Power generation system based on temperature difference

Abstract

A power generation system based on temperature difference comprises: a first water tank containing water; a solar thermal collector adapted to absorb energy from sunlight and convert the energy from sunlight into heat energy; at least one first heat pipe connecting the first water tank and the solar thermal collector, the first heat pipe adapted to unidirectionally transfer heat energy to the water in the first water tank so as to heat the water in the first water tank and thereby increase the temperature of the water in the first water tank; a second water tank containing water; a heat dissipation mechanism adapted to dissipate heat from the water in the second water tank so as to thereby reduce the temperature of the water in the second water tank; at least one second heat pipe connecting the second water tank and the heat dissipation mechanism adapted to unidirectionally transfer heat from the water in the second water tank to the heat dissipation mechanism; a temperature difference power generation mechanism connected to the first water tank and the second water tank and adapted to generate electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between the water in the first water tank and the water in the second water tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of temperature difference power generation, and in particular to a power generation system based on temperature difference. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of human society, energy shortages are becoming increasingly severe, and the pollution and unsustainable development problems caused by traditional fossil fuels are becoming increasingly prominent. To address these issues, new energy generation technologies such as solar photovoltaic power generation, trough / tower / dish solar thermal power generation, wind power, and tidal power generation have been developed. However, photovoltaic power generation technology is subject to pollution from raw material manufacturing and cannot operate at night. Solar thermal power generation systems are complex, costly, and cannot operate at night. Wind power generation cannot operate in calm weather and has strict site selection requirements. Tidal power generation has even stricter site selection requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above technical problems, the present invention provides a power generation system based on temperature difference, in order to at least partially solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, as one aspect of the present invention, a temperature difference-based power generation system is provided, comprising:

[0005] A power generation system based on temperature difference, characterized by comprising:

[0006] a first water tank, containing water;

[0007] A solar thermal collector adapted to absorb energy from sunlight and convert said energy from sunlight into heat;

[0008] at least one first heat pipe, the first heat pipe connecting the first water tank and the solar thermal collector, the first heat pipe being adapted to unidirectionally transfer the heat energy to the water in the first water tank to heat the water in the first water tank and increase the temperature of the water in the first water tank;

[0009] a second water tank, containing water;

[0010] a heat dissipation mechanism, adapted to dissipate heat from the water in the second water tank, so as to lower the temperature of the water in the second water tank;

[0011] at least one second heat pipe, connecting the second water tank and the heat dissipation mechanism, and adapted to unidirectionally transfer heat from the water in the second water tank to the heat dissipation mechanism;

[0012] The temperature difference power generation mechanism is connected to the first water tank and the second water tank, and is suitable for generating electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between the water in the first water tank and the water in the second water tank.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first water tank is mounted on the first bracket so that the height of the first water tank is greater than the height of the solar thermal collector;

[0014] The first heat pipe includes a first section and a second section that are connected, the first section extends into the water in the first water tank, the second section extends into the solar thermal collector, and the angle between the first section and the second section is greater than or equal to 90 degrees;

[0015] The angle between the second section and the horizontal plane is less than 90 degrees.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric power generation mechanism includes:

[0017] Thermoelectric generator;

[0018] a first special-shaped vapor chamber installed on the first surface of the thermoelectric power generation sheet, the first special-shaped vapor chamber being adapted to transfer heat from the water in the first water tank to the first surface of the thermoelectric power generation sheet, thereby increasing the temperature of the first surface;

[0019] a second special-shaped vapor chamber installed on the second surface of the thermoelectric power generation sheet, the second vapor chamber being adapted to transfer heat from the thermoelectric power generation sheet to the water in the second water tank, thereby lowering the temperature of the second surface;

[0020] The thermoelectric power generation sheet is adapted to generate electricity based on the temperature difference between the first surface and the second surface.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric power generation mechanism includes:

[0022] A generator housing, wherein a first accommodating space is formed inside the generator housing, and the first accommodating space is filled with a first liquid working medium;

[0023] a porous material layer attached to the inner wall of the generator housing;

