An isotope thermoelectric generator

Abstract

This invention provides an isotope thermoelectric generator, comprising a radiator, a base, a top cover, a heat source isolation cylinder, a heat spreader, and a thermoelectric generator component. The isotope thermoelectric generator provided by this invention features an independent heat source isolation cylinder, dividing the thermoelectric generator into two sealed cavities. This allows the thermoelectric generator component and the heat source to be located in two separate sealed spaces, making it more convenient to replace the heat source or the thermoelectric generator component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of thermoelectric conversion technology, specifically relating to an isotope thermoelectric power generation device with a replaceable heat source. Background Technology

[0002] A thermoelectric generator (RTG) is a static, all-solid-state device that directly converts thermal energy into electrical energy using the Seebeck effect of thermoelectric materials. It has no rotating parts or working medium and operates without noise. Radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) are compact, highly reliable, and radiation resistant. Compared to other chemical and physical power sources, they offer advantages such as higher specific energy, longer lifespan, maintenance-free operation, and strong environmental adaptability. RTGs can operate in extremely low temperature environments below -100°C and have been applied in special missions in space, on Earth, at sea, and in medicine, making them the preferred power source for planetary and deep space exploration. Since 1961, the United States has successfully deployed over 40 RTGs in various space exploration missions, with power outputs ranging from milliwatts to hundreds of watts. For example, the RTGs used by the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers on Mars have an output power exceeding 100 watts.

[0003] RTGs typically employ a fully sealed design, generating electricity continuously after a heat source is installed. However, due to the continuous performance degradation and probability of failure inherent in thermoelectric generators, they cannot be repaired or replaced when a failure occurs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the limitations of the existing technology, the present invention aims to provide an isotope thermoelectric power generation device with a replaceable heat source. It can generate electricity simply by inserting a heat source, achieving plug-and-play functionality. It is suitable for repeated use of the isotope heat source or for the repair or replacement of the power generation components.

[0005] This invention provides an isotope thermoelectric generator, comprising:

[0006] A radiator includes an axially extending heat sink and heat sink fins located outside the heat sink and extending axially along the heat sink, for dissipating heat to the external environment;

[0007] The base is located at the bottom of the heat sink;

[0008] A heat source isolation cylinder is located inside the heat dissipation cylinder of the radiator, and the heat dissipation cylinder, the base and the heat source isolation cylinder of the radiator form a first sealed cavity;

[0009] The top cover is located at the top of the heat source isolation cylinder, and the heat source isolation cylinder and the top cover form a second sealed cavity, with the isotope heat source located inside the second sealed cavity;

[0010] A heat spreader is located outside the heat source isolation cylinder and is arranged around the heat source isolation cylinder to collect the heat radiated by the heat source isolation cylinder;

[0011] A thermoelectric generator is located between the heat sink of the radiator and the heat exchanger, and is used to convert the temperature difference between the cold end formed by the heat sink and the hot end formed by the heat exchanger into electrical energy.

[0012] Preferably, the remaining space of the first sealed cavity is filled with a thermal insulation material, which is preferably a nano-porous silica material with ultra-low thermal conductivity.

[0013] Preferably, the thermoelectric power generation components are arranged radially and uniformly around the heat exchanger to improve the power generation efficiency of the isotope thermoelectric power generation device.

[0014] Preferably, the heat sinks are arranged radially and evenly around the heat sink cylinder.

[0015] Preferably, the heat source isolation cylinder includes a flange, a bellows, and a straight cylinder body that are fixedly connected to the top of the heat dissipation cylinder of the radiator, and the bellows is used to adjust the axial displacement of the heat source isolation cylinder.

[0016] Preferably, the thermoelectric power generation component is a single-segment component made of Bi2Te3-based alloy, Pb-Te-based alloy, CoSb3-based cobaltite, Half-heusler alloy, Ge-Te-based compound, La-Te-based compound, or SiGe-based alloy, or a component composed of segmented components made of two or more of the above materials connected in series and parallel or in parallel by electricity and heat.

[0017] Preferably, the outer wall of the straight cylindrical body of the heat source isolation cylinder is coated with a high emissivity coating.

[0018] Preferably, the heat exchanger is made of graphite.

[0019] Preferably, the heat dissipation cylinder of the radiator is connected to the base and the heat source isolation cylinder by welding or by a detachable sealed connection; the heat source isolation cylinder is connected to the top cover by a detachable sealed connection, preferably by an O-ring seal.

