power generation device

Abstract

A power generation device according to an embodiment of the present application includes a fluid flow portion in which a fluid passes through a flow path duct formed in the fluid flow portion, and the fluid flow portion includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a third surface between the first surface and the second surface, a fourth surface opposite the third surface, a fifth surface between the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface, and a sixth surface opposite the fifth surface; and a first thermoelectric module disposed on the first surface, wherein a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet arranged to be spaced apart from each other are formed in the third surface, the flow path duct is formed to be connected from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, the flow path duct includes a plurality of first flow path portions arranged along a first direction, a plurality of second flow path portions arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a plurality of curved portions connecting the plurality of first flow path portions and the plurality of second flow path portions, in this order, the fluid flow portion is arbitrarily set to a first region, a second region, and a third region from the third surface to the fourth surface, and the plurality of first flow path portions are arranged such that the fluid passes through the first region, the third region, the second region, the first region, and the third region in this order.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generation device, and more specifically, to a power generation device that generates electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between the low-temperature and high-temperature portions of a thermoelectric element. Background Technology

[0002] The thermoelectric effect is a direct energy conversion phenomenon between heat and electricity that occurs due to the movement of electrons and holes in a material.

[0003] Thermoelectric elements are often referred to as elements that utilize the thermoelectric effect, and they have the following structure: P-type thermoelectric material and N-type thermoelectric material are disposed between metal electrodes and bonded to the metal electrodes to form a PN junction pair.

[0004] Thermoelectric elements can be classified into elements that utilize resistance changes related to temperature changes, elements that utilize the Seebeck effect (where an electromotive force is generated due to a temperature difference), and elements that utilize the Peltier effect (where heat is absorbed or heated due to current).

[0005] Thermoelectric elements are widely used in household appliances, electronic components, and communication components. For example, thermoelectric elements can be used in cooling equipment, heating equipment, and power generation devices. Therefore, the demand for the thermoelectric performance of thermoelectric elements is gradually increasing.

[0006] In recent years, there has been a need to generate electricity using waste heat generated at high temperatures by engines in vehicles, ships, etc., and thermoelectric elements. In this case, a conduit through which a first fluid flows can be placed on the low-temperature side of the thermoelectric element, while heat dissipation fins can be placed on the high-temperature side. A second fluid with a higher temperature than the first fluid can then pass through the heat dissipation fins. Therefore, electricity can be generated due to the temperature difference between the low-temperature and high-temperature parts of the thermoelectric element, and the power generation performance can vary depending on the structure of the power generation device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical Purpose

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a power generation device that generates electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between the low-temperature and high-temperature parts of a thermoelectric element.

[0009] Technical solution

[0010] One aspect of the present invention provides a power generation device, comprising: a fluid flow section through which fluid passes through a flow path conduit formed therein, the fluid flow section including a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a third surface between the first and second surfaces, a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, a fifth surface between the first, second, third, and fourth surfaces, and a sixth surface opposite to the fifth surface; and a first thermoelectric module disposed on the first surface, wherein a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, spaced apart from each other, are formed in the third surface, the flow path conduit being formed to connect from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, the flow path conduit including a plurality of first flow path portions disposed along a first direction, a plurality of second flow path portions disposed along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a plurality of bends disposed between and connected to the plurality of first and second flow path portions, the fluid flow section being sequentially and arbitrarily configured as a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment from the third surface to the fourth surface, and the plurality of first flow path portions being configured such that fluid passes through the first segment, the third segment, the second segment, the first segment, and the third segment in sequence.

[0011] The first thermoelectric module may include a first thermoelectric element disposed on a first surface and a first radiator disposed on the first thermoelectric element. The fluid passing through the fluid flow section may be a first fluid, and a second fluid with a temperature different from that of the first fluid passes through the first radiator in a direction from the fifth surface toward the sixth surface.

[0012] The first direction can be parallel to the direction in which the second fluid passes.

[0013] The fluid flow section can be sequentially and arbitrarily configured as the fourth and fifth sections from the fifth to the sixth surface, and the plurality of second flow path sections can be configured such that the fluid alternately passes through the fourth and fifth sections.

[0014] In the flow path pipeline, the following can be connected in sequence: a first flow path section connected to the fluid inlet and passing through the first section, a second flow path section passing through the fifth section, a first flow path section passing through the third section, a second flow path section passing through the fourth section, the plurality of first flow path sections passing through the second section, a second flow path section passing through the fifth section, a first flow path section passing through the first section, a second flow path section passing through the fourth section, a first flow path section passing through the third section, and a second flow path section passing through the fifth section and connected to the fluid outlet.

[0015] The two first flow paths passing through the first section can be traversed by the first fluid in opposite directions, and the two first flow paths passing through the third section can also be traversed by the first fluid in opposite directions.

[0016] The direction in which the first fluid passes through the first flow path portion, which is closer to the third surface among the two first flow path portions passing through the first section, and the direction in which the first fluid passes through the first flow path portion, which is closer to the fourth surface among the two first flow path portions passing through the third section, can be the same as the direction of the second fluid flow.

[0017] The multiple first flow path sections passing through the second section can be three first flow path sections, and the first fluid in the three first flow path sections can pass through in the same direction as the second fluid flow direction, pass through in the opposite direction to the second fluid flow direction, and then pass through again in the same direction as the second fluid flow direction.

[0018] Multiple through holes passing through the first surface can be formed in the fluid flow section, and the fluid flow section and the first thermoelectric module can be connected by multiple connecting members disposed in the multiple through holes.

[0019] The plurality of first flow paths passing through the second section can be positioned in the area defined by the virtual lines connecting the plurality of through holes.

[0020] The plurality of second flow path sections can be disposed outside the area defined by the virtual lines connecting the plurality of through holes.

[0021] Some of the plurality of bends can connect to one of the plurality of first flow path sections and one of the plurality of second flow path sections, and some other bends of the plurality of bends can connect to two of the plurality of first flow path sections.

[0022] Some of the remaining bends among the plurality of bends may be located in the area defined by the virtual lines connecting the plurality of through holes.

[0023] The diameter of at least one of the plurality of curved portions may be greater than the diameter of at least one of the plurality of first flow path portions and greater than the diameter of at least one of the plurality of second flow path portions.

[0024] The distance between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet can be greater than or equal to the distance between the second flow path portion closest to the fifth surface and the second flow path portion closest to the sixth surface among the plurality of second flow path portions.

[0025] The power generation device may also include a second thermoelectric module, which includes a second thermoelectric element disposed on a second surface and a second radiator disposed on the second thermoelectric element, and the second fluid may pass through the second radiator in a direction from the fifth surface toward the sixth surface.

[0026] Beneficial effects

[0027] According to embodiments of the present invention, a power generation device with excellent power generation performance can be obtained. Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, a power generation device with improved heat transfer efficiency to thermoelectric elements can be obtained.

[0028] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, by improving the flow path through the cooling section of the power generation device, high cooling efficiency per unit area can be obtained. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing a power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a power generation device included in a power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4 This is an exploded view showing a power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a power generation module included in a power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing a power generation module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 7a , Figure 7b These are a set of enlarged partial views illustrating a power generation module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8 and Figure 9 These are cross-sectional and perspective views showing thermoelectric elements included in a power generation module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a top view showing a power generation module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing a fluid flow section according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing a fluid flow section according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing a fluid flow section according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 13 A view of the fluid movement path in the fluid flow section.

[0042] Figure 15a It is shown Figure 11 A view of the simulation results of heat distribution in the shape of the flow path. Figure 15b It is shown Figure 12 A view of the simulation results of heat distribution in the shape of the flow path, and Figure 15c It is shown Figure 13 A view of the simulation results of heat distribution in the shape of the flow path.

