Thermoelectric power generation device

Abstract

A thermoelectric power generation device includes a hot spot power generation module that generates power by a temperature difference between a heat receiving portion and a heat radiating portion, a cooling device that cools the heat radiating portion, and a control device. Power generated by the hot spot power generation module is distributed as consumed power for the cooling device and actual power for an external load. The control device includes a monitoring portion that monitors a state of the cooling device and outputs monitoring data, an adjustment portion that can adjust the actual power supplied to the external load, and a control instruction portion that outputs a control instruction for controlling the adjustment portion based on the monitoring data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a thermoelectric power generation device. Background Technology

[0002] Thermoelectric power generation devices are known to have thermoelectric power generation modules that utilize the Seebeck effect to generate electricity. The thermoelectric power generation module has a heated section and a cooled section. The thermoelectric power generation module generates electricity through the temperature difference between the heated section and the cooled section. The greater the temperature difference between the heated section and the cooled section, the higher the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module. Patent Document 1 discloses a thermoelectric power generation device that includes: a heat dissipation component connected to the low-temperature section side of a thermoelectric conversion module; and a fan driven by the electricity generated by the thermoelectric conversion module to cool the heat dissipation component. The fan cools the heat dissipation component, thereby increasing the temperature difference between the high-temperature section (heated section) and the low-temperature section (cooled section).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-097335 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0006] When the power generated by the thermoelectric generator is distributed to the fan and the external load, the power distributed to the fan decreases as the power distributed to the external load increases. When the power distributed to the fan decreases, the fan's cooling efficiency decreases. Because the temperature difference between the heated and cooled parts does not increase when the fan's cooling efficiency decreases, the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric generator may decrease.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to suppress the reduction in the power generation efficiency of thermoelectric power generation modules.

[0008] Methods for solving problems

[0009] This disclosure provides a thermoelectric power generation device comprising: a thermoelectric power generation module having a heated portion and a cooled portion, and generating electricity through the temperature difference between the heated portion and the cooled portion; a cooling device for cooling the cooled portion; and a control device. The electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation module is distributed between power consumed by the cooling device and actual power used by an external load. The control device comprises: a monitoring unit for monitoring the status of the cooling device and outputting monitoring data; an adjustment unit for adjusting the actual power supplied to the external load; and a control command unit for outputting control commands to the adjustment unit based on the monitoring data.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the thermoelectric power generation device according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a perspective view schematically representing the thermoelectric power generation device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the use of the thermoelectric power generation device according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the thermoelectric power generation device according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the relationship between the threshold involved in the first embodiment and the actual power.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the thermoelectric power generation device according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the experimental results regarding the effects of the thermoelectric power generation device according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the thermoelectric power generation device according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating the thermoelectric power generation device according to the third embodiment.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the thermoelectric power generation device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the thermoelectric power generation device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the thermoelectric power generation device according to the sixth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments involved in this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The structural elements of the embodiments described below can be appropriately combined. In addition, there are cases where some structural elements are not used.

[0025] [First Implementation Method]

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the thermoelectric power generation device 100A according to this embodiment. (As shown...) Figure 1 As shown, the thermoelectric power generation device 100A includes: a thermoelectric power generation module 10 having a heat receiving part 11 and a heat dissipation part 12; a heat receiving component 20 connected to the heat receiving part 11 of the thermoelectric power generation module 10; a heat dissipation component 30 connected to the heat dissipation part 12 of the thermoelectric power generation module 10; a cooling device 40A for cooling the heat dissipation part 12 through the heat dissipation component 30; and a control device 50.

[0027] The thermoelectric power generation module 10 generates electricity using the Seebeck effect. The heated portion 11 of the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is heated by a heat source 200 via a heated component 20. The cooled portion 12 of the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is cooled by a cooling device 40A via a cooling component 30. Because the heated portion 11 is heated and the cooled portion is cooled, a temperature difference is generated between the heated portion 11 and the cooled portion 12. The thermoelectric power generation module 10 generates electricity through this temperature difference between the heated portion 11 and the cooled portion 12.

[0028] The heated component 20 is connected to the heated portion 11 of the thermoelectric power generation module 10. The heated component 20 is flat and made of a metal material such as aluminum or copper. The heated component 20 is heated by the heat source 200, thereby heating the heated portion 11.

[0029] The heat dissipation component 30 is connected to the heat dissipation section 12 of the thermoelectric power generation module 10. The heat dissipation component 30 has a flat plate portion 31 connected to the heat dissipation section 12 and a heat sink portion 32 connected to the flat plate portion 31. The heat sink portion 32 is either a pin fin or a flat plate fin. The heat dissipation component 30 is made of a metal material such as aluminum or copper. The heat dissipation component 30 is a heat sink that removes heat from the heat dissipation section 12. The heat dissipation component 30 is cooled by the cooling device 40A, thus cooling the heat dissipation section 12.

[0030] Cooling device 40A cools heat dissipation unit 12 via heat dissipation component 30. In this embodiment, cooling device 40A includes a fan 41 and a motor 42 that rotates the fan 41. The fan 41 is configured to face the heat dissipation component 30. The fan 41 rotates due to the drive of the motor 42. Airflow is generated around at least a portion of the heat dissipation component 30 by the rotation of the fan 41. The heat dissipation component 30 is cooled by the airflow generated around at least a portion of the heat dissipation component 30.

[0031] The generated electricity Pg from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is divided into the consumed electricity Pc used by the cooling device 40A and the actual electricity Pe used by the external load 300. The generated electricity Pg is the electricity produced by the thermoelectric power generation module 10. The consumed electricity Pc is the electricity supplied by the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the cooling device 40A and consumed within the cooling device 40A. The actual electricity Pe is the electricity supplied by the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300 and consumed by the external load 300. Furthermore, the generated electricity Pg, consumed electricity Pc, and actual electricity Pe are related by the following formula (1).

[0032] [Actual electricity Pe] = [Power generated Pg] - [Power consumed Pc] (1)

[0033] The generated power Pg is proportional to the square of the temperature difference between the end of the thermoelectric semiconductor element 13 on the heated side and the end on the cooled side. Therefore, in order to increase the temperature difference between the heated part 11 and the cooled part 12, the cooled part 12 is cooled by the cooling device 40A, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module 10. That is, by cooling the cooled part 12 by the cooling device 40A, the thermoelectric power generation module can output a large amount of generated power.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a perspective view schematically showing the thermoelectric power generation module 10 according to this embodiment. The thermoelectric power generation module 10 includes a heat receiving part 11, a heat dissipation part 12, a plurality of thermoelectric semiconductor elements 13 disposed between the heat receiving part 11 and the heat dissipation part 12, a first electrode 15, and a second electrode 16.