[0024] a turbine, installed in the first accommodating space, wherein permanent magnets are installed on blades of the turbine;

[0025] A magnetic induction module is mounted on the outer wall of the generator housing;

[0026] Among them, the two ends of the temperature difference power generation mechanism extend into the water in the first water tank and the water in the second water tank respectively. The first liquid working medium absorbs heat from the water in the first water tank and is vaporized. The vaporized first liquid working medium flows from the high temperature end to the low temperature end, driving the turbine blades to rotate. The permanent magnet cuts the magnetic flux lines generated by the magnetic induction module to generate induced current, thereby realizing power generation.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the solar thermal collector comprises:

[0028] A transparent heat-insulating shell, wherein the transparent heat-insulating shell forms a second accommodating space;

[0029] The heat absorption component is suitable for absorbing the energy of the sunlight. The heat absorption component is arranged in the second accommodating space and is connected to the second section extending deep into the solar heat collecting tube.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heat absorption component includes multiple groups of fins, wherein each of the second sections is connected to a group of fins respectively; or

[0031] The heat absorption component includes a plate, and the second section is connected to the plate.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second heat pipe includes a second outer shell, a second accommodating space is formed inside the second outer shell, the second accommodating space is vacuum and the bottom is filled with a second working medium. When the temperature of the water in the second water tank is higher than the vaporization temperature of the second working medium and the external ambient temperature is lower than the liquefaction temperature of the second working medium, the second working medium absorbs the heat of the water in the second water tank and is vaporized. The vaporized second working medium transfers the heat to the heat dissipation mechanism and condenses into liquid, thereby realizing one-way transfer of the heat of the water in the second water tank to the heat dissipation mechanism.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first thermal insulation layer is provided on the outer wall of the first water tank, adapted to reduce heat diffusion of the water in the first water tank to the outside, and a first coating is further provided on the outer wall of the first thermal insulation layer, adapted to further reduce heat diffusion of the water in the first water tank to the outside;

[0034] A second thermal insulation layer is provided on the outer wall of the second water tank, and a second coating is also provided on the outer wall of the second thermal insulation layer. The second coating is suitable for reflecting the sunlight.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system further includes an electricity storage mechanism adapted to store the electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation mechanism.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first water filling valve and a first water drain valve are installed on the first water tank, and a second water filling valve and a second water drain valve are installed on the second water tank;

[0037] The first water tank is also equipped with a first liquid level gauge, and the second water tank is also equipped with a second liquid level gauge.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the power generation system is placed outdoors. The solar collector absorbs sunlight and heats the water. This heat is then transferred to the water in the first water tank via a first heat pipe, heating the water. When the water in the second water tank is warmer than the ambient temperature, the water in the second water tank transfers heat to a heat dissipation mechanism via a second heat pipe, thereby cooling the water in the second water tank. The thermoelectric generator utilizes the temperature difference between the water in the first and second water tanks to generate electricity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 The figure shows a principle diagram of a power generation system based on temperature difference according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2A A front view of a first heat pipe provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0041] Figure 2B A front view of a first heat pipe provided according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0042] Figure 3 A perspective view of a solar thermal collector provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0043] Figure 4 A front view of a second heat pipe provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0044] Figure 5 A front view of a thermoelectric power generation mechanism provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0045] Figure 6 A front view of a special-shaped vapor chamber provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0046] Figure 7 A partial structural front view of a special-shaped vapor chamber provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0047] Figure 8 A front view of a thermoelectric power generation mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0048] Description of Reference Numerals