[0043] Figure 16 This is a view illustrating a power generation system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 17 This is a view illustrating a power generation system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments to be described, and can be implemented using various other embodiments, and at least one component in these embodiments can be selectively combined, substituted and used within the spirit of the present invention.

[0047] Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly and specifically defined in the context, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) are to be interpreted as having the meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art, and the meaning of commonly used terms, such as those defined in common dictionaries, will be interpreted by taking into account the contextual meaning of the relevant art.

[0048] Furthermore, the terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is considered descriptive and not intended to limit the invention.

[0049] In this specification, unless the context otherwise requires, the singular form may include its plural form, and in cases describing "at least one (or one or more) of A, B, and C", it may include at least one combination of all possible combinations of A, B, and C.

[0050] Furthermore, in the description of the components of the present invention, terms such as “first”, “second”, “A”, “B”, “(a)” and “(b)” may be used.

[0051] These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another, and the nature, order, etc. of the elements are not limited by these terms.

[0052] Furthermore, when a component is referred to as being “connected” or “linked” to another component, such a description includes not only cases where the component is directly connected or linked to another component, but also cases where the component is connected or linked to another component through which it is disposed.

[0053] Furthermore, when any element is described as being formed or disposed "above" or "below" another element, this description includes not only cases where the two elements are formed or disposed in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other elements are formed or disposed between the two elements. Additionally, when an element is described as being disposed "above or below" another element, this description can include cases where one element is disposed on the upper or lower side relative to the other element.

[0054] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing a power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a power generation device included in a power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 This is an exploded view showing a power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a power generation module included in a power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing a power generation module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7a , Figure 7b These are a set of enlarged partial views illustrating a power generation module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 8 and Figure 9 These are cross-sectional and perspective views showing thermoelectric elements included in a power generation module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The power generation system 10 includes a power generation device 1000 and a fluid pipeline 2000.

[0056] The fluid introduced into the fluid conduit 2000 can be a heat source generated by an engine of a vehicle, ship, power plant, steel mill, etc., but is not limited to this. The temperature of the fluid discharged from the fluid conduit 2000 is lower than the temperature of the fluid introduced into the fluid conduit 2000. For example, the temperature of the fluid introduced into the fluid conduit 2000 can be 100 °C or higher, preferably 200 °C or higher, more preferably 220 °C to 250 °C, but is not limited to this, and can vary depending on the temperature difference between the low-temperature and high-temperature parts of the thermoelectric element.

[0057] The fluid conduit 2000 includes a fluid inlet 2100, a fluid passage 2200, and a fluid outlet 2300. Fluid introduced through the fluid inlet 2100 passes through the fluid passage 2200 and is discharged through the fluid outlet 2300. In this case, a power generation device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided in the fluid passage 2200, and the power generation device 1000 generates electricity using the temperature difference between a first fluid passing through the power generation device 1000 and a second fluid passing through the fluid passage 2200. In this case, the first fluid may be a cooling fluid, and the second fluid may be a high-temperature fluid with a temperature higher than that of the first fluid. The power generation device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention can generate electricity using the temperature difference between a first fluid flowing on one surface of a thermoelectric element and a second fluid flowing on the other surface of a thermoelectric element.

[0058] When the cross-sectional shape of each of the fluid inlet 2100 and the fluid outlet 2300 is different from the cross-sectional shape of the fluid passage 2200, the fluid conduit 2000 may further include a first connecting portion 2400 connecting the fluid inlet 2100 and the fluid passage 2200 and a second connecting portion 2500 connecting the fluid passage 2200 and the fluid outlet 2300. For example, each of the fluid inlet 2100 and the fluid outlet 2300 may have a cylindrical shape. However, the fluid passage 2200, on which the power generation device 1000 is provided, may have a quadrilateral container shape or a polygonal container shape. Therefore, one end of the fluid inlet 2100 and one end of the fluid passage 2200, and the other end of the fluid outlet 2300 and the other end of the fluid passage 2200, may be connected by the first connecting portion 2400 and the second connecting portion 2500, respectively, with one end of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion having a cylindrical shape and the other end of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion having a quadrilateral container shape.

[0059] In this case, the fluid inlet 2100 and the first connecting part 2400, the first connecting part 2400 and the fluid passage part 2200, the fluid passage part 2200 and the second connecting part 2500, the second connecting part 2500 and the fluid outlet part 2300 can be connected to each other by fastening members.

[0060] As described above, a power generation device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be disposed in a fluid passage portion 2200. To facilitate assembly of the power generation system 10, one surface of the fluid passage portion 2200 can be designed as an openable and closable structure. After one surface 2210 of the fluid passage portion 2200 is opened, the power generation device 1000 can be accommodated in the fluid passage portion 2200, and the opened surface 2210 of the fluid passage portion 2200 can be covered by a cover 2220. In this case, the cover 2220 can be fastened to the opened surface 2210 of the fluid passage portion 2200 by a plurality of fastening members.

[0061] When the first fluid is supplied from the outside to the power generation device 1000 and subsequently discharged to the outside, and the cable connected to the power generation device 1000 is withdrawn to the outside, a plurality of holes 2222 may also be formed in the cover 2220 to receive and discharge the first fluid and withdraw the cable.

[0062] Reference Figure 3 According to embodiment 7, the power generation device 1000 of the present invention includes a fluid flow section 1100, a first thermoelectric module 1200, a second thermoelectric module 1300, a branch section 1400, a partition member 1500, a shielding member 1600, and an insulating member 1700. Furthermore, the power generation device 1000 of the present invention also includes a guide plate 1800 and a support frame 1900.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, the fluid flow section 1100, the first thermoelectric module 1200, the second thermoelectric module 1300, the branch section 1400, the partition member 1500, the shielding member 1600, and the insulating member 1700 can be assembled into a module.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the power generation device 1000 can generate electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between a first fluid flowing through the fluid flow section 1100 and a second fluid passing through the radiators 1220 and 1320 of the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 disposed outside the fluid flow section 1100.

[0065] In this specification, the temperature of the first fluid flowing through the interior of the fluid flow section 1100 can be lower than the temperature of the second fluid passing through the radiators 1220 and 1320 of the thermoelectric modules 1200 and 1300 disposed outside the fluid flow section 1100. In this specification, the first fluid can be a cooling fluid. For this purpose, the first thermoelectric module 1200 can be disposed on one surface of the fluid flow section 1100, and the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be disposed on the other surface of the fluid flow section 1100. In this case, of the two surfaces of each thermoelectric module in the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300, the surface facing the fluid flow section 1100 becomes the low-temperature portion, and power can be generated using the temperature difference between the low-temperature portion and the high-temperature portion. Therefore, in this specification, the fluid flow section 1100 can be referred to as a cooling section or a conduit.

[0066] The first fluid introduced into the fluid flow section 1100 may be water, but is not limited thereto, and may be any type of fluid with a cooling function. The temperature of the first fluid introduced into the fluid flow section 1100 may be below 100 °C, preferably below 50 °C, and more preferably below 40 °C, but is not limited thereto. The temperature of the first fluid passing through the fluid flow section 1100 and being discharged may be higher than the temperature of the first fluid introduced into the fluid flow section 1100. The fluid flow section 1100 includes a first surface 1110, a second surface 1120 disposed opposite to and parallel to the first surface 1110, a third surface 1130 disposed between the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120, a fourth surface 1140 disposed between the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 and opposite to the third surface 1130, a fifth surface 1150 disposed between the first surface 1110, the second surface 1120, the third surface 1130 and the third surface 1140, and a sixth surface 1160 disposed opposite to the fifth surface 1150, and a first fluid passes through the interior of the fluid flow section 1100. When the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 are respectively disposed on the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 of the fluid flow section 1100, the third surface 1130 may be a surface disposed in the direction in which the first fluid is introduced and discharged, and the fifth surface 1150 may be a surface disposed in the direction in which the second fluid is introduced. For this purpose, a first fluid inlet 1132 and a first fluid outlet 1134 may be formed in the third surface 1130 of the fluid flow section 1100. The first fluid inlet 1132 and the first fluid outlet 1134 may be connected to a flow path conduit in the fluid flow section 1100. Therefore, the first fluid introduced from the first fluid inlet 1132 may pass through the flow path conduit and may be discharged from the first fluid outlet 1134.