[0035] The heated portion 11 is flat. It is made of an electrically insulating material such as ceramic or polyimide. The heated portion 11 has an outer surface 11S connected to the heated component 20, and an inner surface 11T facing in the opposite direction to the outer surface 11S. The outer surface 11S and the inner surface 11T are parallel. The first electrode 15 is disposed on the inner surface 11T. Figure 2 In the example, the outer surface 11S faces downwards and the inner surface 11T faces upwards.

[0036] The heat dissipation section 12 is flat. It is made of an electrically insulating material such as ceramic or polyimide. The heat dissipation section 12 has an outer surface 12S connected to the heat dissipation component 30, and an inner surface 12T facing in the opposite direction to the outer surface 12S. The outer surface 12S and the inner surface 12T are parallel. The second electrode 16 is disposed on the inner surface 12T. Figure 2 In the example, the outer surface 12S faces upward and the inner surface 12T faces downward.

[0037] The heated portion 11 and the heat dissipation portion 12 are configured such that their inner surfaces 11T and 12T face each other. The inner surfaces 11T and 12T are parallel.

[0038] A thermoelectric semiconductor element 13 is disposed between the heat-receiving portion 11 and the heat-dissipating portion 12. The thermoelectric semiconductor element 13 includes, for example, a BiTe-type thermoelectric material. The thermoelectric semiconductor element 13 includes a p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13P and an n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13N. The p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13P and the n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13N are alternately disposed in planes parallel to the inner surface 11T and the inner surface 12T, respectively.

[0039] A plurality of first electrodes 15 are disposed on the inner surface 11T of the heated portion 11. The plurality of first electrodes 15 are disposed on the inner surface 11T with spacing between them. The first electrodes 15 are respectively connected to a p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13P and an n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13N. One end of the p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13P and one end of the n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13N are connected to the first electrodes 15.

[0040] A plurality of second electrodes 16 are disposed on the inner surface 12T of the heat sink 11. The plurality of second electrodes 16 are disposed on the inner surface 12T with spacing between them. The second electrodes 16 are respectively connected to a p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13P and an n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13N. The other end of the p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13P and the other end of the n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13N are connected to the second electrodes 16.

[0041] Heated by the heating element 11 and cooled by the heat dissipation element 12, a temperature difference is generated between one end of the p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13P and the other end of the n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13N. When a temperature difference is generated between one end of the p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13P and the other end, holes move within the p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13P. When a temperature difference is generated between one end of the n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13N and the other end, electrons move within the n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13N. The p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13P and the n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element 13N are connected via a first electrode 15 and a second electrode 16. A potential difference is generated between the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 16 through holes and electrons. The thermoelectric power generation module 10 generates electricity through the potential difference generated between the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 16.

[0042] A wire 14 is connected to the first electrode 15. The generated electricity Pg from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is output via the wire 14.

[0043] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of the use of the thermoelectric power generation device 100A according to this embodiment. The thermoelectric power generation device 100A is installed at the heat source 200. Figure 3 In the example, the heat source 200 is a cassette stove. However, the heat source 200 is not limited to a cassette stove. Examples of heat sources 200 include heating stoves, fires, charcoal fires, and the heat dissipation from industrial machinery. The heat-receiving component 20 is heated by the heat source 200, the heat-dissipating component 30 is cooled by the cooling device 40A, and the thermoelectric power generation device 100A generates electricity.

[0044] The thermoelectric power generation device 100A includes: a first power line 80 connecting the thermoelectric power generation module 10 and the motor 42 of the cooling device 40A; and a second power line 90 connecting the thermoelectric power generation module 10 and the external load 300. Each of the first power line 80 and the second power line 90 includes an upper conductor 14. Furthermore, each of the first power line 80 and the second power line 90 includes a cable different from the conductor 14. At least one of the first power line 80 and the second power line 90 may also be, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable.

[0045] The power consumed by the motor 42 of the thermoelectric power generation module 10, Pc, which is used by the motor 42 of the cooling device 40A, is supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the motor 42 via the first power line 80. The actual power Pe, which is used by the external load 300, is supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300 via the second power line 90.

[0046] External load 300 is an electrical or electronic device driven by actual power Pe. Examples of external load 300 include smartphones or tablet computers. If external load 300 has a battery, the battery is charged by the actual power Pe supplied to it via thermoelectric generator module 10. Thermoelectric generator 100A can function as a charger for external load 300. For example, in emergency situations or during outdoor activities, thermoelectric generator 100A can charge the battery of external load 300.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the thermoelectric power generation device 100A according to this embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, the thermoelectric power generation device 100A includes a thermoelectric power generation module 10, a cooling device 40A including a motor 42, a control device 50, a first power line 80 connecting the thermoelectric power generation module 10 and the cooling device 40A, and a second power line 90 connecting the thermoelectric power generation device 10 and an external load 300. At least a portion of the control device 50 is disposed on the second power line 90.

[0048] The generated electricity Pg from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is distributed as consumed electricity Pc used by the motor 42 of the cooling device 40A and actual electricity Pe used by the external load 300. Consumed electricity Pc is supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the motor 42 via the first power line 80. Actual electricity Pe is supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300 via the second power line 90.

[0049] Control device 50 monitors the status of cooling device 40A. Based on monitoring data Md representing the monitoring results of cooling device 40A, control device 50 adjusts the actual power Pe supplied from thermoelectric power generation module 10 to external load 300.

[0050] In this embodiment, the control device 50 monitors the power consumption Pc of the cooling device 40A. The power consumption Pc of the cooling device 40A includes the power consumption of the motor 42.

[0051] When the actual power Pe allocated to the external load 300 increases, the power consumption Pc allocated to the motor 42 decreases due to the voltage drop. When the power consumption Pc allocated to the motor 42 decreases, the rotational speed of the fan 41 decreases, resulting in a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the fan 41. When the cooling efficiency based on the fan 41 decreases, the temperature difference between the heated portion 11 and the heat dissipation portion 12 of the thermoelectric power generation module 10 does not increase, and as a result, the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module 10 may decrease.

[0052] Furthermore, when the actual power Pe allocated to the external load 300 increases, the power Pc allocated to the motor 42 may be insufficient, potentially causing the motor 42 to stop. If the motor 42 stops while the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is being heated by the heat source 200, causing the fan 41 to stop rotating, the thermoelectric power generation module 10 will be overheated. If the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is overheated, the electrothermal power generation device 100A may malfunction.

[0053] In this embodiment, the control device 50 monitors the power consumption Pc distributed from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the motor 42. When the actual power Pe distributed from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300 increases, the power consumption Pc distributed to the motor 42 decreases. When the power consumption distributed from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the motor 42 decreases, the control device 50 reduces the actual power distributed from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300. Because the actual power Pe distributed to the external load 300 decreases, the power consumption Pc distributed to the motor 42 increases. Because the power consumption Pc distributed to the motor 42 increases, the reduction in the rotation speed of the fan 41 or the stopping of the fan 41 can be suppressed. Therefore, the heat sink 12 is adequately cooled by the fan 41. Therefore, the temperature difference between the heated part 11 and the heat sink 12 increases, and the reduction in the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module 10 can be suppressed.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the control device 50 includes a power supply unit 51, a control unit 52, an adjustment unit 53, and a storage unit 54. The control unit 52 includes a monitoring unit 52A and a control command unit 52B. The adjustment unit 53 includes an adjustment unit 53, a switch unit 53A, and a current changing unit 53B.