[0049] 1First water tank

[0050] 2 Solar thermal collectors

[0051] 21 transparent insulation shell

[0052] 22 heat absorption components

[0053] 3. First heat pipe

[0054] 31 First Shell

[0055] 32 first cavity

[0056] 4 Second water tank

[0057] 5. Heat dissipation mechanism

[0058] 6 second heat pipe

[0059] 61 Second Shell

[0060] 62 Second cavity

[0061] 7Thermoelectric power generation mechanism

[0062] 71 Thermoelectric Generator

[0063] 72 First Special-shaped Vapor Chamber

[0064] 73 Second special-shaped heat sink

[0065] 74 special-shaped heat sink structure

[0066] 741 tablet

[0067] 742 rod array

[0068] 743 connecting cavity

[0069] 744 array rod

[0070] 745 porous structure layer

[0071] 75 generator casing

[0072] 76 porous material layer

[0073] 77 Turbine

[0074] 78 magnetic induction module

[0075] 79 first storage space

[0076] 8First bracket

[0077] 9First water injection valve

[0078] 10First drain valve

[0079] 11First level gauge

[0080] 12First insulation layer

[0081] 13 Second insulation layer

[0082] 14 Second water injection valve

[0083] 15 Second drain valve

[0084] 16 Second level gauge

[0085] 17 Second bracket

[0086] 18-wire

[0087] 19Electricity storage mechanism DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] During the implementation of this invention, it was discovered that, since water has the largest known specific heat capacity, it can be used as a heat / cold energy storage medium to design a system that generates electricity based on the diurnal temperature difference. This system utilizes the temperature difference between daytime solar radiation and nighttime ambient cold energy (essentially, cold energy from the universe) to generate fully passive power. The system can operate unattended, 24 hours a day, and has no specific site restrictions. This can further enhance the system's power generation performance in locations with large diurnal temperature differences, such as deserts. The system also features a relatively simple structure, low cost, and a modular design that facilitates manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance.

[0089] Figure 1 The figure shows a principle diagram of a power generation system based on temperature difference according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] like Figure 1 As shown, the power generation system includes: a first water tank 1, a solar thermal collector 2, at least one first heat pipe 3, a second water tank 4, a heat dissipation mechanism 5, at least one second heat pipe 6 and a temperature difference power generation mechanism 7.

[0091] The first water tank 1 is filled with water. The solar collector 2 is suitable for absorbing the energy of sunlight and converting the energy of sunlight into heat energy. The first heat pipe 3 connects the first water tank 1 and the solar collector 2. The first heat pipe 3 is suitable for transferring heat energy to the water in the first water tank 1 in a unidirectional manner to heat the water in the first water tank 1 and increase the temperature of the water in the first water tank 1. The second water tank 4 is filled with water. The heat dissipation mechanism 5 is suitable for dissipating the heat of the water in the second water tank 4 to reduce the temperature of the water in the second water tank 4. The second heat pipe 6 connects the second water tank 4 and the heat dissipation mechanism 5 and is suitable for unidirectionally transferring the heat of the water in the second water tank 4 to the heat dissipation mechanism 5. The temperature difference power generation mechanism 7 connects the first water tank 1 and the second water tank 4 and is suitable for generating electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between the water in the first water tank 1 and the water in the second water tank 4.

[0092] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first water tank 1 can also be called a hot water tank, and the second water tank 4 can also be called a cold water tank. The first water tank 1 and the second water tank 2 are filled with approximately 90% water, and the power generation system is placed outdoors. During the day, sunlight shines on the power generation system, where the solar collector 2 absorbs the sunlight's heat and heats up. This heat is transferred to the water in the first water tank 1 through the first heat pipe 3 (i.e., the hot water tank heat pipe), heating the water. When the water temperature in the second water tank 4 is higher than the ambient temperature (for example, at night), the water in the second water tank 4 transfers heat to the heat dissipation mechanism 5 through the second heat pipe 6 (i.e., the cold water tank heat pipe), thereby lowering the water temperature in the second water tank 4. The thermoelectric generator 7 generates electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between the water in the first water tank 1 (i.e., hot water) and the water in the second water tank 4 (i.e., cold water).

[0093] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heat dissipation mechanism 5 may be a heat dissipation plate or a heat sink. In order to avoid being heated by the sun during the day and reduce the heat dissipation effect, a sunshade may be installed above the heat dissipation mechanism 5.