[0067] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, heat dissipation fins may also be provided on the inner wall of the fluid flow section 1100. The shape, number, and area of ​​the fluid flow section 1100 occupied by the heat dissipation fins can be varied depending on the temperature of the first fluid, the temperature of the waste heat, the desired power generation capacity, etc. The area of ​​the inner wall of the fluid flow section 1100 occupied by the heat dissipation fins can be less than, for example, 1% to 40% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid flow section 1100. Therefore, high thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be obtained without hindering the movement of the first fluid. In this case, the heat dissipation fins can have a shape that does not hinder the movement of the first fluid. For example, the heat dissipation fins can be formed along the direction of the first fluid flow. That is, the heat dissipation fins can have a plate shape extending in the direction from the first fluid inlet to the first fluid outlet, and multiple heat dissipation fins can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The heat dissipation fins can also be integrally formed with the inner wall of the fluid flow section 1100.

[0068] According to this embodiment of the invention, the direction of the second fluid flowing through the fluid passage 2200 and the receiving / discharging direction of the first fluid flowing through the fluid flow section 1100 can be different. For example, the receiving / discharging direction of the first fluid and the passing direction of the second fluid can differ by approximately 90°. Therefore, uniform heat conversion performance can be obtained throughout the entire area.

[0069] Meanwhile, the first thermoelectric module 1200 may be disposed on the first surface 1110 of the fluid flow section 1100, and the second thermoelectric module 1300 may be disposed on the second surface 1120 of the fluid flow section 1100 to be symmetrical with the first thermoelectric module 1200.

[0070] The first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be fastened to the fluid flow section 1100 using screws or coil springs. Therefore, the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be stably connected to the surface of the fluid flow section 1100. Alternatively, at least one of the first thermoelectric modules 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 can also be bonded to the surface of the fluid flow section 1100 using a thermal interface material (TIM). Even at high temperatures, the uniformity of heat applied to the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be uniformly controlled using coil springs, TIM, and / or screws.

[0071] At the same time, such as Figure 7aAs shown, the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 respectively include thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310 disposed on a first surface 1110 and a second surface 1120, and heat sinks 1220 and 1320 disposed on the thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310. As described above, in each of the two surfaces of the thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310, when the fluid flow section 1100 through which the first fluid flows is disposed on one surface and the heat sinks 1220 and 1320 are disposed on the other surface, and when the second fluid passes through the heat sinks 1220 and 1320, the temperature difference between the heat-absorbing surface and the heat-dissipating surface of the thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310 can increase, and thus the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be improved. In this case, when the direction from the first surface 1110 toward the thermoelectric element 1210 and the heat sink 1220 is defined as a first direction, the length of the heat sink 1220 along the first direction can be greater than the length of the thermoelectric element 1210 along the first direction. Therefore, due to the increased contact area between the second fluid and the heat sink 1220, the temperature of the heat-absorbing surface of the thermoelectric element 1210 may rise.

[0072] In this case, refer to Figure 7b The heat sinks 1220 and 1320, as well as the thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310, can be fastened by a plurality of fastening members 1230 and 1330. In this case, the fastening members 1230 and 1330 can be helical springs, screws, etc. For this purpose, the through holes S through which the fastening members 1230 and 1330 pass can be formed in at least a plurality of portions of the heat sinks 1220 and 1320 and the thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310. In this case, separate insulating insert members 1240 and 1340 can be further provided between the through holes S and the fastening members 1230 and 1330. The separate insulating insert members 1240 and 1340 can be insulating insert members surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the fastening members 1230 and 1330, or insulating insert members surrounding the wall surface of the through holes S. For example, each of the insulating insert members 1240 and 1340 can have an annular shape. The inner circumferential surfaces of the annular insulating insertion members 1240 and 1340 can be disposed on the outer circumferential surfaces of the fastening members 1230 and 1330, and the outer circumferential surfaces of the insulating insertion members 1240 and 1340 can be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole S. Therefore, the fastening members 1230 and 1330, the heat sinks 1220 and 1320, and the thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310 can be insulated from each other.

[0073] Meanwhile, each of the insulating insertion members 1240 and 1340 can have in Figure 7b The shapes shown in the image. For example, as... Figure 7bAs shown, insulating insertion members 1240 and 1340 may form steps in the region of the through-hole S formed in the substrate of thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310, and may be configured to surround multiple portions of the wall surface of the through-hole S. Alternatively, insulating insertion members 1240 and 1340 may form steps in the region of the through-hole S formed in the substrate of thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310, and may also be configured to extend to a surface on which the electrodes (not shown) of thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310 are disposed along the wall surface of the through-hole S.

[0074] In this case, each of thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310 can have Figure 8 and Figure 9 The structure of the thermoelectric element 100 shown is illustrated. (Refer to...) Figure 8 and Figure 9 The thermoelectric element 100 includes a lower substrate 110, a lower electrode 120, a P-type thermoelectric leg 130, an N-type thermoelectric leg 140, an upper electrode 150, and an upper substrate 160.

[0075] A lower electrode 120 is disposed between the lower substrate 110 and the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140, and an upper electrode 150 is disposed between the upper substrate 160 and the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140. Therefore, multiple P-type thermoelectric legs 130 and multiple N-type thermoelectric legs 140 are electrically connected through the lower electrode 120 and the upper electrode 150. A pair of P-type thermoelectric legs 130 and N-type thermoelectric legs 140 disposed between the lower electrode 120 and the upper electrode 150 and electrically connected to them can form a single-cell battery.

[0076] For example, when a voltage is applied to the lower electrode 120 and the upper electrode 150 via wires 181 and 182, due to the Peltier effect, the substrate through which the current flows from the P-type thermocouple 130 to the N-type thermocouple 140 can absorb heat and be used as a cooling component, and the substrate through which the current flows from the N-type thermocouple 140 to the P-type thermocouple 130 can be heated and used as a heating component. Alternatively, when different temperatures are applied to the lower electrode 120 and the upper electrode 150, due to the Seebeck effect, charges can move through the P-type thermocouple 130 and the N-type thermocouple 140, thereby generating electricity.

[0077] In this case, each of the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 can be a bismuth telluride (Bi-Te) based thermoelectric leg primarily comprising Bi and Te. The P-type thermoelectric leg 130 can be a Bi-Te based thermoelectric leg comprising at least one of antimony (Sb), nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), lead (Pb), boron (B), gallium (Ga), Te, Bi, and indium (In). As an example, the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 may comprise 99 to 99.999 wt% Bi-Sb-Te as the main material, and 0.001 to 1 wt% of at least one of Ni, Al, Cu, Ag, Pb, B, Ga, and In based on 100 wt% of the total weight. The N-type thermoelectric leg 140 can be a Bi-Te based thermoelectric leg comprising at least one of Se, Ni, Al, Cu, Ag, Pb, B, Ga, Te, Bi, and In. As an example, the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 may include 99 to 99.999 wt% Bi-Se-Te as the main material and 0.001 to 1 wt% of at least one of Ni, Al, Cu, Ag, Pb, B, Ga and In based on 100 wt% of the total weight.