[0055] In this embodiment, the control device 50 includes hardware such as a control circuit. The power supply unit 51 includes a DC power supply device. The control unit 52 includes an integrated circuit (IC). The switching unit 53A includes a field-effect transistor (FET). The current conversion unit 53B includes a DC / DC converter. The storage unit 54 includes a non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or flash memory.

[0056] The power supply unit 51 functions as the power source for the control unit 52. The thermoelectric power generation module 10 can supply a portion of the actual power Pe to the power supply unit 51 via the second power line 90. Based on the actual power Pe supplied by the thermoelectric power generation module 10, the power supply unit 51 outputs drive power Pd to drive the control unit 52.

[0057] The monitoring unit 52A monitors the status of the cooling device 40A and outputs monitoring data Md, representing the monitoring result of the cooling device 40A's status, to the control command unit 52B. In this embodiment, the monitoring unit 52A monitors the power consumption Pc of the cooling device 40A. The power consumption Pc of the cooling device 40A includes the power consumption Pc of the motor 42. The monitoring data Md output from the monitoring unit 52A to the control command unit 52B represents the power consumption Pc of the motor 42.

[0058] In this embodiment, the power consumption Pc of the cooling device 40A includes the voltage Vc applied to the cooling device 40A. The voltage Vc applied to the cooling device 40A includes the voltage Vc applied to the motor 42. In this embodiment, the monitoring unit 52A monitors the voltage Vc applied to the motor 42. The monitoring data Md output from the monitoring unit 52A to the control command unit 52B represents the voltage Vc applied to the motor 42.

[0059] The power consumed by the thermoelectric generator module 10 and the voltage Vc applied to the motor 42 are in a one-to-one correspondence. The higher the power consumed Pc, the higher the voltage Vc applied to the motor 42; the lower the power consumed Pc, the lower the voltage Vc applied to the motor 42. The monitoring unit 52A monitors the voltage Vc applied to the motor 42, thereby enabling it to monitor the power consumed Pc of the motor 42.

[0060] The adjustment unit 53 is capable of adjusting the actual power Pe supplied to the external load 300. The adjustment unit 53 is disposed on the second power line 90 between the thermoelectric power generation module 10 and the external load 300.

[0061] In this embodiment, the actual power Pe of the external load 300 includes the current Ie supplied to the external load 300. In this embodiment, the regulating unit 53 adjusts the current Ie supplied to the external load 300.

[0062] The actual power Pe supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300 and the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 are in one-to-one correspondence. The larger the actual power Pe, the larger the current Ie supplied to the external load 300; the smaller the actual power Pe, the smaller the current Ie supplied to the external load 300. The adjustment unit 53 can adjust the current Ie supplied to the external load 300, thereby adjusting the actual power Pe supplied to the external load 300.

[0063] The switching unit 53A switches the supply and stop of the current Ie supplied to the external load 300. The current changing unit 53B adjusts the value of the current Ie supplied to the external load 300. The switching unit 53A and the current changing unit 53B are configured in series.

[0064] Based on the monitoring data Md output from the monitoring unit 52A, the control command unit 52B outputs control commands for controlling the adjustment unit 53. The control commands output from the control command unit 52B include a switching command Cs output to the switching unit 53A and a change command Cc output to the current changing unit 53B. The switching unit 53A switches the supply of current Ie to the external load 300 and stops the supply based on the switching command Cs. The current changing unit 53B adjusts the value of the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 according to the change command Cc.

[0065] When the control command unit 52B determines, based on the monitoring data Md output from the monitoring unit 52A, that the power consumption Pc of the cooling device 40A has decreased, it outputs a control command to reduce the actual power Pe of the external load 300. When the control command unit 52B determines, based on the monitoring data Md output from the monitoring unit 52A, that the power consumption Pc of the cooling device 40A has increased, it outputs a control command to increase the actual power Pe of the external load 300.

[0066] Storage unit 54 stores a threshold Sh related to the monitoring data Md. In this embodiment, storage unit 54 stores a threshold Sh related to the power consumption Pc of the cooling device 40A. The threshold Sh is a preset value.

[0067] The control command unit 52B outputs a control command based on a comparison between the monitoring data Md, which represents the power consumption Pc of the cooling device 40A, output from the monitoring unit 52A, and the threshold Sh stored in the storage unit 54. The threshold Sh includes a change threshold Shv related to changes in the actual power Pe value, and a stop threshold Shp related to the cessation of the supply of actual power Pe. The stop threshold Shp is a lower value than the change threshold Shv.

[0068] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the threshold Sh and the actual power Pe involved in this embodiment. The threshold Sh is a threshold related to the voltage Vc applied to the motor 42. The change threshold Shv is a threshold related to changes in the value of the current Ie supplied to the external load 300. The stop threshold Shp is a threshold related to stopping the supply of current Ie to the external load 300.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, the change threshold Shv includes a first change threshold Shv1, a second change threshold Shv2 which is lower than the first change threshold Shv1, and a third change threshold Shv3 which is lower than the second change threshold Shv2. The stop threshold Shp is lower than the change threshold Shv. For example, the first change threshold Shv1 is 7.0 [V]. For example, the second change threshold Shv2 is 6.5 [V]. For example, the third change threshold Shv3 is 5.5 [V]. For example, the stop threshold Shp is 5.0 [V].

[0070] If the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A exceeds the third change threshold Shv3, the control command unit 52B outputs a control command to maintain the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 at its current value. For example, if the current current Ie supplied to the external load 300 is 600 [mA], and the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A exceeds the third change threshold Shv3, the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 will be maintained at 600 [mA].

[0071] When the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A drops below the third change threshold Shv3, the control command unit 52B outputs a control command to reduce the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 by only a predetermined amount ΔIe. For example, the predetermined amount ΔIe is 50 [mA]. ​​For example, if the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 is currently 600 [mA], when the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A drops below the third change threshold Shv3, the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 is reduced to 550 [mA].

[0072] When the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A drops below the stop threshold Shp, the control command unit 52B outputs a control command to stop the supply of current Ie to the external load 300.

[0073] Furthermore, when the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A exceeds the first change threshold Shv1, and the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 is below the first given value Ie1, the control command unit 52B outputs a control command to cause the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 to increase by only a predetermined amount ΔIe. For example, the first given value Ie1 is 750 [mA]. ​​For example, the predetermined amount ΔIe is 50 [mA]. ​​For example, when the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A exceeds the first change threshold Shv1, and the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 is below 700 [mA] of the first given value Ie1, the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 increases to 750 [mA].