[0094] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first water tank 1 is used to store hot water, which provides thermal energy for the thermoelectric generator 7. The first water tank 1 can be made of metal, plastic, or glass. When using a water-reactive metal such as iron or aluminum alloy, the inner wall of the first water tank should be treated with a rust-proof coating. The first water tank 1 has a lower opening for inserting and installing the first heat pipe 3, and a side opening for installing the thermoelectric generator 7.

[0095] A first insulation layer 12 is provided on the outer wall of the first water tank 1 to ensure minimal heat exchange between the hot water in the first water tank 1 and the external environment, maintaining the temperature of the hot water in the first water tank 1. This first insulation layer 12 can be made of rubber-plastic insulation cotton, aerogel, aluminum silicate fiber cotton, a vacuum jacket, or sponge. The exterior of the first insulation layer 12 needs to be coated or applied with a low-emissivity material, i.e., a first coating, to further reduce heat dissipation to the environment. Examples of this first coating include low-emissivity reflective paint, mirror, aluminum foil, or silver or white plastic sheeting.

[0096] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first water tank 1 is also equipped with a first water filling valve (i.e., the hot water tank filling valve) 9 and a first water drain valve 10 (i.e., the hot water tank drain valve). The first water filling valve 9 and the first water drain valve 10 are used to fill and drain water into the first water tank 1, respectively. Ball valves, flapper valves, or needle valves can be used for the first water filling valve 9 and the first water drain valve 10. A first liquid level gauge 11 (i.e., the hot water tank liquid level gauge) is also installed on the first water tank 1. The first liquid level gauge 11 is used to monitor the water level in the first water tank 1 and can be a magnetic flap level gauge or a glass level gauge. The first water filling valve 9, the first water drain valve 10, and the first water level gauge 11 should be well insulated to reduce heat exchange between the hot water in the first water tank 1 and the surrounding environment through these components. They can be insulated by wrapping them with insulation cotton and then applying or coating them with a reflective layer. The reflective layer can be made of low-absorbency reflective paint, mirror, aluminum foil, or silver or white plastic sheeting.

[0097] According to an embodiment of the present invention, first water tank 1 is mounted on first bracket (hot water tank bracket) 8 such that the height of first water tank 1 is greater than that of solar collector 2. First bracket 8 is used to secure first water tank 1 to the ground and provide a sufficient height for first heat pipe 3 to extend from the bottom of the hot water tank. The specific structural form of first bracket 8 can be angle steel, square steel, I-beam, or steel pipe.

[0098] Figure 2A A front view of a first heat pipe provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0099] Figure 2B A front view of a first heat pipe provided according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0100] Combine Figure 1 、 Figure 2A-2B As shown, the first heat pipe 3 includes a first section and a second section that are connected. The first section extends into the water in the first water tank 1, and the second section extends into the solar collector 2. The angle between the first section and the second section is greater than or equal to 90 degrees. The angle between the second section and the horizontal plane is less than 90 degrees.

[0101] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first heat pipe 3 is used to transfer heat from sunlight to the water in the first water tank 1 during the day, raising the water temperature. The first heat pipe 3 includes a first housing 31, which forms a housing space, namely a first cavity 32. The first heat pipe 3 employs an L-shaped thermosiphon structure.

[0102] The first heat pipe 3 is used to transfer the heat from the sun to the hot water in the hot water tank during the day to increase the water temperature. Figure 2AAs shown, the heat pipe can adopt an L-shaped thermosiphon structure. A portion of the first heat pipe 3 is inserted into the water pool of the first water tank 1 to heat the water. The joint between the outer wall of the first heat pipe 3 and the first water tank 1 is sealed to prevent water or water vapor in the first water tank 1 from leaking out. The first heat pipe 3 should be inserted into the inner top of the first water tank 1, and the distribution of the first heat pipe 3 should be as uniform as possible. The other portion of the first heat pipe 3 is connected to the solar collector 2 at the lower outer side of the first water tank 1, and its second section (i.e., the horizontal section) is exposed to an area that can continuously receive sunlight radiation, and is used to absorb heat from the solar radiation.