[0078] Each of the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 can be formed in a bulk or stacked manner. Typically, a bulk P-type thermoelectric leg 130 or a bulk N-type thermoelectric leg 140 can be formed by heat-treating a thermoelectric material to produce an ingot, which is then ground and strained to obtain powder for the thermoelectric leg, the powder is sintered, and the sintered powder is cut. In this case, each of the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 can be a polycrystalline thermoelectric leg. As mentioned above, when each of the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 is a polycrystalline thermoelectric leg, the strength of each of the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 can be increased. A stacked P-type thermoelectric leg 130 or a stacked N-type thermoelectric leg 140 can be formed by applying a paste containing thermoelectric material onto a base member having a sheet shape to form a unit member, and the unit member is stacked and cut.

[0079] In this case, the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and N-type thermoelectric leg 140 provided in pairs can have the same shape and volume, or they can have different shapes and volumes. For example, since the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 and N-type thermoelectric leg 140 have different electrical conductivity characteristics, the height or cross-sectional area of ​​the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 can also be different from the height or cross-sectional area of ​​the P-type thermoelectric leg 130.

[0080] In this case, the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 or the N-type thermoelectric leg 140 can be cylindrical, polygonal, elliptical, etc.

[0081] The performance of a thermoelectric element according to an embodiment of the present invention can be expressed as a thermoelectric performance quality factor (ZT). The thermoelectric performance quality factor (ZT) can be expressed by Formula 1.

[0082] [Formula 1]

[0083]

[0084] Here, α represents the Seebeck coefficient [V / K], σ represents the conductivity [S / m], and α 2 σ represents the power factor [W / mK] 2 Furthermore, T represents temperature, and k represents thermal conductivity [W / mK]. k can be expressed as a cp ρ, where a represents the thermal diffusivity [cm] 2 / S], cp represents specific heat [J / gK], and ρ represents density [g / cm³]. 3 ].

[0085] To obtain the thermoelectric performance quality factor (ZT) of a thermoelectric element, the Z value (V / K) is measured using a Z meter, and the measured Z value can be used to calculate the thermoelectric performance quality factor (ZT).

[0086] In this configuration, each of the lower electrode 120 disposed between the lower substrate 110 and the P-type thermoelectric legs 130 and N-type thermoelectric legs 140, and the upper electrode 150 disposed between the upper substrate 160 and the P-type thermoelectric legs 130 and N-type thermoelectric legs 140, may comprise at least one of Cu, Ag, Al, and Ni, and may have a thickness of 0.01 mm to 0.3 mm. When the thickness of the lower electrode 120 or the upper electrode 150 is less than 0.01 mm, the electrode function is degraded, and thus the conductivity may be degraded; when the thickness is greater than 0.3 mm, the resistance increases, and thus the conductivity efficiency may decrease.

[0087] Furthermore, each of the lower substrate 110 and upper substrate 160, which are opposite each other, can be a metal substrate, and the thickness of the lower substrate 110 and upper substrate 160 can be in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm. When the thickness of the metal substrate is less than 0.1 mm or greater than 1.5 mm, the reliability of the thermoelectric element may be degraded because the heat dissipation characteristics or thermal conductivity may become extremely high. Furthermore, when each of the lower substrate 110 and upper substrate 160 is a metal substrate, an insulating layer 170 can be further formed between the lower substrate 110 and the lower electrode 120, and between the upper substrate 160 and the upper electrode 150. Each insulating layer 170 may include a material having a thermal conductivity of 1 to 20 W / mK. In this case, the insulating layer 170 may be a resin composite including at least one of epoxy resin and silicone resin, an inorganic material, a layer formed of a silicon composite including silicon and inorganic materials, or an alumina layer. In this case, the inorganic material may be at least one of oxides, carbides, and nitrides bonded to aluminum, boron, silicon, etc.

[0088] In this case, the dimensions of the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 160 can also be different. That is, the volume, thickness, or area of ​​one of the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 160 can be greater than the volume, thickness, or area of ​​the other. In this case, the thickness can be the thickness in the direction from the lower substrate 110 toward the upper substrate 160, and the area can be the area in the direction perpendicular to the direction from the lower substrate 110 toward the upper substrate 160. Therefore, the heat absorption or heat dissipation performance of the thermoelectric element can be improved. Preferably, at least one of the volume, thickness, and area of ​​the lower substrate 110 can be greater than at least one of the volume, thickness, and area of ​​the upper substrate 160. In this case, when the lower substrate 110 is disposed in a high-temperature region for the Seebeck effect or used as a heating region for the Peltier effect, or when a sealing member for protecting the thermoelectric element described below from the influence of the external environment is disposed on the lower substrate 110, at least one of the volume, thickness, and area of ​​the lower substrate 110 can be greater than at least one of the volume, thickness, and area of ​​the upper substrate 160. In this case, the area of ​​the lower substrate 110 can be formed to be between 1.2 and 5 times the area of ​​the upper substrate 160. When the area of ​​the lower substrate 110 is less than 1.2 times the area of ​​the upper substrate 160, the effect of increasing heat transfer efficiency may be small, and when the area of ​​the lower substrate 110 is more than 5 times the area of ​​the upper substrate 160, the heat transfer efficiency may actually decrease significantly, and it will be difficult to maintain the basic shape of the thermoelectric module.

[0089] Furthermore, a thermal radiation pattern, such as an uneven pattern, can be formed on the surface of at least one of the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 160. Therefore, the thermal radiation performance of the thermoelectric element can be improved. When an uneven pattern is formed on the surface in contact with the P-type thermoelectric leg 130 or the N-type thermoelectric leg 140, the bonding characteristics between the thermoelectric leg and the substrate can also be improved. The thermoelectric element 100 includes a lower substrate 110, a lower electrode 120, a P-type thermoelectric leg 130, an N-type thermoelectric leg 140, an upper electrode 150, and an upper substrate 160.

[0090] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, a sealing member may be further disposed between the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 160. The sealing member may be disposed between the lower substrate 110 and the upper substrate 160 on the side surfaces of the lower electrode 120, the P-type thermoelectric leg 130, the N-type thermoelectric leg 140, and the upper electrode 150. Therefore, the lower electrode 120, the P-type thermoelectric leg 130, the N-type thermoelectric leg 140, and the upper electrode 150 can be sealed to prevent them from being affected by external moisture, heat, contamination, etc.

[0091] In this configuration, the lower substrate 110 disposed on the fluid flow section 1100 can be an aluminum substrate, and the aluminum substrate can be bonded to the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 via a TIM (thermal insulator). Because the aluminum substrate has excellent heat transfer properties, heat transfer between one of the two surfaces of each thermoelectric element in thermoelectric elements 1210 and 1310 and the fluid flow section 1100 through which the first fluid flows is facilitated. Furthermore, when the aluminum substrate and the fluid flow section 1100 through which the first fluid flows are bonded via a TIM, heat transfer between the aluminum substrate and the fluid flow section 1100 through which the first fluid flows is not impeded. In this configuration, the TIM is a material with both heat transfer and bonding properties, and for example, can be a resin composite comprising at least one of epoxy resin and silicone resin, as well as an inorganic material. In this configuration, the inorganic material can be an oxide, carbide, or nitride bonded to aluminum, boron, silicon, etc.