[0074] Furthermore, when the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A is between the first change threshold Shv1 and the second change threshold Shv2, and the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 is below the second given value Ie2, the control command unit 52B outputs a control command to cause the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 to increase by only a predetermined amount ΔIe. The second given value Ie2 is a value lower than the first given value Ie1. For example, the second given value Ie2 is 650 [mA]. ​​For example, the predetermined amount ΔIe is 50 [mA]. ​​For example, when the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A is between the first change threshold Shv1 and the second change threshold Shv2, and the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 is below the second given value Ie2 of 600 [mA], the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 increases to 650 [mA].

[0075] Figure 6This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the thermoelectric power generation device according to this embodiment. When the thermoelectric power generation device 100 is placed on the heat source 200, the thermoelectric power generation module 10 starts generating electricity. As the thermoelectric power generation module 10 starts generating electricity, a voltage Vc is applied to the motor 42. The monitoring unit 52A monitors the voltage Vc applied to the motor 42.

[0076] The control command unit 52B determines whether the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A is above the start threshold Shs and whether the switching unit 53A has stopped the supply of current Ie (step S10).

[0077] The initial threshold Shs is a threshold Sh related to the voltage Vc. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the starting threshold Shs is a value that is lower than the second change threshold Shv2 and higher than the third change threshold. For example, the starting threshold Shs is 6.0 [V].

[0078] In step S10, if it is determined that the voltage Vc is above the start threshold Shs and the switch unit 53A has stopped supplying current Ie (step S10: Yes), the control command unit 52B outputs a switching command Cs to the switch unit 53A to start supplying current Ie to the external load 300 (step S20).

[0079] For example, in step S20, the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 is 150 [mA]. ​​That is, the initial value of the current Ie immediately following the supply of the starting current Ie is 150 [mA], which is lower than the stop threshold Shp.

[0080] The control command unit 52B determines whether the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A is above the second change threshold Shv2 and whether the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 is below the second given value Ie2 (step S30).

[0081] In step S30, if it is determined that the voltage Vc is above the second change threshold Shv2 and the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 is below the second given value Ie2 (step S30: Yes), the control command unit 52B outputs a change command Cc to the current change unit 53B so that the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 increases by only a predetermined amount ΔIe (step S40).

[0082] The control command unit 52B determines whether the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A is above the first change threshold Shv1 and whether the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 is below the first given value Ie1 (step S50).

[0083] In step S50, if it is determined that the voltage Vc is above the first change threshold and the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 is below the first given value Ie1 (step S50: Yes), the control command unit 52B outputs a change command Cc to the current change unit 53B so that the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 increases by only a predetermined amount ΔIe (step S60).

[0084] The control command unit 52B determines whether the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A is below the third change threshold Shv3 and whether the external load 300 is being supplied with current Ie (step S70).

[0085] In step S70, if it is determined that the voltage Vc is below the third change threshold Shv3 and the external load 300 is being supplied with current Ie (step S70: Yes), the control command unit 52B outputs a change command Cc to the current change unit 53B so that the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 is reduced by only a predetermined amount ΔIe (step S80).

[0086] The control command unit 52B determines whether the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A is above the third change threshold Shv3 (step S90).

[0087] In step S90, if it is determined that the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A is above the third change threshold Shv3 (step S90: Yes), the control command unit 52B maintains the value of the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 (step S100).

[0088] In step S10, if it is determined that the voltage Vc is not above the start threshold Shs, or the external load 300 is being supplied with current Ie (step S10: No), the control command unit 52B determines whether the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A is below the stop threshold Shp and whether the external load 300 is being supplied with current Ie (step S110).

[0089] In step S110, if it is determined that the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A is above the stop threshold Shp and the external load 300 is being supplied with current Ie (step S110: Yes), the control command unit 52B outputs a switching command Cs to the switching unit 53A to stop the supply of current Ie to the external load 300 (step S120).

[0090] In step S30, if it is determined that the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A is not above the second change threshold Shv2, or the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 is not below the second given value Ie2 (step S30: No), the control command unit 52B returns to the processing of step S10.

[0091] In step S50, if it is determined that the voltage Vc is not above the first change threshold or the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 is not below the first given value Ie1 (step S50: No), the control command unit 52B returns to the processing of step S10.

[0092] In step S70, if the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A is not below the third change threshold Shv3, or if the external load 300 is not supplied with current Ie (step S70: No), the control command unit 52B returns to the processing of step S10.

[0093] In step S90, if it is determined that the voltage Vc is not above the third change threshold Shv3 (step S90: No), the control command unit 52B returns to the processing of step S10.

[0094] In step S110, if it is determined that the voltage Vc monitored by the monitoring unit 52A is not below the stop threshold Shp, or the external load 300 is not supplied with current Ie (step S110: No), the control command unit 52B returns to the processing of step S10.

[0095] [Effect]

[0096] As explained above, according to this embodiment, when the generated power of the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is allocated as consumed power Pc used by the cooling device 40A and actual power Pe used by the external load 300, the actual power Pe supplied to the external load 300 is adjusted based on monitoring data Md indicating the state of the cooling device 40. When the actual power changes, the state of the cooling device 40A changes. Therefore, the control device 50 monitors the state of the cooling device 40A and adjusts the actual power Pe based on the monitoring data Md indicating the state of the cooling device 40A, thereby suppressing the decrease in cooling efficiency caused by the cooling device 40A. Since the decrease in cooling efficiency caused by the cooling device 40A is suppressed, the heat dissipation section 12 is sufficiently cooled. As a result, the temperature difference between the heated section 11 and the heat dissipation section 12 increases. The increased temperature difference between the heated section 11 and the heat dissipation section 12 further suppresses the decrease in the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module 10.

[0097] In this embodiment, the monitoring data Md is the power consumption Pc of the motor 42 of the cooling device 40A. The monitoring unit 52A monitors the power consumption Pc supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the motor 42 of the cooling device 40A. When the actual power Pe supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300 increases, the power consumption Pc supplied to the motor 42 decreases. If the control command unit 52B determines, based on the monitoring data Md obtained by the monitoring unit 52A, that the power consumption Pc supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the motor 42 has decreased, it causes the actual power Pe supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300 to decrease. By decreasing the actual power Pe supplied to the external load 300, the power consumption Pc supplied to the motor 42 increases. The increased power consumption Pc and the increased voltage Vc applied to the motor 42 suppress the decrease in the speed of the fan 41 or the stopping of the fan 41. Therefore, the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is adequately cooled by the fan 41, and overheating is suppressed. Furthermore, since the heat sink 12 is sufficiently cooled by the fan 41, the temperature difference between the heated part 11 and the heat sink 12 increases. Therefore, the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is reduced.