[0103] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the angle between the second section of the first heat pipe 3 and the horizontal plane may also be an inclined structure with an inclination angle less than 90 degrees, such as Figure 2B As shown, this is more conducive to improving the heat transfer capacity of the first heat pipe 3, but it should be noted that the second section must be fully exposed to light and there must be no obstructions, and the angle between the second horizontal section and the vertical section cannot be less than 90 degrees, otherwise the heat transfer capacity of the first heat pipe 3 will decrease.

[0104] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since the first heat pipe 3 adopts a thermosiphon structure, heat can only be transferred from the bottom to the top and cannot be transferred in the opposite direction. This ensures that when the hot water temperature is higher than the external environment at night, the heat will not be dissipated to the outside, and the heat will be transferred to the internal hot water when the sun irradiates during the day.

[0105] Figure 3 A perspective view of a solar thermal collector provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0106] According to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, the solar thermal collector 2 includes a transparent heat-insulating shell 21 and a heat-absorbing component 22 .

[0107] The transparent, insulated outer shell 21 forms a second housing space. A heat-absorbing assembly 22 is configured to absorb sunlight energy. This heat-absorbing assembly 22 is located within the second housing space and is connected to the second section of the solar heat pipe, which extends deep into the solar heat collector. The solar heat collector 2 absorbs solar radiation, converts it into heat, and transfers it to the second section of the first heat pipe 3.

[0108] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heat absorption component 22 may include multiple groups of fins, wherein each second section is respectively connected to a group of fins. The fins are welded to the surface of the first heat pipe 3, and the fin material should be the same as the first shell 31. The heat absorption component 22 may also include a plate, which is a whole plate, wherein the second end of the first heat pipe 4 is welded to the whole plate, and the plate material should be the same as the first shell 31. In order to enhance the absorption effect of solar radiation, a coating with high absorption rate, such as black paint, should be applied to the surface of the fin or plate. At the same time, in order to dissipate the heat absorbed by the heat absorption component 22 to the external environment, the solar collector 2 as a whole should be wrapped with a shell with high light transmittance and good heat insulation performance. A transparent heat-insulating shell 21 can be used, for example, a double-layer glass light-transmitting heat-insulating shell in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped to enclose the entire heat absorption component 22.

[0109] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second water tank 4 is used to store cold water, which provides cooling energy for the thermoelectric generator 7. It can be made of metal, plastic, or glass. When using metal materials that react with water, such as iron or aluminum alloy, the inner wall of the second water tank 4 should be treated with a rust-proof coating. The second water tank 4 has an upper opening for inserting and installing the second heat pipe 6, and a side opening for installing the thermoelectric generator 7.

[0110] A second insulation layer 13 is also provided on the outer wall of the second water tank 4 to ensure minimal heat exchange between the cold water in the second water tank 4 and the external environment, maintaining the cold water temperature within the tank. This second insulation layer 13 can be made of rubber-plastic insulation cotton, aerogel, aluminum silicate fiber cotton, a vacuum jacket, or sponge. A second reflective layer is applied / coated to the exterior of the second insulation layer 13 to reflect sunlight and prevent direct sunlight from heating the second water tank 4 during the day. The second reflective layer can be made of low-absorption reflective paint, mirror, aluminum foil, or silver or white plastic sheeting.

[0111] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a second water filling valve 14 and a second drain valve 15 are further installed on the second water tank 4, which are used for filling and draining water in the second water tank 4, respectively. The second water filling valve 14 and the second drain valve 15 can be ball valves, baffle valves, or needle valves. The second liquid level gauge 16 is used to monitor the water level in the second water tank, and can be a magnetic flap level gauge or a glass level gauge. The second water filling valve 14, the second drain valve 15, and the second liquid level gauge 16 should be well insulated to reduce the heat exchange between the cold water in the second water tank 4 and the environment through the above-mentioned parts. It can be wrapped with thermal insulation cotton + the thermal insulation cotton is then pasted / coated with a reflective layer. The reflective layer can be made of reflective paint with low absorption rate, mirror, aluminum foil, silver or white plastic cloth.

[0112] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second heat pipe 6 is used to transfer the heat of the water in the second water tank 4 to the external environment to reduce the water temperature when the ambient temperature is low at night.