[0092] Refer again Figure 3To improve the sealing and insulation effect between the first thermoelectric module 1200, the fluid flow section 1100, and the second thermoelectric module 1300, the power generation module according to embodiments of the present invention may further include a shielding member 1600 and an insulating member 1700. For example, the insulating member 1700 may be disposed on the surface of the fluid flow section 1100, excluding the area where the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 are disposed. Therefore, heat loss from the first and second fluids can be prevented, and the temperature difference between the low-temperature and high-temperature portions on each of the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be increased to improve power generation performance. Furthermore, the shielding member 1600 may be disposed on the surface of the fluid flow section 1100, excluding the area where the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 are disposed. This protects the cables and connectors connected to the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 from external moisture or contamination.

[0093] Meanwhile, the guide plate 1800 is a plate that guides the flow of the second fluid in the fluid passage 2200, and the second fluid introduced into the fluid passage 2200 can flow along the guide plate 1800 and can be discharged.

[0094] The first guide plate 1800-1 can be configured to face the first thermoelectric module 1200, the second guide plate 1800-2 can be configured to face the second thermoelectric module 1300, and the second fluid can pass between the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the first guide plate 1800-1 and between the second thermoelectric module 1300 and the second guide plate 1800-2.

[0095] In this configuration, both sides of each of the guide plates 1800-1 and 1800-2 can extend to the fluid collecting plate 1810-1 or 1810-2 and the fluid diffuser plate 1820-1 or 1820-2. The fluid collecting plates 1810-1 and 1810-2 can be inlets of the fluid passage 2200, i.e., plates extending toward the first connecting portion 2400, and the fluid diffuser plates 1820-1 and 1820-2 can be outlets of the fluid passage 2200, i.e., plates extending toward the second connecting portion 2500. In this configuration, the fluid collecting plates 1810-1 and 1810-2, the guide plates 1800-1 and 1800-2, and the fluid diffuser plates 1820-1 and 1820-2 can be integrally connected plates. The first guide plate 1800-1, positioned facing the first thermoelectric module 1200, and the second guide plate 1800-2, positioned facing the second thermoelectric module 1300, can be symmetrically arranged to maintain a predetermined distance. In this case, the distance between the first guide plate 1800-1 and the second guide plate 1800-2 can be the horizontal distance from the first guide plate 1800-1 towards the second guide plate 1800-2. Therefore, since the second fluid can pass through between the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the first guide plate 1800-1 and between the second thermoelectric module 1300 and the second guide plate 1800-2 at a constant speed, uniform thermoelectric performance can be obtained. However, the first fluid collection plate 1810-1 extending from the first guide plate 1800-1 and the second fluid collection plate 1810-2 extending from the second guide plate 1800-2 can be symmetrically arranged such that the distance between them increases towards the inlet of the fluid passage 2200. In this configuration, the distance between the first fluid collecting plate 1810-1 and the second fluid collecting plate 1810-2 can be a horizontal distance from the first fluid collecting plate 1810-1 toward the second fluid collecting plate 1810-2. Similarly, the first fluid diffuser plate 1820-1 extending from the first guide plate 1800-1 and the second fluid diffuser plate 1820-2 extending from the second guide plate 1800-2 can be symmetrically arranged such that the distance between them increases toward the outlet of the fluid passage 2200. Therefore, the second fluid introduced through the inlet of the fluid passage 2200 can be collected by the fluid collecting plates 1810-1 and 1810-2, pass between the thermoelectric modules 1200 and 1300 and the guide plate 1800, diffuse by the fluid diffuser plates 1820-1 and 1820-2, and be discharged through the outlet of the fluid passage 2200. Therefore, since the pressure difference between the second fluid before and after passing through the thermoelectric modules 1200 and 1300 and the guide plate 1800 can be minimized, it is possible to prevent the second fluid from flowing back in the direction toward the inlet of the fluid passage 2200.

[0096] In this configuration, the support frame 1900 supports the first and second guide plates 1800-1 and 1800-2, the first and second fluid collection plates 1810-1 and 1810-2, and the first and second fluid diffuser plates 1820-1 and 1820-2. Specifically, the support frame 1900 may include a first support frame 1900-1 and a second support frame 1900-2, and the first and second guide plates 1800-1 and 1800-2, the first and second fluid collection plates 1810-1 and 1810-2, and the first and second fluid diffuser plates 1820-1 and 1820-2 may be fixed between the first support frame 1900-1 and the second support frame 1900-2.

[0097] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the branch portion 1400 can branch the second fluid introduced into the fluid passage portion 2200. The second fluid branched off from the branch portion 1400 can pass between the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the first guide plate 1800-1 and between the second thermoelectric module 1300 and the second guide plate 1800-2.

[0098] The branch 1400 may be disposed between the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 of the fluid flow section 1100. For example, when the fifth surface 1150 of the fluid flow section 1100 is disposed along the direction in which the second fluid is introduced, the branch 1400 may be disposed on one side of the fifth surface 1150 of the fluid flow section 1100. Alternatively, according to aerodynamic principles, the branch 1400 may also be disposed on the side of the sixth surface 1160 facing the fifth surface 1150 of the fluid flow section 1100.

[0099] The branch 1400 can be shaped such that the distance from the fifth surface 1150 increases from both ends of the fifth surface 1150 toward the center between the two ends of the fifth surface 1150 of the fluid flow section 1100. That is, the fifth surface 1150 on which the branch 1400 is provided can be substantially perpendicular to the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120, and the branch 1400 can be obliquely disposed relative to the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 of the fluid flow section 1100. For example, the branch 1400 can have an umbrella shape or a roof shape. Therefore, the second fluid, such as waste heat, can be branched by the branch 1400 and guided to contact the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 disposed on the two surfaces of the power generation device. That is, the second fluid can be branched by the branch 1400 and can pass between the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the first guide plate 1800-1 and between the second thermoelectric module 1300 and the second guide plate 1800-2.

[0100] Simultaneously, the width W1 between the outer side of the first heat sink 1220 of the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the outer side of the second heat sink 1320 of the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be greater than the width W2 of the branch 1400. In this case, the outer sides of the first heat sink 1220 and the second heat sink 1320 can be sides opposite to the side facing the fluid flow section 1100. In this case, each of the first heat sink 1220 and the second heat sink 1320 can include a plurality of heat dissipation fins, and the plurality of heat dissipation fins can be formed in a direction that does not impede gas flow. For example, the plurality of heat dissipation fins can have a plate shape extending in a second direction of gas flow. Alternatively, the plurality of heat dissipation fins can also have a folded shape, such that the flow path is formed in the second direction of gas flow. In this configuration, the maximum width W1 between the first radiator 1220 of the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second radiator 1320 of the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be the distance from the farthest point of the first radiator 1220 from the fluid flow section 1100 to the farthest point of the second radiator 1320 from the fluid flow section 1100, and the maximum width W2 of the branch 1400 can be the width of the branch 1400 in the region closest to the third surface 1130 of the fluid flow section 1100. Therefore, the flow of the second fluid is not obstructed by the branch 1400 and can be directly transmitted to the first radiator 1220 and the second radiator 1320. Consequently, the contact area between the second fluid and the first radiator 1220 and the second radiator 1320 increases, and the heat received by the first radiator 1220 and the second radiator 1320 from the second fluid increases, thus improving power generation efficiency.

[0101] Meanwhile, the first guide plate 1800-1 can be symmetrically positioned with respect to the first heat sink 1220 of the first thermoelectric module 1200 and spaced at a predetermined distance, and the second guide plate 1800-2 can be symmetrically positioned with respect to the second heat sink 1320 of the second thermoelectric module 1300 and spaced at a predetermined distance. In this case, the distance between the guide plates 1800-1 and 1800-2 and the heat sink of the thermoelectric module may affect the amount of the second fluid in contact with the heat sink of the thermoelectric module and the pressure difference of the second fluid, and thus affect the power generation performance.