[0098] Furthermore, when the control command unit 52B determines, based on the monitoring data Md obtained from the monitoring unit 52A, that the power consumption Pc distributed from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the motor 42 is increasing, it can increase the actual power Pe distributed from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300. When the temperature difference between the heated part 11 and the heat dissipation part 12 is sufficient, and the generated power Pg is sufficient, the control command unit 52B can increase both the power consumption Pc and the actual power Pe.

[0099] In this embodiment, when the power consumption Pc supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the motor 42 decreases below a predetermined third change threshold Shv3, the control command unit 52B outputs a change command Cc to the current change unit 53B, thereby reducing the actual power Pe supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300. Because the actual power Pe supplied to the external load 300 decreases, the power consumption Pc supplied to the motor 42 increases. Due to the increase in power consumption Pc, the voltage Vc applied to the motor 42 increases, thereby suppressing a decrease in the speed of the fan 41 or stopping the rotation of the fan 41. Therefore, the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is adequately cooled by the fan 41, and overheating is suppressed. Furthermore, because the heat dissipation unit 12 is adequately cooled by the fan 41, the temperature difference between the heated part 11 and the heat dissipation unit 12 increases. Therefore, a decrease in the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is suppressed.

[0100] In this embodiment, when the power consumption Pc supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the motor 42 decreases below a predetermined stop threshold Shp, the control command unit 52B outputs a switching command Cs to the switching unit 53A, thereby stopping the supply of actual power Pe from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300. Since the supply of actual power Pe to the external load 300 stops, the power consumption Pc supplied to the motor 42 increases. As the power consumption Pc increases, the voltage Vc applied to the motor 42 increases, thereby suppressing a decrease in the speed of the fan 41 or stopping the rotation of the fan 41. Therefore, the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is adequately cooled by the fan 41, and overheating is suppressed. Furthermore, since the heat dissipation unit 12 is adequately cooled by the fan 41, the temperature difference between the heated part 11 and the heat dissipation unit 12 increases. Therefore, a decrease in the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is suppressed.

[0101] In this embodiment, when the power consumption Pc supplied to the motor 42 from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 rises above a predetermined second change threshold Shv2, the control command unit 52B outputs a change command Cc to the current change unit 53B, thereby increasing the actual power Pe supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300. Furthermore, when the power consumption Pc rises above a first change threshold Shv1, the control command unit 52B further increases the actual power Pe supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300. Thus, while suppressing a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the cooling device 40A, an appropriate amount of actual power Pe is supplied to the external load 300.

[0102] In this embodiment, the power consumption Pc of the cooling device 40A includes the voltage Vc applied to the motor 42, and the actual power Pe of the external load 300 includes the current Ie supplied to the external load 300. The monitoring unit 52A monitors the voltage Vc, and the control command unit 52B, based on the monitoring data Md representing the voltage Vc, outputs a control command to the adjustment unit 53 for adjusting the current Ie. When the current Ie supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300 increases, the voltage Vc applied to the motor 42 decreases. If the control command unit 52B determines, based on the monitoring data Md obtained by the monitoring unit 52A, that the voltage Vc applied to the motor 42 has decreased, it reduces the current Ie supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300. Because the current Ie supplied to the external load 300 decreases, the voltage Vc applied to the motor 42 increases. Because the voltage Vc applied to the motor 42 increases, the reduction in the speed of the fan 41 is suppressed, or the rotation of the fan 41 is stopped. Therefore, the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is adequately cooled by the fan 41, and overheating is suppressed. Furthermore, since the heat dissipation section 12 is adequately cooled by the fan 41, the temperature difference between the heated section 11 and the heat dissipation section 12 increases. Therefore, the reduction in the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is suppressed.

[0103] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the experimental results of the electrothermal power generation device 100A according to this embodiment. Figure 7 In the diagram shown, the horizontal axis represents the temperature of the heated part 11, and the vertical axis represents the actual power Pe used by the external load 300. Figure 7 In this context, "maximum power" refers to the maximum actual power Pe supplied to the external load 300 without stopping the motor 42. "Shutdown power" refers to the actual power Pe supplied to the external load 300 gradually increasing, and then stopping the supply of actual power Pe by the control command unit 52B. For example... Figure 7 As shown, when the actual power Pe attempts to exceed the maximum power, it can be confirmed that the control command unit 52B outputs a switching command Cs to stop the supply of the actual power Pe.

[0104] [Second Implementation]

[0105] The second embodiment will be described. In the following description, structural elements that are the same as or equivalent to those in the above embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be simplified or omitted.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the monitoring data Md represents the power consumption Pc of the motor 42. In this embodiment, the monitoring data Md represents the rotational speed Rc of the fan 41.

[0107] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the electrothermal power generation device 100B according to this embodiment. (Example) Figure 8 As shown, the monitoring unit 52A monitors the rotational speed Rc of the fan 41 per unit time. In this embodiment, the electrothermal power generation device 100B includes a rotation sensor 43 for detecting the rotational speed Rc of the fan 41. The detection data from the rotation sensor 43 is output to the monitoring unit 52A. The monitoring unit 52A can monitor the rotational speed Rc of the fan 41 by acquiring the detection data from the rotation sensor 43.

[0108] When the actual power Pe supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300 increases, the power consumption Pc supplied to the motor 42 decreases. When the power consumption Pc supplied to the motor 42 decreases, the speed Rc of the fan 41 decreases. When the speed Rc of the fan 41 decreases, the control command unit 52B causes the actual power Pe supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300 to decrease further. Because the actual power Pe supplied to the external load 300 decreases, the power consumption Pc supplied to the motor 42 increases. Because the power consumption Pc increases, the speed Rc of the fan 41 increases. Therefore, the heat sink 12 is adequately cooled by the fan 41, and the temperature difference between the heated part 11 and the heat sink 12 increases. This suppresses the decrease in the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module 10.

[0109] [Third Implementation Method]

[0110] The third embodiment will be described. In the following description, structural elements that are the same as or equivalent to those in the embodiments described above will be given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be simplified or omitted.

[0111] In the above embodiment, monitoring data Md represents the monitoring result of the state of cooling device 40A. In this embodiment, monitoring data Md represents the state of thermoelectric power generation module 10. As an example, monitoring data Md represents the temperature Tc of the heat dissipation section 12 of thermoelectric power generation module 10 cooled by cooling device 40A.

[0112] The heat sink 12 is cooled by the cooling device 40A. The cooling capacity of the cooling device 40A corresponds one-to-one with the temperature Tc of the heat sink 12. The monitoring unit 52A can monitor the status of the cooling device 40A by monitoring the temperature Tc of the heat sink 12.

