as Figure 2 The image shown is one of the cross-sectional views, including a waste flue gas duct 1 and a waste heat recovery duct 2; the waste heat recovery duct 2 is located around the waste flue gas duct 1, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown in the second cross-sectional view; a thermoelectric power generation unit 3 is provided on the outside of the waste heat recovery channel 2; one end of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1 is connected to one end of the waste heat recovery channel 2; the other end of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1 is connected to the other end of the waste heat recovery channel 2.

[0034] Waste smoke and exhaust gas enter one end of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1. Since both ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1 and the waste heat recovery channel 2 are connected, the waste smoke and exhaust gas will also enter the waste heat recovery channel 2 located around the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1 at the same time. The waste heat recovery channel 2 collects waste heat for power generation through a thermoelectric generator unit set on its outer surface. The waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1 is used to discharge waste smoke and exhaust gas, preventing excessive accumulation and prolonged residence of waste smoke and exhaust gas in the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1 and the waste heat recovery channel 2, which would lead to an increase in temperature and pressure difference between the two ends. The waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1 is used to discharge waste smoke and exhaust gas, which can ensure that the temperature and pressure are maintained at normal levels, thereby ensuring that the thermoelectric generator unit 3 can carry out waste heat recovery and power generation normally and efficiently. At the same time, it can ensure that the engine back pressure is low enough when discharging waste smoke and exhaust gas. Ultimately, the overall thermoelectric generator structure maintains a high-efficiency power generation state, improves power generation efficiency, significantly increases the utilization rate of waste heat in engine exhaust, and does not affect the normal and efficient operation of the engine.

[0035] The waste heat recovery channel 2 is located around the waste smoke and gas channel 1. The distribution of both channels is unrestricted, as is the number of channels. Generally, from a manufacturing convenience perspective, one waste smoke and gas channel 1 and multiple waste heat recovery channels 2 can be used. The connection between the two ends of the waste smoke and gas channel 1 and the waste heat recovery channel 2 can be similar to pipe connections and is unrestricted. For example, an interface for connecting the waste heat recovery channel 2 can be provided on the waste smoke and gas channel 1, connecting one end of the channel to the engine exhaust channel; conversely, one end of the waste heat recovery channel 2 can also be connected to the engine exhaust channel. Alternatively, the two ends of the waste smoke and gas channel 1 and the waste heat recovery channel 2 can be combined and connected to two different spaces, with either space then connected to the engine exhaust channel to receive the waste smoke and gas emitted by the engine, facilitating waste heat recovery for power generation. Experiments have verified that this temperature difference power generation structure has low maintenance, high power generation efficiency, and high heat recovery utilization rate.

[0036] The waste heat recovery channels 2 are evenly distributed around the waste smoke and gas channels 1. This arrangement can make full use of the space around the waste smoke and gas channels 1 to deploy more waste heat recovery channels 2, so as to fully recover and utilize waste heat. On the other hand, the evenly distributed waste heat recovery channels 2 also ensure that the electrical energy output by the corresponding thermoelectric power generation units 3 of each channel is consistent, which facilitates the conversion, regulation, filtering and voltage stabilization of electrical energy, reduces the cost of electrical energy modulation and improves the overall quality of electrical energy output.

[0037] The waste smoke and exhaust gas passage 1 is equipped with a valve, which is used to adjust the opening of the waste smoke and exhaust gas passage 1, thereby adjusting and controlling the temperature and pressure difference to prevent the temperature and pressure difference from being too large, thus ensuring the normal operation of the thermoelectric generator and the engine back pressure is low enough.

[0038] At least one end of the waste smoke and exhaust gas passage 1 is provided with a flange, which facilitates connection and installation with the engine exhaust passage. One application scenario is to directly connect and install the flanged end with the engine exhaust passage, while the other end is directly used for exhaust. Another application scenario is that both ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas passage 1 are provided with flanges; after the engine exhaust passage is cut off, a portion of it is connected to the flange at one end of the waste smoke and exhaust gas passage 1, and the other portion is connected to the flange at the other end of the waste smoke and exhaust gas passage 1.

[0039] The waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1 and the waste heat recovery channel 2 are connected at both ends to form two connected spaces, which are referred to as connected space one and connected space two, respectively. At least one of these two connected spaces is equipped with a flange, and its application scenario is similar to that described above.