[0113] Figure 4A front view of a second heat pipe provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0114] like Figure 4 As shown, the second heat pipe 6 adopts a thermosiphon structure, wherein 61 is a second outer shell and a second cavity 62 is formed inside the second outer shell. During the manufacturing process of the second heat pipe 6, the second cavity 62 is first evacuated, and then a certain amount of working fluid (water, ethanol, methanol, ammonia, benzene, acetone, ether, Freon, or fluorinated liquid can be used) is injected. The outer shell is then sealed so that only liquid and gaseous working fluids are inside and no air is present. The second outer shell 61 can be made of metal or plastic. If a material that may react with water or the internal working fluid is used, the inner and outer walls of the second outer shell should be treated with corrosion protection. A portion of the second heat pipe 6 is inserted into the water pool of the second water tank 4 to absorb heat from the water pool. The joint between the outer wall of the second heat pipe 6 and the second water tank 4 is sealed to prevent water or water vapor in the second water tank 4 from leaking out. The second heat pipe 6 should be inserted into the inner bottom of the second water tank 4 and the distribution of the second heat pipe 6 should be as uniform as possible. The other part of the second heat pipe 6 is outside the second water tank 4 and is connected to the heat dissipation mechanism 5, which is used to dissipate the heat extracted from the cold water into the environment. Since the second heat pipe 6 adopts a thermosiphon structure, heat can only be transferred from the bottom to the top and cannot be transferred in the opposite direction. This ensures that the heat can be dissipated to the outside when the cold water temperature is higher than the external environment at night, and the ambient heat will not be transferred into the cold water when the ambient temperature is higher than the cold water temperature during the day. In this case, the second heat pipe 6 runs vertically. In fact, the inclination angle of the second heat pipe 6 (the angle between the second heat pipe 6 and the horizontal plane) can be in the range of 90 (vertical) to 20 degrees.

[0115] The second bracket 17 is used to fix the second water tank 4 on the ground and provide a certain height. The specific structural form of the second bracket 17 can be angle steel, square steel, I-beam, or steel pipe.

[0116] In order to reduce manufacturing costs, the structures of the second water tank 4 and the first water tank 1 can be exactly the same, that is, their materials, sizes, opening positions, valves, etc. are exactly the same, except that the angles during installation are different.

[0117] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heat dissipation mechanism 5 is used to enhance the heat dissipation capability of the second heat pipe 6 to the environment. The specific structural form can be fins welded on the surface of the second heat pipe 6. The heat dissipation mechanism 5 should be made of the same material as 61.

[0118] Figure 5 A front view of a thermoelectric power generation mechanism provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0119] like Figure 5The thermoelectric power generation mechanism shown is in the form of a semiconductor thermoelectric power generation structure. Specifically, the thermoelectric power generation mechanism 7 includes: a thermoelectric power generation sheet 71 , a first special-shaped vapor chamber 72 , and a second special-shaped vapor chamber 73 .

[0120] The first vapor chamber is mounted on the first surface of the thermoelectric generator sheet 71. It transfers heat from the water in the first water tank to the first surface, raising the temperature of the first surface. The second vapor chamber 73 is mounted on the second surface of the thermoelectric generator sheet 71. It transfers heat from the water in the second water tank to the first surface, lowering the temperature of the second surface. The thermoelectric generator sheet 71 generates electricity based on the temperature difference between the first and second surfaces.

[0121] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first special-shaped vapor chamber 72 and the second special-shaped vapor chamber 73 have the same special-shaped vapor chamber structure 74 . The special-shaped vapor chamber is a type of heat pipe.

[0122] Figure 6 A front view of a special-shaped vapor chamber provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0123] like Figure 6 As shown, the irregular vapor chamber structure includes a flat plate 741 and an array of rods 742 extending from the flat plate. Rods 742 can be made of metal, plastic, or other materials that are non-reactive with water and the liquid working medium within the vapor chamber. Both flat plate 741 and rods 742 are hollow and internally connected. The connecting portion between flat plate 741 and rods 742 forms a connecting cavity 743. A small amount of liquid working medium is injected into this connecting cavity 743, enabling efficient heat transfer through phase change of the liquid working medium.

