A long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer, comprising a first liquid metal flow channel, a second liquid metal flow channel, an isotope radiation heat source, a thermoelectric element, and a thermal insulation layer. The isotope radiation heat source is fixedly installed in the first liquid metal flow channel; the thermal insulation layer is fixedly mounted outside the first liquid metal flow channel, the second liquid metal flow channel is covered outside the thermal insulation layer, and the first liquid metal flow channel and the second liquid metal flow channel are respectively filled with liquid metal media; the thermoelectric element is fixedly installed on the top of the second liquid metal flow channel, and its lower end passes through the second liquid metal flow channel and the thermal insulation layer in sequence to extend into the first liquid metal flow channel. The beneficial effects of the present invention are simple structure and reasonable design. It provides a design of an isotope battery without load-bearing parts and good heat dissipation performance, effectively improving the working environment of the thermoelectric element and increasing the battery life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of energy technology, and in particular to a long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer. Background Art

[0002] Human activities are increasingly moving into outer space, the deep ocean, polar regions, and deserts. These locations require power sources that can provide stable, long-term electricity, and conventional batteries are no longer sufficient. Chemical batteries have limited operating lifespans, while photovoltaic cells rely heavily on sunlight and are also susceptible to cosmic rays. Compared to conventional batteries, radioisotope batteries offer long operating lifespans, high reliability, high energy density, and compact size, making them an ideal power source for applications such as aerospace and the deep ocean.

[0003] However, the service life of isotope batteries is limited by the life of thermoelectric elements, and the operating environment of thermoelectric elements is relatively harsh. They act as a heat transfer path, endure high temperature environments, and also serve as load-bearing components. Especially during the launch and landing phases, in a highly accelerated vibration environment, the mechanical properties of thermoelectric elements are subject to great consideration, especially the welding layer between the transducer material and the insulating material, which may tear or fall off. This is also the reason why the life of the isotope battery is not as good as expected.

[0004] At the same time, in order to ensure the power generation efficiency, nuclear batteries require that heat be conducted as much as possible from the heat source-thermoelectric element-external environment heat transfer path. In the general nuclear battery heat transfer process, it is necessary to use the method of thermal radiation + solid heat conduction. This conduction path depends on the reliability of the solid heat transfer channel. Once the nuclear battery is subjected to external forces such as vibration, it may cause distortion or damage to the solid structure, which may cause the heat of the thermoelectric element to be unable to be transferred, resulting in heat accumulation inside the nuclear battery, resulting in a reduction in the life of the element. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer, aiming to solve the problems in the prior art.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above technical problems is as follows:

[0007] A long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer comprises a first liquid metal flow channel, a second liquid metal flow channel, an isotope radiation heat source, a thermoelectric element and a thermal insulation layer, wherein the isotope radiation heat source is fixedly mounted in the first liquid metal flow channel; the thermal insulation layer is fixedly sleeved on the outside of the first liquid metal flow channel, the second liquid metal flow channel is covered on the outside of the thermal insulation layer, and the first liquid metal flow channel and the second liquid metal flow channel are respectively filled with liquid metal media; the thermoelectric element is fixedly mounted on the top of the second liquid metal flow channel, and its lower end passes through the second liquid metal flow channel and the thermal insulation layer in sequence and extends into the first liquid metal flow channel.

[0008] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: During the thermoelectric power generation process, an isotope radiation heat source emits decay heat radiation to the first liquid metal flow channel, heating the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel and generating a temperature difference between the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel and the liquid metal medium in the second liquid metal flow channel; the two flow channels with different temperature differences pass through the two ends of the thermoelectric element, so that the thermoelectric element generates electricity due to the temperature difference to form a complete circuit;

[0009] Spontaneous operation process: The current generated by the thermoelectric element forms an electromagnetic field. The liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel and the second liquid metal flow channel cuts the magnetic flux lines of the electromagnetic field and circulates in their respective flow channels under the action of electromagnetic force.

[0010] Heat exchange process: The first liquid metal flow channel and the second liquid metal flow channel perform local heat exchange in the thermoelectric element and transfer the heat to the outside;

[0011] In addition, the heat insulation layer is closely attached between the first liquid metal flow channel and the second liquid metal flow channel as an interlayer to ensure the temperature difference between the two flow channels.