[0040] Both ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1 are provided with mounting plates 4, and the mounting plates 4 are provided with mounting positions 41. Waste heat recovery channels 2 are installed on the corresponding mounting positions 41 at both ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1. The mounting plates 4 are used to support the mounting positions 41, and the mounting positions 41 are used to install the waste heat recovery channels 2.

[0041] like Figure 1 and 3 As shown, the installation position 41 and the waste heat recovery channel 2 are installed in a pull-out manner. Before the waste heat recovery channel 2 is installed in the installation position 41, a layer of sealant is applied to the surface of both the waste heat recovery channel 2 and the installation position 41 at the contact point. After the waste heat recovery channel 2 is pushed into the installation position 41, the sealant is applied to fix it, achieving a sealed installation between the two. This installation method has the following advantages: 1. If the waste heat recovery channel 2 in a certain installation position 41 needs to be replaced, the pull-out installation method facilitates quick replacement and installation; 2. The application of sealant can quickly fix the two together and maintain a tight seal; 3. The installation position 41 forms a modular assembly unit. If a single waste heat recovery channel 2 has a problem or malfunction, it can be directly replaced without waiting, thus optimizing the power generation efficiency of waste heat recovery.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, it also includes a first housing 52, with its two ends connected to the mounting plates 4 at both ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1. The first housing 52 is used to protect the waste heat recovery channel 2, and it has several gaps for natural heat dissipation when the thermoelectric power generation unit 3 is working.

[0043] like Figure 1As shown, it also includes a second housing 51, which is provided at the connection points of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1 and the waste heat recovery channel 2. The second housing 51 located at the waste smoke and exhaust gas inlet end plays a diversion role, delivering the engine's waste smoke and exhaust gas to each waste heat recovery channel 2 and waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1 respectively. The second housing 51 located at the waste smoke and exhaust gas outlet end plays a confluence role, converging the waste smoke and exhaust gas that has recovered waste heat through the waste heat recovery channel 2 and the waste smoke and exhaust gas output through the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1, and discharging it out through the opening 53 of the second housing 51 located at the waste smoke and exhaust gas outlet end.

[0044] Furthermore, the first housing 52 also has a maintenance function, facilitating the periodic cleaning of accumulated ash and tar around and inside the waste heat recovery channel 2 to prevent blockages, improve heat conduction, and enhance power generation efficiency and heat utilization. It also ensures the waste heat recovery channel 2 remains unobstructed, further contributing to the technical effect of sufficiently low engine back pressure. Similarly, the flange in the above scheme also has a maintenance function, allowing for periodic disassembly to clean and tidy the accumulated ash and tar inside the second housing 51 and the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1, preventing blockages, ensuring unobstructed passages, and further contributing to the technical effect of sufficiently low engine back pressure.

[0045] The second housing 51 has an opening 53 at one end, such as Figure 2 As shown, the other end of the second housing 51 is connected to the mounting plate 4 at the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1, or the other end of the second housing 51 is connected to the first housing 52 on the mounting plate 4 at the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel, as shown. Figure 1 As shown. One of the openings 53 of the second housing 51 is connected to the engine exhaust smoke and heat emission channel, and the other opening 53 of the second housing 51 is used to discharge exhaust smoke and exhaust gas after the waste heat has been utilized.

[0046] At least one of the openings 53 of the second housing 51 is provided with a flange, or at least one of the openings 53 of the second housing 51 is connected to the engine exhaust passage, and the flange is convenient and quick to install and remove.

[0047] The waste heat recovery channel 2 has a cubic shape, as shown below. Figure 3As shown, a thermoelectric generator unit 3 is provided on the outer surface of the cubic waste heat recovery channel 2. This unit absorbs the heat from the waste heat recovery channel 2 and converts it into electrical energy for collection and utilization. The cubic shape of the waste heat recovery channel 2 facilitates the installation of the thermoelectric generator unit 3. Thermoelectric generator units 3 are respectively installed on two opposing large surfaces of the cubic waste heat recovery channel 2 and assembled and fixed together with bolts and screws to form a stable waste heat recovery thermoelectric generator unit. This modular design works in conjunction with the mounting position 41. In case of malfunctions, the sealant between the waste heat recovery channel 2 and the mounting position 41 can be cut open with a blade, allowing for direct extraction and replacement. This facilitates maintenance and replacement, improving waste heat recovery utilization and power generation efficiency.