[0124] Figure 7 A partial structural front view of a special-shaped vapor chamber provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0125] like Figure 7 As shown, rod array 742 includes multiple array rods 744. A first porous structure layer 745 is formed on the inner wall of each array rod 744. Porous structure layer 745 can be made of sintered wire mesh, sintered metal powder, foamed metal, micro-channels, or a combination of these structures, and its material should be the same as that of array rods 744. The array rods of the two special-shaped vapor chambers are inserted into the first water tank 1 and the second water tank 4, respectively. The outer walls of the array rods are sealed to the two water tanks to prevent water or steam leakage.

[0126] Figure 8 A front view of a thermoelectric power generation mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0127] like Figure 8The thermoelectric power generation mechanism 7 shown adopts a heat pipe embedded turbine generator structure. Specifically, the thermoelectric power generation mechanism 7 includes: a generator housing 75 , a second porous material layer 76 , a turbine 77 and a magnetic induction module 78 .

[0128] A first accommodating space 79 is formed inside the generator housing 75, and the first accommodating space 79 is filled with a first liquid working medium. A second porous material layer 76 is attached to the inner wall of the generator housing. A turbine 77 is installed in the first accommodating space, and permanent magnets are installed on the blades of the turbine. A magnetic induction module 78 is installed on the outer wall of the housing. The two ends of the temperature difference power generation mechanism extend into the water in the first water tank and the water in the second water tank respectively. The first liquid working medium absorbs heat from the water in the first water tank and is vaporized. The vaporized first liquid working medium flows from the high temperature end to the low temperature end, driving the turbine blades to rotate. The permanent magnet cuts the magnetic flux lines generated by the magnetic induction module, generates an induced current, and thus realizes power generation. Its principle is the same as that of a generator.

[0129] Generator housing 75 can be made of metal or plastic, and its material must be non-reactive with water and the liquid working medium in the heat pipe. Second porous material layer 76 can be made of sintered wire mesh, sintered metal powder, metal foam, micro-channels, or a combination of these structures, and its material should be the same as that of generator housing 75. The left side of the thermoelectric generator mechanism 7 is inserted into the second water tank 4, and the right side is inserted into the first water tank 1. The ends of the thermoelectric generator mechanism 7 must be sealed against the two water tank walls to prevent water or steam from leaking out of the water tanks.

[0130] The power generation system further includes an electricity storage mechanism 19, which is suitable for storing electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation mechanism.

[0131] Continue to refer Figure 1 Wire 18 is provided on the thermoelectric generator 71. This wire 18 can transmit the electromotive force generated by the temperature difference to a power storage mechanism 19, which can be a battery. Considering fluctuations in water temperature and power generation, a voltage / current conversion module should be added to the battery to adjust the power sent from the thermoelectric generator 7. A boost stabilization circuit can be used, such as the commercially available MT3608 boost stabilization module. Furthermore, considering that charging needs to stop automatically when the battery is fully charged to avoid overcharging, a charge management circuit should also be added to the battery, such as the commercially available TC4056A charging protection module + DW01FA / 8205A battery protection module. The battery can be a lithium battery, a lead-acid battery, or a nickel-metal hydride battery.

[0132] The power generation device provided according to the embodiment of the present invention operates in a fully passive manner and does not require human monitoring or additional supply of energy other than temperature difference.