[0012] The present invention has a simple structure and a reasonable design, and provides an isotope battery design without load-bearing parts and with good heat dissipation performance, thereby effectively improving the working environment of the thermoelectric element and increasing the battery life.

[0013] On the basis of the above technical solution, the present invention can also be improved as follows.

[0014] Furthermore, the first liquid metal flow channel and / or the second liquid metal flow channel and / or the

[0015] The heat insulation layers are cylindrical in structure.

[0016] The beneficial effects of adopting the above further solution are simple structure, reasonable design, neat and beautiful appearance, and small space occupation.

[0017] Furthermore, the outer wall of the second liquid metal flow channel is fixedly installed at uniform intervals along its circumference.

[0018] There are multiple heat sink fins.

[0019] The beneficial effects of adopting the above further solution are simple structure and reasonable design. The second liquid metal flow channel is assisted in heat dissipation by multiple heat dissipation fins, thereby further improving the heat dissipation effect.

[0020] Furthermore, the isotope radiation heat source is an α radiation source or a β radiation source with decay heat effect.

[0021] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further solution is that the design is reasonable, the α radiation source and the β radiation source have strong radioactivity, and sufficient heat is ensured to heat the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel.

[0022] Furthermore, the isotope radiation heat source is Pu238 or Po210.

[0023] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further solution is that the design is reasonable, the radioactivity of Pu238 and Po210 is strong, and sufficient heat is ensured to heat the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel.

[0024] Furthermore, the thermoelectric element adopts an aluminum nitride electrically insulating thermally conductive ceramic substrate.

[0025] The beneficial effects of adopting the above further scheme are simple structure and reasonable design. It adopts aluminum nitride electrically insulating thermal conductive ceramic substrate, which no longer bears any structural force and is only fixed to the two flow channel surfaces by pipe clamps and other designs. The hot end of the thermoelectric power generation element is fixed on the first liquid metal flow channel, and the cold end is fixed on the second liquid metal flow channel. The entire thermoelectric element occupies a small area.

[0026] Furthermore, the first liquid metal flow channel and / or the second liquid metal flow channel adopts

[0027] It is made of Nb-1Zr material, and the liquid metal medium is Li or Na-K.

[0028] The beneficial effects of adopting the above further solution are simple structure, reasonable design, fast heating and heat exchange, and no influence on the cutting of magnetic flux lines so that the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel and the second liquid metal flow channel circulates.

[0029] Furthermore, the heat insulation layer is made of microporous heat insulation material, and its thermal conductivity is ≤0.025W / m.

[0030] The beneficial effect of adopting the above further solution is that the selection is reasonable, and the thermal insulation layer can ensure that there is a temperature difference between the first liquid metal flow channel and the second liquid metal flow channel, so that the thermoelectric element can generate electricity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1A top view of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 It is a transverse cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0034] In the accompanying drawings, the components represented by the reference numerals are as follows:

[0035] 1. Isotope radiation heat source; 2. First liquid metal flow channel; 3. Thermal insulation layer; 4. Heat dissipation fins; 5. Second liquid metal flow channel; 6. Thermoelectric element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0037] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined as "first", "second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0038] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0039] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with embodiments.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, this embodiment provides a long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer, including a first liquid metal flow channel 2, a second liquid metal flow channel 5, an isotope radiation heat source 1, a thermoelectric element 6 and a thermal insulation layer 3, wherein the isotope radiation heat source 1 is fixedly installed in the first liquid metal flow channel 2; the thermal insulation layer 3 is fixedly sleeved on the outside of the first liquid metal flow channel 2, and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 is covered on the outside of the thermal insulation layer 3, and the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 are respectively filled with liquid metal media; the thermoelectric element 6 is fixedly installed on the top of the second liquid metal flow channel 5, and its lower end passes through the second liquid metal flow channel 5 and the thermal insulation layer 3 in sequence and extends into the first liquid metal flow channel 2.

[0042] Thermoelectric power generation process: The isotope radiation heat source 1 emits decay heat radiation to the first liquid metal flow channel 2, heating the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and creating a temperature difference between the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the liquid metal medium in the second liquid metal flow channel 5. The two flow channels with different temperature differences pass through the two ends of the thermoelectric element 6, and the thermoelectric element 6 forms a complete circuit due to the temperature difference power generation.