[0048] The waste heat recovery channel 2 includes two detachably connected waste heat recovery concave plates 21. The inner surface of each concave plate 21 has a protrusion 22, and the outer surface of each concave plate 21 has a thermoelectric generator unit 3. The two concave plates 21 stand opposite each other, forming a channel to allow waste smoke and gas to pass through. The protrusions 22 increase the contact area between the inner surface of the concave plate 21 and the waste smoke and gas, absorbing waste heat. This heat is then conducted through the inner surface of the concave plate 21 to the thermoelectric generator unit 3 on the outer surface for waste heat recovery and power generation. The shape of the protrusion 22 is... Figure 3 The cylindrical shape shown can also be a square column or an irregular protrusion, which can increase the inner surface of the waste heat recovery concave plate 21 and at the same time make room for the flow of waste smoke and waste gas.

[0049] Example 2

[0050] This embodiment proposes a closed-loop control system for thermoelectric power generation, including a thermoelectric power generation structure as described in any of the technical solutions in Embodiment 1, and further including: a controller 7 and a differential pressure sensor, wherein the differential pressure sensor is disposed at both ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1, or, the differential pressure sensor is disposed at the connection point between the two ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1 and the waste heat recovery channel 2; a temperature sensor disposed in the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1; a valve disposed in the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1; and the valve's opening control component and drive component 6 are connected, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the differential pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and drive component 6 are all connected to the controller 7. The drive component 6 can be a stepper motor or other driving element, used to drive the valve opening control component, thereby adjusting the valve opening size.

[0051] The controller 7 is located on the outside of the second housing 51, and an opening 53 in the first housing 52 communicates with the engine exhaust passage. The controller 7 is used to control and regulate temperature and pressure to ensure that the thermoelectric power generation unit 3 can perform waste heat recovery power generation normally and efficiently, while ensuring that the engine back pressure for emitting waste smoke and exhaust gas is sufficiently low.

[0052] Example 3

[0053] This embodiment proposes a closed-loop control method for thermoelectric power generation, including: a differential pressure sensor collecting the pressure difference between the two ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1, or a differential pressure sensor collecting the pressure difference at the connection point between the two ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1 and the waste heat recovery channel 2, and transmitting it to the controller 7; a temperature sensor collecting the temperature in the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1 and transmitting it to the controller 7; the controller 7 receiving the pressure difference and temperature parameters; the controller 7 comparing the pressure difference and temperature parameters with a pre-stored pressure difference threshold and temperature threshold to determine: if the pressure difference exceeds the pre-stored pressure difference threshold and the temperature exceeds the temperature threshold, at least one of these conditions is met, then the controller 7 sends a signal to the drive unit 6 to control the opening and closing of the valve, and the drive unit 6 controls the opening and closing of the valve.

[0054] The temperature threshold is related to the normal operating temperature of the thermoelectric generator unit 3. If the temperature is too high, the thermoelectric generator unit cannot operate efficiently or even operate at all. The temperature at which the thermoelectric generator unit maintains normal or efficient operation can be set as the temperature threshold. In specific applications, the corresponding temperature threshold is preset in the controller 7 according to the selected thermoelectric generator unit. The inventors of this application take the opposite approach. Although the thermoelectric generator unit 3 has the above-mentioned requirements for its own operating temperature, this solution does not directly monitor the temperature of the thermoelectric generator unit 3, but monitors the temperature inside the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1. The reason is that although the temperature sensor collects the temperature inside the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel 1, this does not affect the temperature monitoring work for maintaining the normal and efficient operation of the thermoelectric generator unit 3. Thermoelectric generators are highly sensitive to temperature, as they are responsible for temperature conduction and heat conversion into electrical energy. Their temperature fluctuates frequently. If they are used directly as a temperature monitoring source, it will increase the processing and control burden and pressure on the controller 7, making it difficult to control. Furthermore, if the controller 7 uses the frequently fluctuating temperature data to control the drive component 6 to frequently adjust the valve opening, it will increase device wear and burden, making the device prone to failure.

[0055] The differential pressure threshold is related to the engine back pressure requirement. Different engines have different differential pressure thresholds. The differential pressure threshold ranges from 0.1 to 3 kPa. In specific applications, the corresponding differential pressure threshold, such as 0.1 kPa, 1 kPa, 2 kPa, and 3 kPa, is pre-stored in the controller 7 according to the engine model.