[0113] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating the thermoelectric power generation device 100C according to this embodiment. (Example) Figure 9 As shown, the monitoring unit 52A monitors the temperature Tc of the heat dissipation unit 12. In this embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation device 100C includes a temperature sensor 44 for detecting the temperature Tc of the heat dissipation unit 12. The detection data of the temperature sensor 44 is output to the monitoring unit 52A. The monitoring unit 52A can monitor the temperature Tc of the heat dissipation unit 12 by acquiring the detection data of the temperature sensor 44.

[0114] When the actual power Pe supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300 increases, the power consumption Pc supplied to the motor 42 decreases. When the power consumption Pc supplied to the motor 42 decreases, the speed Rc of the fan 41 decreases. When the speed Rc of the fan 41 decreases, the temperature of the heat sink 12 increases. When the temperature Tc of the heat sink 12 increases, the control command unit 52B causes the actual power Pe supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300 to decrease. Because the actual power Pe supplied to the external load 300 decreases, the power consumption Pc supplied to the motor 42 increases. Because the power consumption Pc increases, the speed Rc of the fan 41 increases. Therefore, the heat sink 12 is adequately cooled by the fan 41, and the temperature difference between the heated part 11 and the heat sink 12 increases. This suppresses the decrease in the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module 10.

[0115] In this embodiment, the monitoring data Md can also represent the temperature difference between the heated part 11 and the heat dissipation part 12. Not only is a temperature sensor 44 provided to detect the temperature Tc of the heat dissipation part 12, but a temperature sensor can also be provided to detect the temperature of the heated part 11, so that the monitoring unit 52A can monitor the temperature difference between the heated part 11 and the heat dissipation part 12. When the actual power Pe distributed from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300 increases, the power consumption Pc distributed to the motor 42 decreases. When the power consumption Pc distributed to the motor 42 decreases, the speed Rc of the fan 41 decreases. When the speed Rc of the fan 41 decreases, the temperature difference between the heated part 11 and the heat dissipation part 12 decreases. When the temperature difference between the heated part 11 and the heat dissipation part 12 decreases, the control command unit 52B causes the actual power Pe distributed from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300 to decrease. Because the actual power Pe distributed to the external load 300 decreases, the power consumption Pc distributed to the motor 42 increases. Because the power consumption Pc increases, the speed Rc of the fan 41 increases. Therefore, the heat dissipation section 12 is adequately cooled by the fan 41, increasing the temperature difference between the heated section 11 and the heat dissipation section 12. This, in turn, suppresses the decrease in the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module 10.

[0116] [Fourth Implementation Method]

[0117] The fourth embodiment will be described. In the following description, structural elements that are the same as or equivalent to those in the embodiments described above will be given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be simplified or omitted.

[0118] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the thermoelectric power generation device 100D according to this embodiment. (As shown...) Figure 10As shown, in this embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation device 100D includes: a thermoelectric power generation module 10 having a heating section 11 and a heat dissipation section 12, a heating component 20 connected to the heating section 11, a heat dissipation component 30 connected to the heat dissipation section 12, a cooling device 40A for cooling the heat dissipation section 12, a heating device 60 for adjusting the temperature of the heating section 11, and a control device 50.

[0119] Similar to the above embodiment, the control device 50 includes: a control unit 52 including a monitoring unit 52A and a control command unit 52B; and an adjustment unit 53 including a switching unit 53A and a current changing unit 53B.

[0120] Similar to the embodiment described above, the cooling device 40A includes a fan 41 and a motor 42 that rotates the fan 41. The cooling device 40A cools the heat dissipation section 12 via the heat dissipation component 30.

[0121] The heated section 11 is heated by a heat source 200. The heat source 200 generates heat by burning fuel FL. The calorific value of the heat source 200 varies based on the amount of fuel FL.

[0122] The heating device 60 adjusts the amount of fuel FL supplied to the heat source 200. A larger amount of fuel FL supplied to the heat source 200 results in a higher calorific value for the heat source 200. A smaller amount of fuel FL supplied to the heat source 200 results in a lower calorific value for the heat source 200. A higher calorific value from the heat source 200 results in a higher temperature for the heated section 11. A lower calorific value from the heat source 200 results in a lower temperature for the heated section 11. The heating device 60 can adjust the temperature of the heated section 11 by adjusting the amount of fuel FL supplied to the heat source 200.

[0123] The heating device 60 includes a fuel tank 61 for holding fuel FL, a conveying component 62 for conveying fuel FL from the fuel tank 61 to the heat source 200, and a motor 63 for driving the conveying component 62.

[0124] Fuel tank 61 contains fuel FL. A supply port 64 is provided at the lower end of fuel tank 61. Fuel FL in fuel tank 61 is supplied to heat source 200 through supply port 64.

[0125] The conveying component 62 includes a conveying roller disposed within the fuel tank 61. By rotating the conveying component 62, fuel FL in the fuel tank 61 is conveyed to the supply port 64. The fuel FL conveyed to the supply port 64 is then supplied to the heat source 200 by gravity.

[0126] Motor 63 is connected to conveyor 62 via power transmission structure 65, which includes pulleys and a belt. Electricity generated by motor 63 is transmitted to conveyor 62 via power transmission structure 65. Conveyor 62 rotates based on the power transmitted from motor 63 via power transmission structure 65. When motor 63 is driven, fuel FL is supplied from fuel tank 61 to heat source 200. As the rotational speed of motor 63 increases, the amount of fuel FL delivered to conveyor 62 increases, and the amount of fuel FL supplied from fuel tank 61 to heat source 200 increases. As the rotational speed of motor 63 decreases, the amount of fuel FL delivered to conveyor 62 decreases, and the amount of fuel FL supplied from fuel tank 61 to heat source 200 decreases. When the drive of motor 63 stops, the supply of fuel FL from fuel tank 61 to heat source 200 ceases.

[0127] In this embodiment, the generated electricity Pg from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is allocated to the consumed electricity Pc used by the cooling device 40A, the actual electricity Pe used by the external load 300, and the consumed electricity Ph used by the heating device 60. The consumed electricity Ph refers to the electricity supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the heating device 60 and consumed by the heating device 60. The consumed electricity Pc of the cooling device 40A includes the consumed electricity Pc of the motor 42. The consumed electricity Ph of the heating device 60 includes the consumed electricity Ph of the motor 63. Furthermore, the following formula (2) applies to the generated electricity Pg, consumed electricity Pc, actual electricity Pe, and consumed electricity Ph.

[0128] [Actual electricity Pe] = [Power generated Pg] - ([Power consumed Pc] + [Power consumed Ph]) (2)

[0129] The monitoring unit 52A of the control device 50 monitors the status of the cooling device 40A and the heating device 60 respectively and outputs monitoring data Md. In this embodiment, the monitoring data Md includes the power consumption Pc of the motor 42 of the cooling device 40A and the power consumption Ph of the motor 63 of the heating device 60.