[0020] Preferably, the heat source isolation cylinder and the heat spreader are configured with a clearance fit to ensure that no shear force is generated on the thermoelectric power generation component when the heat source is installed.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0022] The present invention provides an isotope thermoelectric generator, which is equipped with an independent heat source isolation cylinder, dividing the thermoelectric generator into two sealed cavities, so that the thermoelectric generator component and the heat source are located in two independent sealed spaces, making it more convenient to replace the heat source or the thermoelectric generator component. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an isotope thermoelectric generator according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat sink for an isotope thermoelectric generator according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 1 AA cross-section view.

[0026] Figure 4 This is an exploded partial cross-sectional view of an isotope thermoelectric generator according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the heat source isolation cylinder of an isotope thermoelectric generator according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure label:

[0029] 1-Radiator;

[0030] 11-Heat dissipation cylinder;

[0031] 12-Heat sink;

[0032] 2-Base;

[0033] 3-Top cover;

[0034] 4-Heat source isolation cylinder;

[0035] 41-Flange;

[0036] 42-Corrugated pipe;

[0037] 43-Straight cylindrical body;

[0038] 5-Evaporator;

[0039] 6-Thermoelectric generator module;

[0040] A - First sealed cavity;

[0041] B - Second sealed cavity;

[0042] C-isotope pyrogen. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The present invention will be further illustrated by the following embodiments. It should be understood that the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides an isotope thermoelectric power generation device, including a radiator 1, a base 2, a top cover 3, a heat source isolation cylinder 4, a heat spreader 5, and a thermoelectric power generation component 6.

[0045] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the radiator 1 includes an axially extending heat dissipation cylinder 11 and heat dissipation fins 12 located outside the heat dissipation cylinder 11 and extending axially along the heat dissipation cylinder 11, for dissipating heat to the external environment. The base 2 is located at the bottom of the radiator 1, specifically at the bottom of the heat dissipation cylinder 11, for sealing the bottom of the heat dissipation cylinder 11. The radiator 1 dissipates heat to the external environment through radiation, convection, and conduction, constituting the cold end of the isotope thermoelectric generator of the present invention. The heat dissipation fins 12 are radially and uniformly arranged around the heat dissipation cylinder 11.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the heat source isolation cylinder 4 is located inside the heat dissipation cylinder 11 of the radiator 1, specifically in the upper half of the heat dissipation cylinder 11. The heat dissipation cylinder 11, the base 2, and the heat source isolation cylinder 4 of the radiator 1 form a first sealed cavity A. The heat dissipation cylinder 11 of the radiator 1 is connected to the base 2 and the heat source isolation cylinder 4 by welding or by a detachable sealed connection. For example, the heat dissipation cylinder 11 of the radiator 1 is welded to the base 2, and the heat dissipation cylinder 11 of the radiator 1 is detachably sealed to the heat source isolation cylinder 4. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the top of the heat source isolation cylinder 4 includes a flange 41, a bellows 42, and a straight cylinder body 43 that are fixedly connected to the top of the heat dissipation cylinder 11 of the radiator 1. The bellows 42 is used to adjust the axial displacement of the heat source isolation cylinder 4, and the flange 41, the bellows 42, and the straight cylinder body 43 are welded together to reduce heat conduction loss.

[0047] The top cover 3 is located on top of the heat source isolation cylinder 4, and the heat source isolation cylinder 4 and the top cover 3 form a second sealed cavity B, inside which the isotope heat source C is located. Preferably, the heat source isolation cylinder 4 and the top cover 3 are connected by a detachable sealing connection, more preferably by an O-ring seal.

[0048] from Figure 3 , Figure 4As can be seen, when it is necessary to replace the isotope heat source C, simply remove the fixing screws of the flange 41 on the heat source isolation cylinder 4, pull the heat source isolation cylinder 4 directly out from the top of the radiator 1, and then remove the fixing screws of the upper cover 3 to replace the isotope heat source C inside the heat source isolation cylinder 4.

[0049] The heat spreader 5 is located outside the heat source isolation cylinder 4 and is arranged around the heat source isolation cylinder 4. It is used to collect the heat radiated by the heat source isolation cylinder 4 and constitutes the hot end of the isotope thermoelectric generator of the present invention.