[0133] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the objectives, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present invention in detail. It should be understood that the above are only specific embodiments of the present invention and are 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 power generation system based on temperature difference, characterized in that: include: a first water tank, containing water; A solar thermal collector adapted to absorb energy from sunlight and convert said energy from sunlight into heat; at least one first heat pipe, the first heat pipe connecting the first water tank and the solar thermal collector, the first heat pipe being adapted to unidirectionally transfer the heat energy to the water in the first water tank to heat the water in the first water tank and increase the temperature of the water in the first water tank; a second water tank, containing water; a heat dissipation mechanism, adapted to dissipate heat from the water in the second water tank, so as to lower the temperature of the water in the second water tank; at least one second heat pipe, connecting the second water tank and the heat dissipation mechanism, and adapted to unidirectionally transfer heat from the water in the second water tank to the heat dissipation mechanism; A thermoelectric power generation mechanism is connected to the first water tank and the second water tank and is adapted to generate electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between the water in the first water tank and the water in the second water tank; the thermoelectric power generation mechanism comprises: Thermoelectric generator; a first special-shaped vapor chamber installed on the first surface of the thermoelectric power generation sheet, the first special-shaped vapor chamber being adapted to transfer heat from the water in the first water tank to the first surface of the thermoelectric power generation sheet, thereby increasing the temperature of the first surface; a second special-shaped vapor chamber installed on the second surface of the thermoelectric power generation sheet, the second vapor chamber being adapted to transfer heat from the thermoelectric power generation sheet to the water in the second water tank, thereby lowering the temperature of the second surface; A generator housing, wherein a first accommodating space is formed inside the generator housing, and the first accommodating space is filled with a first liquid working medium; a porous material layer attached to the inner wall of the generator housing; a turbine, installed in the first accommodating space, wherein permanent magnets are installed on blades of the turbine; A magnetic induction module is mounted on the outer wall of the generator housing; The first water tank is mounted on the first bracket so that the height of the first water tank is greater than the height of the solar thermal collector; the first heat pipe includes a first section and a second section that are connected, the first section extends into the water in the first water tank, and the second section extends into the solar thermal collector, and the angle between the first section and the second section is greater than or equal to 90 degrees; the angle between the second section and the horizontal plane is less than 90 degrees; The thermoelectric power generation sheet is suitable for generating electricity based on the temperature difference between the first surface and the second surface; the two ends of the thermoelectric power generation mechanism extend into the water in the first water tank and the water in the second water tank respectively; the first liquid working medium absorbs heat from the water in the first water tank and is vaporized; the vaporized first liquid working medium flows from the high temperature end to the low temperature end, driving the turbine blades to rotate; the permanent magnet cuts the magnetic flux lines generated by the magnetic induction module, generates an induced current, and thus realizes power generation.

2. The power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The solar thermal collector comprises: A transparent heat-insulating shell, wherein the transparent heat-insulating shell forms a second accommodating space; The heat absorption component is suitable for absorbing the energy of the sunlight. The heat absorption component is arranged in the second accommodating space and is connected to the second section extending deep into the solar thermal collector.

3. The power generation system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heat absorption component includes multiple groups of fins, wherein each of the second sections is connected to a group of fins respectively; or The heat absorption component includes a plate, and the second section is connected to the plate.

4. The power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second heat pipe includes a second shell, and a second accommodating space is formed inside the second shell. The second accommodating space is vacuum and the bottom is filled with a second working medium. When the temperature of the water in the second water tank is higher than the vaporization temperature of the second working medium and the external ambient temperature is lower than the liquefaction temperature of the second working medium, the second working medium absorbs the heat of the water in the second water tank and is vaporized. The vaporized second working medium transfers the heat to the heat dissipation mechanism and condenses into liquid, thereby realizing one-way transfer of heat from the water in the second water tank to the heat dissipation mechanism.

5. The power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first thermal insulation layer is provided on the outer wall of the first water tank, adapted to reduce heat diffusion of the water in the first water tank to the outside; a first coating is further provided on the outer wall of the first thermal insulation layer, adapted to further reduce heat diffusion of the water in the first water tank to the outside; A second thermal insulation layer is provided on the outer wall of the second water tank, and a second coating is also provided on the outer wall of the second thermal insulation layer. The second coating is suitable for reflecting the sunlight.

6. The power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power generation system further includes an electricity storage mechanism adapted to store the electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation mechanism.

7. The power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first water filling valve and a first drain valve are installed on the first water tank, and a second water filling valve and a second drain valve are installed on the second water tank; The first water tank is also equipped with a first liquid level gauge, and the second water tank is also equipped with a second liquid level gauge.

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