[0056] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above illustratively. This description is not restrictive, and the figures shown are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. Therefore, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermoelectric power generation structure, characterized in that, This includes waste smoke and gas ducts and waste heat recovery ducts; The waste heat recovery channel is located around the waste flue gas channel; A thermoelectric power generation unit is installed on the outside of the waste heat recovery channel; One end of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel is connected to one end of the waste heat recovery channel; The other end of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel is connected to the other end of the waste heat recovery channel. A valve is installed in the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel to ensure that the engine back pressure for emitting waste smoke and exhaust gas is low enough.

2. The thermoelectric power generation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the waste smoke and exhaust gas passage is connected to the engine exhaust passage, or at least one of the two ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas passage and the waste heat recovery passage is connected to the engine exhaust passage.

3. The thermoelectric power generation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The waste heat recovery channels are evenly distributed around the waste smoke and waste gas channels.

4. The thermoelectric power generation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one of the two ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel is provided with a flange; or, at least one of the two ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel and the waste heat recovery channel is provided with a flange.

5. The thermoelectric power generation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel are equipped with mounting plates, and the mounting plates are equipped with mounting positions. Waste heat recovery channels are installed at the corresponding mounting positions at both ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel.

6. The thermoelectric power generation structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The installation position and the waste heat recovery channel are installed in a pull-out manner. Before the waste heat recovery channel is installed in the installation position, a layer of sealant is applied to the contact area between the waste heat recovery channel and the installation position, as well as to the surface of both the waste heat recovery channel and the installation position.

7. The thermoelectric power generation structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a first housing, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the mounting plates at both ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel.

8. A thermoelectric power generation structure according to claim 1, 5, or 7, characterized in that: It also includes a second housing, which is provided at the connection between the waste smoke and waste gas channel and the waste heat recovery channel.

9. A thermoelectric power generation structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: One end of the second housing is open, and the other end of the second housing is connected to the mounting plate at the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel, or the other end of the second housing is connected to the first housing on the mounting plate at the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel.

10. A thermoelectric power generation structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: At least one of the openings of the second housing is provided with a flange, or at least one of the openings of the second housing is in communication with the engine exhaust passage.

11. A thermoelectric power generation structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The waste heat recovery channel has a cubic shape, and a thermoelectric power generation unit is provided on the outer surface of the cubic waste heat recovery channel.

12. The thermoelectric power generation structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The waste heat recovery channel includes waste heat recovery concave plates that are detachably connected to each other. The inner surface of the waste heat recovery concave plate is provided with protrusions, and the outer surface of the waste heat recovery concave plate is provided with a thermoelectric power generation unit.

13. A closed-loop control system for thermoelectric power generation, characterized in that: The thermoelectric power generation structure according to any one of claims 1-12 further includes: a differential pressure sensor and a controller; The differential pressure sensor is installed at both ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel; Alternatively, the differential pressure sensor may be located at the connection point between the two ends of the waste smoke and waste gas channel and the waste heat recovery channel; A temperature sensor is installed inside the waste smoke and gas channel; Valves installed in the waste smoke and exhaust gas passage; The valve's opening control components and drive components are connected; The differential pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and drive unit are all connected to the controller.

14. The closed-loop control system for thermoelectric power generation according to claim 13, characterized in that: The controller is located on the outside of the second housing, and an opening in the first housing is connected to the engine exhaust passage.

15. A closed-loop control method for thermoelectric power generation, characterized in that, include: The differential pressure sensor collects the pressure difference between the two ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel, or the differential pressure sensor collects the pressure difference at the connection point between the two ends of the waste smoke and exhaust gas channel and the waste heat recovery channel, and transmits it to the controller; The temperature sensor collects the temperature inside the waste smoke and gas channel and transmits it to the controller; The controller receives differential pressure and temperature parameters; The controller compares the differential pressure and temperature parameters with the pre-stored differential pressure and temperature thresholds to make a judgment. If at least one of the following conditions is met: the differential pressure exceeds the pre-stored differential pressure threshold or the temperature exceeds the temperature threshold, the controller sends a signal to the actuator to control the opening and closing of the valve, and the actuator controls the valve to open and close.

16. The closed-loop control method for thermoelectric power generation according to claim 15, characterized in that: The temperature threshold is related to the temperature at which the thermoelectric power generation unit operates normally. The differential pressure threshold is related to the engine back pressure requirement.

Citation Information

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