[0102] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a power generation device in which a thermoelectric module is disposed on the surface of a fluid flow section is used to generate electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between a first fluid passing through the interior of the fluid flow section and a second fluid passing through a radiator of the thermoelectric module. In this case, a flow path for the first fluid passing through the interior of the fluid flow section needs to be formed in the region where the thermoelectric module is disposed. Therefore, a flow path needs to be designed to obtain high cooling efficiency per unit area.

[0103] Figure 10This is a top view showing a power generation module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing a fluid flow section according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing a fluid flow section according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing a fluid flow section according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 It is shown Figure 13 A view of the fluid movement path in the fluid flow section.

[0104] Reference Figures 10 to 14 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a power generation module includes a fluid flow section 1100 and a first thermoelectric module 1200 disposed on a first surface 1110 of the fluid flow section 1100. A second thermoelectric module 1300 may be further disposed on a second surface 1120 opposite to the first surface 1110 of the fluid flow section 1100.

[0105] The fluid inlet 1132 and the fluid outlet 1134 are positioned on another surface, specifically on a third surface 1130 perpendicular to the first surface 1110 of the fluid flow section 1100, and the fluid receiving portion 300 is disposed in a region A1 of the fluid flow section 1100. In this specification, since the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 are disposed on the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 of the fluid flow section 1100, the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 of the fluid flow section 1100 can be referred to as one surface and the other surface of the fluid flow section 1100. Furthermore, the third surface 1130 to the sixth surface 1160 between the first surface 1110 and the second surface 1120 of the fluid flow section 1100 can be referred to as the side surface or outer surface of the fluid flow section 1100. The first fluid introduced through the fluid inlet 1132 can be discharged through the fluid outlet 1134 after passing through the fluid receiving portion 300. In this case, the arrangement order of the fluid inlet 1132 and the fluid outlet 1134 is not limited to the order shown, and the positions of the fluid inlet 1132 and the fluid outlet 1134 can also be reversed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first thermoelectric module 1200 is disposed in a region A1 of the fluid flow section 1100. Therefore, the effective area of ​​the first thermoelectric module 1200, i.e., the thermoelectric leg, can be disposed in the region where the fluid receiving section 300 is provided. A second fluid with a temperature higher than that of the first fluid flowing through the fluid flow section 1100 can pass through the heat sink of the thermoelectric module 1200 in a direction from the fifth surface 1150 of the fluid flow section 1100 toward the sixth surface 1160 opposite to the fifth surface 1150.

[0106] Meanwhile, the connecting member 400 can be used for connection between the fluid flow section 1100 and the first thermoelectric module 1200. To arrange the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 symmetrically on the two surfaces of the fluid flow section 1100, the connecting member 400 can be configured to pass through the first thermoelectric module 1200, the fluid flow section 1100, and the second thermoelectric module 1300. For this purpose, a plurality of through holes S1 to S4 through which the connecting member 400 passes can be formed in the fluid flow section 1100. The plurality of through holes S1 to S4 can be configured to pass through the two surfaces of the fluid flow section 1100, on which the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 are disposed.

[0107] In this configuration, the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 can be positioned spaced apart from the fluid receiving portion 300 in a region A1 of the fluid flow section 1100, which is the region where the fluid receiving portion 300 is located. That is, the plurality of through holes S1 to S4 can be formed independently of the fluid receiving portion 300, thus preventing the first fluid passing through the fluid receiving portion 300 from leaking to the outside through the plurality of through holes S1 to S4.

[0108] Meanwhile, the cable portion (not shown) connected to the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the shielding member 1600 covering the cable portion can be further disposed in the first surface 1110 of another region A2 of the fluid flow portion 1100, which is disposed on the side surface of a region A1 of the fluid flow portion 1100. A connecting member 500 can be used for connection between the fluid flow portion 1100 and the shielding member 1600, and multiple through holes S5 and S6 through which the connecting member 500 connects the fluid flow portion 1100 and the shielding member 1600 can be formed in the other region A2 of the fluid flow portion 1100. That is, the multiple through holes S5 and S6 can be formed so that they do not overlap with the fluid receiving portion 300 outside the region A1 of the fluid flow portion 1100, which is the region where the fluid receiving portion 300 is disposed. In this case, the multiple through holes S5 and S6 can be disposed considering the position of the cable portion. That is, the cable portion connected to the thermoelectric module may include a connection electrode (not shown) for the thermoelectric element connected to the thermoelectric module, a connector 600 disposed on the connection electrode, and a cable (not shown) connected to the connector 600. In this case, the plurality of through holes S5 and S6 may be configured to avoid the connector 600. Therefore, through hole S5 may be configured to be closer to the third surface 1130 than the plurality of through holes S1 and S2, and through hole S6 may be configured to be closer to the fourth surface 1140 than the plurality of through holes S3 and S4.

[0109] In this case, the positions and number of the multiple through holes S1 to S6 are exemplary, and embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For ease of description, in Figures 11 to 14 In the text, the through holes S5 to S in region A2 are omitted, but it is not limited to this.

[0110] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 11 to 14 Various embodiments of the shape and layout of the through holes of the fluid receiving portion 300 of the fluid flow section 1100 are described. Hereinafter, since the fluid receiving portion can form a flow path from the fluid inlet 1132 to the fluid outlet 1134, the fluid receiving portion may be referred to as a flow path and may also be referred to as a flow path conduit.

[0111] Reference Figure 11 The fluid receiving portion 300 in the fluid flow section 1100 can be provided in region A1 of the fluid flow section 1100, which is the region corresponding to the region where the thermoelectric modules 1200 and 1300 are provided, and the first fluid introduced through the fluid inlet 1132 can be discharged from the fluid outlet 1134 after passing through the fluid receiving portion 300.

[0112] In this configuration, the fluid reservoir 300 does not form a separate flow path conduit, and the multiple through holes S1 to S4 can be spaced apart from the fluid reservoir 300. Therefore, since the area where the fluid reservoir 300 is located corresponds to the area where the thermoelectric modules 1200 and 1300 are located, the low-temperature portion of the thermoelectric module can have cooling capabilities. Furthermore, since the through holes S1 to S4 are formed in the first region A1 of the fluid flow section 1100, the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 can be directly connected to the fluid flow section 1100 via the connecting member 400. And since the through holes S1 to S4 are spaced apart from and independent of the fluid reservoir 300, the problem of the first fluid in the fluid reservoir 300 leaking to the outside through the through holes S1 to S4 can be prevented.

[0113] Alternatively, refer to Figures 12 to 14 The fluid receiving portion 300 may have the shape of a flow path conduit connecting the fluid inlet 1132 to the fluid outlet 1134, and the first fluid introduced through the fluid inlet 1132 may be discharged through the fluid outlet 1134 after flowing along the flow path conduit. As described above, when the fluid receiving portion 300 has the shape of a flow path conduit, depending on the layout of the flow path conduit, a minimum amount of the first fluid can pass through the entire region A1 where the first thermoelectric module 1200 and the second thermoelectric module 1300 are provided.

[0114] In this configuration, the flow path conduit can be spaced apart from the multiple through holes S1 to S4. Therefore, leakage of the first fluid in the fluid reservoir 300 through the through holes S1 to S4 can be prevented.

[0115] For example, the fluid receiving portion 300 may include a plurality of first flow path portions 310 disposed along a first direction X, a plurality of second flow path portions 320 disposed along a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X, and a plurality of curved portions 330 disposed between and connected to the plurality of first flow path portions 310 and the plurality of second flow path portions 320.