[0050] Thermoelectric generator 6 is located between the heat sink 11 and the vaporizer 5 of the radiator 1, and is used to convert the temperature difference between the cold end formed by the heat sink 11 and the hot end formed by the vaporizer 5 into electrical energy. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric generator 6 is a single-segment component made of Bi2Te3-based alloy, Pb-Te-based alloy, CoSb3-based cobaltite, Half-heusler alloy, Ge-Te-based compound, La-Te-based compound, or SiGe-based alloy, or a component composed of segmented components made of two or more of the above materials connected in series and parallel electrically and in parallel thermally. Both the vaporizer 5 and the thermoelectric generator 6 are located in the first sealed cavity A. In a preferred embodiment, the heat source isolation cylinder 4 and the vaporizer 5 are provided with a clearance fit to ensure that no shear force is generated on the thermoelectric generator 6 when the heat source is installed. The thermoelectric generator 6 is arranged radially and uniformly around the vaporizer 5 to improve the power generation efficiency of the isotope thermoelectric generator.

[0051] In one embodiment, in the isotope thermoelectric generator of the present invention, the remaining space of the first sealed cavity A is filled with a heat-insulating material, preferably a porous nano-silica material with ultra-low thermal conductivity. The heat source isolation cylinder 4 is made of a high-temperature alloy, and its straight cylindrical body is coated with a high-emissivity coating. The heat spreader 5 is preferably made of graphite. The radiator 1 and the base 2 are preferably made of metal alloys such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or magnesium alloy.

[0052] The present invention provides an isotope thermoelectric generator, which is equipped with an independent heat source isolation cylinder, dividing the thermoelectric generator into two sealed cavities, so that the thermoelectric generator component and the heat source are located in two independent sealed spaces, making it more convenient to replace the heat source or the thermoelectric generator component.

[0053] The invention may be embodied in various forms without departing from its essential spirit. Therefore, the embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes rather than limiting. Since the scope of the invention is defined by the claims rather than by the description, all variations falling within the scope defined by the claims, or equivalent to the scope defined by the claims, should be understood to be included in the claims.

Claims

1. An isotope thermoelectric generator capable of replacing a heat source, characterized by comprising: The application relates to an isotope thermoelectric generator, which comprises the following parts: a radiator, which comprises an axially-extended radiator cylinder and radiator fins located outside the radiator cylinder and extending axially along the radiator cylinder, and is used for discharging heat to the external environment; a base, which is located at the bottom of the radiator, and the radiator cylinder and the base are connected through welding; a heat source isolation cylinder, which is located inside the radiator cylinder, and the radiator cylinder, the base and the heat source isolation cylinder form a first closed cavity; the radiator cylinder and the heat source isolation cylinder are connected through detachable sealing; the heat source isolation cylinder comprises a flange connected to the top of the radiator cylinder through a fixing screw, a bellows and a straight cylinder body, the bellows is used for adjusting the axial displacement of the heat source isolation cylinder; the outer wall of the straight cylinder body is coated with a high-emissivity coating; an upper cover, which is located at the top of the heat source isolation cylinder, and the heat source isolation cylinder and the upper cover form a second closed cavity, and an isotope heat source is located inside the second closed cavity; the heat source isolation cylinder and the upper cover are connected through detachable sealing; a heat collector, which is located outside the heat source isolation cylinder and surrounds the heat source isolation cylinder, and is used for collecting the heat radiated by the heat source isolation cylinder; the heat source isolation cylinder and the heat collector are arranged in a clearance fit to ensure that no shearing force is generated on a thermoelectric generator assembly when the isotope heat source is installed; a thermoelectric generator assembly, which is located between the radiator cylinder and the heat collector, and is used for converting the temperature difference between the cold end formed by the radiator cylinder and the hot end formed by the heat collector into electric energy.

2. The isotope thermoelectric generator of claim 1, wherein The remaining space in the first closed cavity is filled with heat insulation material, and the heat insulation material is nano-silicon dioxide porous material with ultra-low thermal conductivity.

3. The isotope thermoelectric generator of claim 1, wherein The thermoelectric generator assembly is uniformly arranged around the heat collector in a radial manner to improve the power generation efficiency of the isotope thermoelectric generator.

4. The isotope thermoelectric generator of claim 1, wherein The radiator fins are uniformly arranged around the radiator cylinder in a radial manner.

5. The isotope thermoelectric generator of claim 1, wherein, The thermoelectric generator assembly is a single-section component composed of Bi2Te3-based alloy, Pb-Te-based alloy, CoSb3-based skutterudite, Half-heusler alloy, Ge-Te-based compound, La-Te-based compound or SiGe-based alloy, or a segmented component composed of two or more than two kinds of materials, which is connected through electric series and parallel connection and thermal parallel connection.

6. The isotope thermoelectric generator of claim 1, wherein, The material of the heat collector is graphite material.

7. The isotope thermoelectric generator of claim 1, wherein, The detachable sealing connection between the heat source isolation cylinder and the upper cover is O-shaped sealing.

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