[0130] The control command unit 52B of the control unit 50 outputs control commands for controlling the adjustment unit 53 based on the monitoring data Md output from the monitoring unit 52A.

[0131] When the control command unit 52B determines, based on the monitoring data Md, that the power consumption Pc of the cooling device 40A has decreased, it reduces the actual power Pe. When it determines, based on the monitoring data Md, that the power consumption Ph of the heating device 60 has decreased, it also reduces the actual power Pe.

[0132] When the actual power Pe distributed from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300 increases, the power consumption Pc distributed to the motor 42 and the power consumption Ph distributed to the motor 63 decrease respectively.

[0133] When the power consumption Pc supplied to the motor 42 from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 decreases, the control command unit 52B reduces the actual power Pe supplied to the external load 300 from the thermoelectric power generation module 10. Because the actual power Pe supplied to the external load 300 decreases, the power consumption Pc supplied to the motor 42 increases. This increase in power consumption Pc supplied to the motor 42 suppresses the reduction in the speed of the fan 41 or prevents the fan 41 from stopping.

[0134] Furthermore, when the power consumption Pc supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the motor 63 decreases, the control command unit 52B reduces the actual power Pe supplied from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300. Because the actual power Pe supplied to the external load 300 decreases, the power consumption Pc supplied to the motor 63 increases. This increase in power consumption Pc supplied to the motor 63 suppresses any reduction in the amount of fuel FL supplied to the heat source 200, or even stops the supply of fuel FL.

[0135] Since the heated part 11 is fully heated by the heat source 200 and the heat dissipation part 12 is fully cooled by the cooling device 40A, the temperature difference between the heated part 11 and the heat dissipation part 12 increases, thus suppressing the reduction in the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module 10.

[0136] In this embodiment, the monitoring data Md can also represent the temperature difference between the heated part 11 and the heat dissipation part 12. By providing temperature sensors to detect the temperature of the heated part 11 and the heat dissipation part 12, the monitoring unit 52A can monitor the temperature difference between the heated part 11 and the heat dissipation part 12. When the temperature difference between the heated part 11 and the heat dissipation part 12 decreases, the control command unit 52B reduces the actual power Pe distributed from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 to the external load 300. As the actual power Pe distributed to the external load 300 decreases, the power consumption Pc distributed to the motor 42 and the power consumption Ph distributed to the motor 63 increase. Therefore, the temperature difference between the heated part 11 and the heat dissipation part 12 increases. Thus, the decrease in the power generation efficiency of the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is suppressed.

[0137] [Fifth Implementation Method]

[0138] The fifth embodiment will be described. In the following description, structural elements that are the same as or equivalent to those in the embodiments described above will be given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be simplified or omitted.

[0139] Figure 11This diagram schematically illustrates the thermoelectric power generation device 100E according to this embodiment. In the above embodiment, the heat dissipation section 12 is cooled by a cooling device 40A including a fan 41 and a motor 42. In this embodiment, the cooling device 40E for cooling the heat dissipation section 12 includes a temperature regulating device 45 for adjusting the refrigerant temperature, a refrigerant jacket 46 connected to the heat dissipation section 12, a first flow path 47A through which refrigerant supplied from the temperature regulating device 45 to the refrigerant jacket 46 flows, and a second flow path 47B through which refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant jacket 46 to the temperature regulating device 45 flows. The refrigerant circulates in the circulation system of the cooling device 40E including the temperature regulating device 45, the first flow path 47A, the refrigerant jacket 46, and the second flow path 47B.

[0140] Temperature regulating device 45 adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant. Temperature regulating device 45 includes, for example, a heat exchanger and a circulation pump, and simultaneously supplies the refrigerant at the adjusted temperature to the refrigerant jacket 46. The heat exchanger and circulation pump of temperature regulating device 45 are driven by power Pc supplied by thermoelectric power generation module 10.

[0141] The refrigerant jacket 46 has an internal space for refrigerant circulation. The refrigerant jacket 46 is positioned in contact with the heat dissipation unit 12. The refrigerant with adjusted temperature in the temperature regulating device 45 is supplied to the refrigerant jacket 46 through a first flow path 47A. The refrigerant circulating in the internal space of the refrigerant jacket 46, after having its heat removed by the heat dissipation unit 12, returns to the temperature regulating device 45 through a second flow path 47B.

[0142] The generated electricity Pg from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is distributed to the power consumption Pc used by the temperature control device 45 of the cooling device 40E and the actual power Pe used by the external load 300. The monitoring unit 52A monitors the power consumption Pc of the temperature control device 45 and outputs monitoring data Md. When the power consumption Pc of the temperature control device 45 decreases, the control command unit 52B reduces the actual power Pe of the external load 300.

[0143] [Sixth Implementation Method]

[0144] The sixth embodiment will be described. In the following description, structural elements that are the same as or equivalent to those in the embodiments described above will be given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be simplified or omitted.

[0145] Figure 12This diagram schematically illustrates the thermoelectric power generation device 100F according to this embodiment. In the fifth embodiment described above, the cooling device 40E includes a temperature regulating device 45. In this embodiment, the cooling device 40F for cooling the heat dissipation section 12 includes: a radiator 48 for dissipating refrigerant heat, a refrigerant sleeve 46 connected to the heat dissipation section 12, a first flow path 47A through which refrigerant supplied from the temperature regulating device 45 flows to the refrigerant sleeve 46, a second flow path 47B through which refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant sleeve 46 to the temperature regulating device 45 flows, and a circulation pump 49 disposed in the second flow path 47B. The refrigerant circulates in a circulation system including the radiator 48, the first flow path 47A, the refrigerant sleeve 46, and the second flow path 47B.

[0146] Radiator 48 dissipates heat from the refrigerant. The refrigerant, cooled by radiator 48, is supplied to refrigerant jacket 46 via first flow path 47A. The refrigerant flowing within the refrigerant jacket 46, after having its heat removed by heat dissipation section 12, returns to radiator 48 via second flow path 47B. Circulation pump 49 drives the refrigerant to circulate in the circulation system of cooling device 40F. Circulation pump 49 is driven by power Pc supplied by thermoelectric generator module 10.

[0147] The generated electricity Pg from the thermoelectric power generation module 10 is distributed to the power consumption Pc used by the circulating pump 49 of the cooling device 40F and the actual power Pe used by the external load 300. The monitoring unit 52A monitors the power consumption Pc of the circulating pump 49 and outputs monitoring data Md. When the power consumption Pc of the circulating pump 49 decreases, the control command unit 52B reduces the actual power Pe of the external load 300.