[0116] In this case, the first direction X can be a direction parallel to the direction in which the second fluid flows, and the second direction Y can be a direction parallel to the direction in which the first fluid is introduced and discharged. That is, the first direction X can be a direction from the fifth surface 1150 of the fluid flow section 1100 toward the sixth surface 1160, or vice versa, and the second direction Y can be a direction from the third surface 1130 of the fluid flow section 1100 toward the fourth surface 1140, or vice versa.

[0117] According to an embodiment of the present invention, segments Y1, Y2, and Y3 can be sequentially and arbitrarily arranged from the third surface 1130 to the fourth surface 1140. Furthermore, the plurality of first flow path sections 310 can be configured such that a first fluid passes sequentially through segments Y1, Y3, Y2, Y1, and Y3. That is, the plurality of flow path sections 310 can be connected to the fluid inlet 1132, such that the first fluid passes sequentially through the following flow path sections: a first flow path section 310-1 passing through segment Y1, a first flow path section 310-2 passing through segment Y3, a plurality of first flow path sections 310-3, 310-4, and 310-5 passing through segment Y2, a first flow path section 310-6 also passing through segment Y1, and a first flow path section 310-7 also passing through segment Y3.

[0118] As described above, when the plurality of first flow path sections 310 are configured such that the first fluid alternately passes through section Y1, which is a section relatively close to the fluid inlet 1132, and section Y3, which is a section relatively far from the fluid inlet 1132, uniform thermoelectric performance can be obtained throughout the entire region of the thermoelectric module because the entire fluid flow section 1100 has a uniform temperature distribution.

[0119] In this case, the directions of the two first flow path sections 310-1 and 310-6 in the first fluid passing through section Y1 can be opposite to each other, the directions of the two first flow path sections 310-2 and 310-7 in the first fluid passing through section Y3 can be opposite to each other, and the direction of the first flow path section 310-1 between the two first flow path sections 310-1 and 310-6 in section Y1, which is set closer to the third surface 1130, and the direction of the first flow path section 310-7 between the two first flow path sections 310-2 and 310-7 in section Y3, which is set closer to the fourth surface 1140, can be the same as the direction of the second fluid flow. Therefore, among the plurality of first flow path sections, the direction in which the first fluid passes through the first flow path sections 310-1 and 310-7, which are closest to the third surface 1130 and the fourth surface 1140, can be the same as the direction from the fluid inlet 1132 toward the fluid outlet 1134. Thus, regardless of its position in the fluid container, the temperature distribution can be uniform, and uniform thermoelectric performance can be obtained throughout the entire area of ​​the thermoelectric module.

[0120] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present invention, three first flow path sections, namely a plurality of first flow path sections 310-3, 310-4, and 310-5, can pass through section Y2. In this case, the first fluid that sequentially passes through the plurality of first flow path sections 310-3, 310-4, and 310-5 can flow through the plurality of first flow path sections in the same direction as the direction of the second fluid flow, in the opposite direction to the direction of the second fluid flow, and again in the same direction as the direction of the second fluid flow. In this case, the plurality of first flow path sections 310-3, 310-4, and 310-5 passing through section Y2 can be provided in the region defined by the dotted lines connecting the plurality of through holes S1 to S4. Therefore, since the first fluid can flow uniformly even in the central region of the fluid receiving section 300, a uniform temperature distribution can be maintained in the fluid receiving section 300, the formation of dead zones can be prevented, and thus uniform thermoelectric performance can be obtained throughout the entire region of the thermoelectric module.

[0121] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, segments X1 and X2 can be sequentially and arbitrarily arranged from the fifth surface 1150 to the sixth surface 1160. In this case, segment X1 may be a segment including a fluid inlet 1132, and segment X2 may be a segment including a fluid outlet 1134. Additionally, the plurality of second flow path segments 320 may be configured such that the first fluid alternately passes through segments X1 and X2. That is, the plurality of second flow path sections 320 can be configured such that the first fluid passes through the following flow path sections: a second flow path section 320-1 disposed between the first flow path section 310-1 of section Y1 and the first flow path section 310-2 of section Y3 and passing through section X2; a second flow path section 320-2 disposed between the first flow path section 310-2 of section Y3 and the first flow path section 310-3 of section Y2 and passing through section X1; a second flow path section 320-3 disposed between the first flow path section 310-5 of section Y2 and the first flow path section 310-6 of section Y1 and passing through section X2; a second flow path section 320-4 disposed between the first flow path section 310-6 of section Y1 and the first flow path section 310-7 of section Y3 and passing through section X1; and a second flow path section 320-5 disposed between the first flow path section 310-7 of section Y3 and the fluid outlet 1134 and passing through section X2.

[0122] As described above, when the plurality of second flow path sections 320 are configured such that the first fluid alternately passes through section X1, which is a section relatively close to the fluid inlet 1132, and section X2, which is a section relatively close to the fluid outlet 1134, the entire fluid receiving section 300 can have a uniform temperature distribution, and thus uniform thermoelectric performance can be obtained in the entire region of the thermoelectric module.

[0123] In this configuration, the plurality of second flow path portions 320 can be positioned outside the area defined by the virtual lines connecting the plurality of through holes S1 to S4. Therefore, the first fluid can flow uniformly even in the edge regions of the fluid receiving portion 300, preventing the formation of dead zones and thus achieving uniform thermoelectric performance throughout the entire area of ​​the thermoelectric module.

[0124] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the distance D1 between the fluid inlet 1132 and the fluid outlet 1134 can be greater than the distance D2 between the second flow path portion 320-4, which is closest to the fifth surface 1150, and the second flow path portion 320-5, which is closest to the sixth surface 1160, among the plurality of second flow path portions 320. Therefore, the tortuous area on the path of the fluid conduit can be minimized, thereby minimizing blockage of the first fluid and achieving the shortest possible path length for the fluid conduit.

[0125] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid conduit includes the plurality of bends 330. Some of the plurality of bends 330-1, 330-2, 330-3, 330-4, 330-7, 330-8, 330-9, 330-10, and 330-11 can connect one of the plurality of first flow path sections 310 and one of the plurality of second flow path sections 320, and some other bends 330-5 and 330-6 can connect two of the plurality of first flow path sections 310. In this case, some of the other bends 330-5 and 330-6 can be disposed in the area defined by the virtual lines connecting the plurality of through holes S1 to S4. As described above, when the plurality of first flow path sections 310 and the plurality of second flow path sections 320 are connected by the plurality of bends 330, the flow of the first fluid is guided by the wall surface of the bends 330, thus minimizing the flow blockage section.

[0126] In this case, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the diameter d3 of at least one of the plurality of bends 330 can be greater than the diameter d1 of at least one of the plurality of first flow path portions 310 and greater than the diameter d2 of at least one of the plurality of second flow path portions 320. In this case, the diameters d1, d2, and d3 of the first flow path portions 310, second flow path portions 320, and bends 330 can be the distance between the inner wall surfaces of the first fluid along its flow path. Therefore, the motion resistance of the first fluid in the bends 330 can be minimized, and thus, the entire fluid receiving portion 300 can have a uniform flow rate.

[0127] In this configuration, each of the diameters d1 and d2 of the first flow path portion 310 and the second flow path portion 320 can be 5 mm or larger, preferably 7 mm or larger, more preferably 9 mm or larger, and the diameter d3 of the curved portion 330 can be 1.1 times or larger, preferably 1.2 times or larger, more preferably 1.3 times or larger, of each of the diameters d1 and d2 of the first flow path portion 310 and the second flow path portion 320. Therefore, high cooling efficiency can be achieved compared to the area and flow rate occupied by the fluid receiving portion 300.