[0043] Spontaneous operation process: The current generated by the thermoelectric element 6 forms an electromagnetic field. The liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 cuts the magnetic flux lines of the electromagnetic field and circulates in their respective flow channels under the action of the electromagnetic force.

[0044] Heat exchange process: The first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 perform local heat exchange in the thermoelectric element 6, transferring heat to the outside;

[0045] In addition, the heat insulation layer 3 is closely attached between the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 as an interlayer to ensure the temperature difference between the two flow channels.

[0046] This embodiment has a simple structure and reasonable design, and provides an isotope battery design without load-bearing parts and with good heat dissipation performance, which effectively improves the working environment of the thermoelectric element and increases the battery life.

[0047] Example 2

[0048] On the basis of Example 1, in this embodiment, the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and / or the second liquid

[0049] The metal runner 5 and / or the heat insulation layer 3 are / is of cylindrical structure.

[0050] The solution has a simple structure, reasonable design, neat and beautiful appearance, and occupies little space.

[0051] In addition to the above embodiments, the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 and

[0052] The heat insulation layer 3 may also adopt other suitable shapes, such as a rectangular structure.

[0053] Example 3

[0054] On the basis of Example 2, in this embodiment, a plurality of heat dissipation fins 4 are fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the second liquid metal flow channel 5 at uniform intervals along the circumference thereof.

[0055] This solution has a simple structure and a reasonable design. The second liquid metal flow channel 5 is assisted by a plurality of heat dissipation fins 4 to dissipate heat, thereby further improving the heat dissipation effect.

[0056] The second liquid metal flow channel 5 directly exchanges heat with the external environment through the heat dissipation fins 4, discharges the remaining heat and ensures the temperature of the low-temperature side.

[0057] Preferably, in this embodiment, the number of the heat dissipation fins 4 is preferably eight, and the eight heat dissipation fins 4 are evenly spaced and fixedly installed on the second liquid metal flow channel 5 .

[0058] In addition, each heat dissipating fin 4 extends along the axial direction of the second liquid metal flow channel 5 , one side of which is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the second liquid metal flow channel 5 , and the other side of which extends along the radial direction of the second liquid metal flow channel 5 .

[0059] Example 4

[0060] On the basis of the above embodiments, in this embodiment, the isotope radiation heat source 1 is an α radiation source or a β radiation source with a decay heat effect.

[0061] The scheme is reasonably designed, and the α and β radiation sources have strong radioactivity, ensuring sufficient heat

[0062] Heat the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel 2.

[0063] Example 5

[0064] On the basis of Example 4, in this embodiment, the isotope radiation heat source 1 is Pu238 or Po210.

[0065] The design of this solution is reasonable. The radioactivity of Pu238 and Po210 is strong, which ensures that there is sufficient heat to heat the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel 2, so that a temperature difference is generated between the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the liquid metal medium in the second liquid metal flow channel 5.

[0066] Example 6

[0067] Based on the above embodiments, in this embodiment, the thermoelectric element 6 is electrically insulated with aluminum nitride.

[0068] Thermally conductive ceramic substrate.

[0069] This solution has a simple structure and reasonable design. It uses an aluminum nitride electrically insulating and thermally conductive ceramic substrate, which no longer bears any structural force and is only fixed to the surfaces of the two flow channels through designs such as pipe clamps. The hot end of the thermoelectric power generation element 6 is fixed on the first liquid metal flow channel 2, and the cold end is fixed on the second liquid metal flow channel 5. The entire thermoelectric element occupies a small area.

[0070] Preferably, in this embodiment, the thermoelectric element 6 is transferred to the first

[0071] A liquid metal flow channel 2 is made of different materials at different temperatures, such as

[0072] When the thermoelectric element 6 is in a low temperature state (≤300°C), it uses bismuth telluride material; when it is in a medium temperature state (300°C-600°C), it uses skutterudite material or lead telluride material; when it is in a high temperature state (>600°C), it uses SiGe material.

[0073] In addition, the area of the thermoelectric element 6 is ≤40 mm✕40 mm.

[0074] Example 7

[0075] On the basis of the above embodiments, in this embodiment, the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and / or the second liquid metal flow channel 5 are made of Nb-1Zr material, and the liquid metal medium is Li or Na-K.

[0076] This solution has a simple structure, reasonable design, fast heating and heat exchange, and does not affect the cutting of magnetic flux lines so that the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 circulates.