[0148] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0149] 10…Thermoelectric power generation module, 11…Heated part, 11S…Outer surface, 11T…Inner surface, 12…Heat dissipation part, 12S…Outer surface, 12T…Inner surface, 13…Thermoelectric semiconductor element, 13P…p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element, 13N…n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element, 14…Wire, 15…First electrode, 16…Second motor, 20…Heated component, 30…Heat dissipation component, 31…Plate part, 32…Heat fin part, 40A…Cooling device, 40E…Cooling device 40F…cooling unit, 41…fan, 42…motor, 43…rotation sensor, 44…temperature sensor, 45…temperature regulator, 46…refrigerant jacket, 47A…first flow path, 47B…second flow path, 48…radiator, 49…circulation pump, 50…control unit, 51…power supply unit, 52…control unit, 52A…monitoring unit, 52B…control command unit, 53…adjustment unit, 53A…switch unit, 53B…current changing unit, 54…storage unit, 60…addition Thermal device, 61…fuel tank, 62…transmission component, 63…motor, 64 supply port, 65…power transmission structure, 80…first power line, 90…second power line, 100A…thermoelectric power generation device, 100B…thermoelectric power generation device, 100C…thermoelectric power generation device, 100D…thermoelectric power generation device, 100E…thermoelectric power generation device, 100F…thermoelectric power generation device, 200…heat source, 300…external load, Cc…change instruction, Cs…switching instruction, Ie… Current, Ie1…first given value, Ie2…second given value, Md…monitoring data, Pc…power consumption, Pd…driving power, Pe…actual power, Pg…power generation, Ph…power consumption, Rc…rotations, Sh…threshold, Shp…stop threshold, Shs…start threshold, Shv…change threshold, Shv1…first change threshold, Shv2…second change threshold, Shv3…third change threshold, Tc…temperature, Vc…voltage, ΔIe…specified quantity.

Claims

1. A thermoelectric power generation device, comprising: A thermoelectric power generation module has a heating part and a heat dissipation part, and generates electricity through the temperature difference between the heating part and the heat dissipation part; Cooling device for cooling the heat dissipation section; as well as Control device, The electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation module is allocated as power consumed by the cooling device and as actual power used by external loads. The control device has: The monitoring unit monitors the status of the cooling device and outputs monitoring data including the power consumption of the cooling device. The adjustment unit is capable of adjusting the actual power supplied to the external load; as well as The control command unit outputs control commands to the adjustment unit based on the monitoring data. When the power consumption of the cooling device decreases, the control command unit reduces the actual power consumption.

2. The thermoelectric power generation device as described in claim 1, wherein, The cooling device includes a motor. The power consumed by the cooling device includes the power consumed by the motor.

3. The thermoelectric power generation device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The thermoelectric power generation device includes: a storage unit for storing threshold values ​​related to the power consumption. The control command unit outputs the control command based on a comparison between the power consumption of the cooling device and the threshold.

4. The thermoelectric power generation device as described in claim 3, wherein, The threshold includes a change threshold related to changes in the actual power value. When the power consumption of the cooling device decreases below the change threshold, the control command unit reduces the actual power consumption by only a specified amount.

5. The thermoelectric power generation device as described in claim 4, wherein, The thresholds include a stop threshold related to the actual power supply stoppage. When the power consumption of the cooling device decreases below the stop threshold, the control command unit stops the actual power supply.

6. The thermoelectric power generation device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The power consumption of the cooling device includes the voltage applied to the cooling device. The actual power of the external load includes the current supplied to the external load.

7. The thermoelectric power generation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The cooling device includes a fan and a motor that rotates the fan. The monitoring data includes the fan's rotational speed. The control command unit reduces the actual power when the rotation speed decreases.

8. The thermoelectric power generation device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The monitoring unit monitors the status of the thermoelectric power generation module and outputs the monitoring data. The control command unit outputs the control command based on the monitoring data.

9. The thermoelectric power generation device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The monitoring data includes the temperature of the heat dissipation unit that is cooled by the cooling device. The control command unit reduces the actual power when the temperature rises.

10. The thermoelectric power generation device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The thermoelectric power generation device includes: a heating device for adjusting the temperature of the heated portion. The electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation module is allocated to the power consumed by the cooling device, the actual power used by the external load, and the power consumed by the heating device. The monitoring unit monitors the status of the heating device and outputs monitoring data. The control command unit outputs the control command based on the monitoring data.

11. The thermoelectric power generation device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The thermoelectric power generation device includes: The first power line connects the thermoelectric power generation module and the cooling device; as well as The second power line connects the thermoelectric power generation module and the external load. The adjustment unit is configured on the second power line.

12. A thermoelectric power generation device, comprising: A thermoelectric power generation module has a heating part and a heat dissipation part, and generates electricity through the temperature difference between the heating part and the heat dissipation part; Cooling device for cooling the heat dissipation section; as well as Control device, The electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation module is allocated as power consumed by the cooling device and as actual power used by external loads. The control device has: The monitoring unit monitors the status of the thermoelectric power generation module and outputs monitoring data; The adjustment unit is capable of adjusting the actual power supplied to the external load; as well as The control command unit outputs control commands to the adjustment unit based on the monitoring data.

13. The thermoelectric power generation device as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The monitoring data includes the temperature of the heat dissipation unit that is cooled by the cooling device. The control command unit reduces the actual power when the temperature rises.

14. The thermoelectric power generation device as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein, The thermoelectric power generation device includes: a heating device for adjusting the temperature of the heated portion. The electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation module is allocated to the power consumed by the cooling device, the actual power used by the external load, and the power consumed by the heating device. The monitoring unit monitors the status of the heating device and outputs monitoring data. The control command unit outputs the control command based on the monitoring data.

15. The thermoelectric power generation device as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein, The thermoelectric power generation device includes: The first power line connects the thermoelectric power generation module and the cooling device; as well as The second power line connects the thermoelectric power generation module and the external load. The adjustment unit is configured on the second power line.

16. A thermoelectric power generation device, comprising: A thermoelectric power generation module has a heating part and a heat dissipation part, and generates electricity through the temperature difference between the heating part and the heat dissipation part; Cooling device for cooling the heat dissipation section; Heating device, to adjust the temperature of the heated part; as well as Control device, The electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation module is allocated to the power consumed by the cooling device, the actual power used by the external load, and the power consumed by the heating device. The control device has: The monitoring unit monitors the status of the cooling device and the status of the heating device respectively and outputs monitoring data. The adjustment unit is capable of adjusting the actual power supplied to the external load; as well as The control command unit outputs control commands to the adjustment unit based on the monitoring data.

17. The thermoelectric power generation device as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The monitoring data includes the power consumption of the cooling device and the power consumption of the heating device. The control command unit reduces the actual power consumption when the power consumption of the cooling device decreases, and also reduces the actual power consumption when the power consumption of the heating device decreases.

18. The thermoelectric power generation device as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein, The thermoelectric power generation device includes: The first power line connects the thermoelectric power generation module and the cooling device; as well as The second power line connects the thermoelectric power generation module and the external load. The adjustment unit is configured on the second power line.

Images