[0128] Table 1 shows the flow path when it has Figures 11 to 13 The shape shown represents the simulation results of the temperature difference of the thermoelectric module. Figure 15a It is shown Figure 11 A view of the simulation results of heat distribution in the shape of the flow path. Figure 15bIt is shown Figure 12 A view of the simulation results of heat distribution in the shape of the flow path, and Figure 15c It is shown Figure 13 A view of the simulation results of heat distribution in the shape of the flow path.

[0129] [Table 1]

[0130]

[0131] Referring to Table 1, although with Figure 11 Compared to the area of ​​the flow path shape shown, Figure 12 and 12 The area of ​​the flow path in the shown flow path shape is reduced, but it can be seen that the temperature difference in the thermoelectric module is significantly improved. Specifically, as... Figure 13 As shown, when with Figure 12 Compared to the width of the flow path shape, when the width of the flow path increases, even if the length is the same... Figure 12 When the length of the flow path is the same, the heat exchange area may also increase, so it can be seen that the temperature difference in the thermoelectric module is further improved.

[0132] In addition, refer to Figures 15a to 15c It can be seen that, with Figure 11 Compared to the flow path shape, Figure 12 and Figure 13 The flow path shape has a uniform temperature distribution, so high cooling performance can be expected.

[0133] As described above, according to embodiments of the present invention, it can be seen that since the length of the flow path is minimized to reduce the heat loss of the fluid, and the width of the flow path is increased to increase the heat exchange area, the temperature difference between the high-temperature section and the low-temperature section can be improved.

[0134] Furthermore, for ease of description, although the invention has been described above based on a single power generation device, the invention is not limited thereto. Multiple power generation devices may also be disposed in a single fluid passage 2200.

[0135] Figure 16 This is a view illustrating a power generation system according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 17 This is a view illustrating a power generation system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] Reference Figure 16 and Figure 17 The power generation system may include multiple power generation devices, and each power generation device may be connected to a reference. Figures 1 to 14 The described power generation device is the same.

[0137] Reference Figure 16Multiple power generation devices 1000-1 and 1000-2 can be arranged in the direction of the flow of the second fluid in the fluid passage 2200.

[0138] Alternatively, refer to Figure 17 Multiple power generation devices 1000-1, 1000-2 and 1000-3 can also be arranged in parallel to be spaced apart from each other in the fluid passage section 2200.

[0139] The layout and number of the multiple power generation devices can be changed according to the amount of power generated, etc.

[0140] Power generation systems can utilize heat generated by ships, vehicles, power plants, or the ground to generate electricity, and multiple power generation units can be arranged to efficiently collect heat. In this case, the flow path in the cooling section of each power generation unit can be improved to enhance the cooling performance of the low-temperature sections of the thermoelectric elements, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of the power generation unit and consequently improving the fuel efficiency of transportation equipment such as ships or vehicles. Therefore, in the transportation industry, transportation costs can be reduced, an environmentally friendly industrial environment can be created, and when the power generation unit is applied to manufacturing industries such as steel mills, material costs can be reduced.

[0141] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A power generation device, comprising: A fluid flow section, in which a flow path pipe is formed, and the fluid flow section includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a third surface between the first surface and the second surface, a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, a fifth surface between the first surface, the second surface, the third surface and the fourth surface, and a sixth surface opposite to the fifth surface; as well as A first thermoelectric module is disposed on the first surface. The third surface is provided with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The flow path conduit is configured to connect from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The flow path conduit includes a plurality of first flow path sections arranged along a first direction, a plurality of second flow path sections arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a plurality of bends connecting the plurality of first flow path sections and the plurality of second flow path sections. The fluid flow section is provided in sequence from the third surface to the fourth surface, consisting of a first section, a second section, and a third section. Multiple through holes are formed in the fluid flow section, passing through the first surface. The plurality of first flow path portions disposed in the second section and the curved portions connecting the plurality of first flow path portions disposed in the second section are disposed within the area defined by the virtual lines connecting the plurality of through holes. The fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are spaced apart from each other along the first direction, and The distance between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet is greater than or equal to the distance between the second flow path portion closest to the fifth surface and the second flow path portion closest to the sixth surface among the plurality of second flow path portions.

2. The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein: The first thermoelectric module includes a first thermoelectric element disposed on the first surface and a first heat sink disposed on the first thermoelectric element; The fluid configured to pass through the fluid flow section is the first fluid; A second fluid, with a temperature different from that of the first fluid, is configured to pass through the first radiator in a direction from the fifth surface toward the sixth surface; and The first direction is parallel to the direction in which the second fluid passes.

3. The power generation device according to claim 2, wherein: The fourth and fifth sections of the fluid flow section are provided sequentially from the fifth surface to the sixth surface.

4. The power generation device according to claim 3, wherein, In the flow path pipe, the following are connected in sequence: a first flow path section connected to the fluid inlet and passing through the first section, a second flow path section passing through the fifth section, a first flow path section passing through the third section, a second flow path section passing through the fourth section, multiple first flow path sections passing through the second section, a second flow path section passing through the fifth section, a first flow path section passing through the first section, a second flow path section passing through the fourth section, a first flow path section passing through the third section, and a second flow path section passing through the fifth section and connected to the fluid outlet.

5. The power generation device according to claim 4, wherein: In the two first flow path sections passing through the first segment, the first fluid is configured to pass through opposite directions; In the two first flow path sections passing through the third section, the first fluid is configured to pass through in opposite directions.

6. The power generation device according to claim 5, wherein: The direction in which the first fluid is configured to pass through the first flow path section, which is located closer to the third surface among the two first flow path sections passing through the first segment, and the direction in which the first fluid is configured to pass through the first flow path section, which is located closer to the fourth surface among the two first flow path sections passing through the third segment, are the same as the direction of the second fluid flow.

7. The power generation device according to claim 6, wherein: The first fluid is configured to pass through the plurality of first flow path sections passing through the second section in the same direction as the flow direction in which the second fluid is configured, in the opposite direction to the flow direction in which the second fluid is configured, and then again in the same direction as the flow direction in which the second fluid is configured.

8. The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid flow section and the first thermoelectric module are connected by a plurality of connecting members disposed in the plurality of through holes.

9. The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of second flow path sections are disposed outside the area defined by the virtual lines connecting the plurality of through holes.

10. The power generation device according to claim 1, wherein, The diameter of at least one of the plurality of curved portions is greater than the diameter of at least one of the plurality of first flow path portions and greater than the diameter of at least one of the plurality of second flow path portions.

11. The power generation device according to claim 10, wherein, The diameter of at least one of the plurality of curved portions is 1.1 times or greater than the diameter of at least one of the plurality of first flow path portions, and is also 1.1 times or greater than the diameter of at least one of the plurality of second flow path portions.

12. The power generation device according to claim 2, wherein, The power generation device further includes a second thermoelectric module, which includes a second thermoelectric element disposed on the second surface and a second heat sink disposed on the second thermoelectric element. The second fluid is configured to pass through the second heat sink in a direction from the fifth surface toward the sixth surface.

13. The power generation device according to claim 12, wherein, The power generation device further includes a branch section disposed on the fifth surface to branch off the second fluid.

14. The power generation device according to claim 2, wherein, The temperature of the second fluid is higher than that of the first fluid.

15. The power generation device according to claim 4, wherein, The fourth section includes the fluid inlet, and the fifth section includes the fluid outlet.

16. The power generation device according to claim 8, wherein, The plurality of through holes are formed to pass through the first surface and the second surface of the fluid flow section.

17. The power generation device according to claim 8, wherein, The plurality of through holes are configured to be spaced apart from the flow path pipe.

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