[0077] Based on the above scheme, the above Na-K refers to a sodium-potassium alloy, wherein K78% and Na22% or

[0078] Two different proportions of K56% and Na44%.

[0079] Example 8

[0080] On the basis of the above embodiments, in this embodiment, the heat insulation layer 3 is made of microporous heat insulation material.

[0081] and its thermal conductivity is ≤0.025W / m.

[0082] This solution is reasonable. The thermal insulation layer 3 can ensure that there is a temperature difference between the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5, so that the thermoelectric element can generate electricity.

[0083] The working principle of the present invention is as follows:

[0084] Thermoelectric power generation process: The isotope radiation heat source 1 emits decay heat radiation to the first liquid metal flow channel 2, heating the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and creating a temperature difference between the liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the liquid metal medium in the second liquid metal flow channel 5. The two flow channels with different temperature differences pass through the two ends of the thermoelectric element 6, and the thermoelectric element 6 forms a complete circuit due to the temperature difference power generation.

[0085] Spontaneous operation process: The current generated by the thermoelectric element 6 forms an electromagnetic field. The liquid metal medium in the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 cuts the magnetic flux lines of the electromagnetic field and circulates in their respective flow channels under the action of the electromagnetic force.

[0086] Heat exchange process: The first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 perform local heat exchange in the thermoelectric element 6, transferring heat to the outside;

[0087] In addition, the heat insulation layer 3 is closely attached between the first liquid metal flow channel 2 and the second liquid metal flow channel 5 as an interlayer to ensure the temperature difference between the two flow channels.

[0088] The advantages of the present invention are:

[0089] (1) Good heat dissipation performance. Liquid metal heat conduction is used to replace the previous internal radiation heat dissipation and external solid heat conduction, avoiding the heat accumulation phenomenon in the heat transfer channel that may be affected by the external environment.

[0090] (2) Good anti-seismic performance. There are no welded parts or other structures between the internal components, and there are no load-bearing parts, which avoids damage to the parts in a vibration environment.

[0091] (3) Long life. Consumable parts such as thermoelectric elements are no longer used as load-bearing components, which reduces the failure rate of the device and increases the service life of the battery.

[0092] It should be noted that all electronic components involved in the present invention adopt existing technologies, and their specific structures and principles are not described in detail here.

[0093] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above and that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, not the foregoing description, and all variations within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included therein. Any reference sign in a claim should not be construed as limiting the claim to which it relates.

[0094] In addition, it should be understood that although this specification is described in terms of implementation methods, not every implementation method contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative method of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0095] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer, characterized by: The invention comprises a first liquid metal flow channel (2), a second liquid metal flow channel (5), an isotope radiation heat source (1), a thermoelectric element (6) and a thermal insulation layer (3), wherein the isotope radiation heat source (1) is fixedly installed in the first liquid metal flow channel (2); the thermal insulation layer (3) is fixedly sleeved outside the first liquid metal flow channel (2); the second liquid metal flow channel (5) is covered outside the thermal insulation layer (3), and the first liquid metal flow channel (2) and the second liquid metal flow channel (5) are respectively filled with liquid metal medium; the thermoelectric element (6) is fixedly installed on the top of the second liquid metal flow channel (5), and its lower end passes through the second liquid metal flow channel (5) and the thermal insulation layer (3) in sequence and extends into the first liquid metal flow channel (2).

2. The long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first liquid metal flow channel (2) and / or the second liquid metal flow channel (5) and / or the heat insulation layer (3) are each a cylindrical structure.

3. The long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of heat dissipation fins (4) are fixedly mounted on the outer side wall of the second liquid metal flow channel (5) at even intervals along its circumference.

4. The long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The isotope radiation heat source (1) is an α radiation source or a β radiation source with a decay heat effect.

5. The long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The isotope radiation heat source (1) is Pu238 or Po210.

6. The long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The thermoelectric element (6) adopts an aluminum nitride electrically insulating thermally conductive ceramic substrate.

7. The long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first liquid metal flow channel (2) and / or the second liquid metal flow channel (5) are made of Nb-1Zr material, and the liquid metal medium is Li or Na-K.

8. The long-life thermoelectric power generation isotope battery based on liquid metal heat transfer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The heat insulation layer (3) is made of microporous heat insulation material, and its thermal conductivity is ≤0.025W / m.

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