A mobile harvesting device for bulk materials based on thermoelectric conversion and thermal energy

Abstract

This invention relates to a mobile harvesting device for bulk materials based on thermoelectric conversion, comprising a mobile device (1), a heat extraction device (2), a thermoelectric conversion unit (3), and an energy utilization unit (4). The mobile device ensures stable movement of the equipment across all terrains. The heat extraction device is connected and fixed to the mobile device. The thermoelectric conversion unit is connected to the heat extraction device and is also in close contact with the heat dissipation unit to ensure a stable temperature difference and maintain high thermoelectric conversion efficiency. The electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric conversion unit supplies power to the energy utilization unit, and any additional electrical energy generated is stored or utilized in the energy utilization unit. This device satisfies both its own operating consumption and the collection and output of additional heat energy, achieving excellent energy saving and emission reduction effects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of power generation equipment, and specifically relates to a mobile harvesting device for bulk materials based on thermoelectric conversion. Background Technology

[0002] In high-temperature regions and other everyday scenarios, the temperature of bulk materials such as sand and dried grain often exceeds the air temperature by 30 degrees Celsius. Although this temperature difference is considered low in industry, considering the large surface area of ​​exposed bulk materials, if they can be moved while generating electricity using the temperature difference, considerable energy can be produced. Thermoelectric power generation technology mainly relies on thermoelectric generators, which operate on the Seebeck effect: when two semiconductors or conductors are connected to form a closed circuit, a voltage is generated if there is a temperature difference between the two connection points. This is equivalent to using semiconductors or conductors to complete thermoelectric conversion. A thermoelectric generator consists of hundreds of pairs of semiconductor circuits and a ceramic casing; as long as there is a temperature difference between its two ends, a voltage will be generated at the pins. Of course, thermoelectric conversion devices such as thermal batteries also exist.

[0003] Chinese invention patent CN216790215U discloses a device capable of recovering heat energy from the tail slag of a slag cooler and using high-temperature steam to drive a generator to generate electricity. It primarily uses a heat exchanger to absorb heat energy from the slag and evaporate water to convert the heat energy into the mechanical energy of steam, which then drives the generator. The aforementioned patent has the following drawbacks: the recovered heat energy is at a relatively high temperature, and although it belongs to industrial waste heat, many recovery methods already exist.

[0004] Chinese invention patent CN205014648U discloses a device capable of recovering heat energy from desert areas. The main body of the device uses heat pipes and has evenly distributed fins in the condensation section to enhance heat dissipation. The above-mentioned patent has the following disadvantages: (1) The device is fixed, and the temperature of the heat source will gradually decrease, which is not conducive to generating a stable temperature difference; (2) The heat dissipation effect is poor in the applicable scenario and cannot maintain a high temperature difference.

[0005] Chinese invention patent CN114857939A discloses a mobile energy harvesting device that collects surface solid materials and exchanges heat in a solid material heat exchanger to obtain a large amount of thermal energy. However, the aforementioned patent has the following drawbacks: (1) it only collects surface materials; (2) the heat exchange is achieved inside the device, resulting in numerous moving parts, high energy consumption, and weak stability. This patent proposes a mobile harvesting device for bulk materials based on thermoelectric conversion, which can extract thermal energy from the bulk materials. Furthermore, it contains no moving parts other than the moving parts that allow the device to move freely. In addition, the on-site heat extraction design simplifies the structure of the mobile harvesting device for bulk materials based on thermoelectric conversion proposed in this patent. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention addresses the shortcomings of current thermoelectric equipment, such as the relatively high grade of recovered heat energy and small processing capacity, by providing a moving energy harvesting device. This device uses a moving mechanism to drive a heat extraction unit, continuously supplying low-grade heat energy from bulk materials to a thermoelectric conversion unit. Under the action of a heat dissipation unit, the thermoelectric conversion unit maintains a certain temperature difference and generates electricity. This electricity is used to maintain the continued operation of the device and for other needs. In summary, this device uses a moving heat recovery device to process stationary bulk materials, capable of handling low-grade heat energy from large quantities of bulk materials.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0008] A mobile harvesting device for bulk materials based on thermoelectric conversion is provided, comprising a mobile device 1, a heat extraction device, a thermoelectric conversion unit, and an energy utilization unit 4. The mobile device 1 is used to drive the device's movement. The heat extraction device is fixedly connected to the mobile device 1. The heat extraction device includes a heat pipe 201 and a loosening device 202, used to extract heat energy from the bulk materials and loosen the materials to reduce frictional resistance. The thermoelectric conversion unit is connected to the heat extraction device and includes a thermoelectric conversion element 301 and a performance maintenance unit 302. The thermoelectric conversion element 301 is used to convert the obtained heat energy into electrical energy. The performance maintenance unit 302 is connected to the thermoelectric conversion element 301 and maintains the thermoelectric conversion element 301 with high thermoelectric conversion efficiency through cooling, heat dissipation, phase change heat storage, and other means. The energy utilization unit 4 is used to provide electrical energy to the mobile device 1 and also includes a battery or power output device for utilizing the additional electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric conversion unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the mobile device 1 may be equipped with tracks, wheels, or other drive mechanisms depending on the environment in which the bulk material is located.

[0010] Furthermore, the heat extraction device uses a heat pipe 201 to transport the heat energy from the bulk material to the thermoelectric conversion unit. A loosening device 202 is arranged on the front side of the heat pipe 201 in the direction of movement. The heat pipe 201 can be a gravity heat pipe, a pulsating heat pipe, or other heat pipes. The loosening device 202 includes, but is not limited to, a plow blade. The heat extraction device can extend and retract as needed: during operation, the insertion depth into the bulk material can be adjusted to optimize the heat exchange effect; when not in operation, it can be lifted and stored inside the device for easy storage and transportation.

[0011] Furthermore, the thermoelectric conversion unit uses a thermoelectric conversion element 301 to convert the collected heat energy into electrical energy, and the element itself does not contain any moving parts. The conversion principle includes, but is not limited to, the Seebeck effect. A performance maintenance group 302 is connected to the thermoelectric conversion element 301 to maintain the thermoelectric conversion element 301 with a high thermoelectric conversion efficiency. The maintenance methods include, but are not limited to, cooling and heat dissipation, and phase change heat storage.

[0012] The specific usage method is as follows: When the device moves, the heat extraction device is inserted into the bulk material, and continuously extracts heat energy in a movable manner, providing the required heat to the thermoelectric conversion element 301. At the same time, the performance maintenance group 302 ensures the thermoelectric conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion element 301 through cooling and other means. The thermoelectric conversion element 301 generates electrical energy and supplies it to the energy utilization group 4. The energy utilization group 4 continues to drive the equipment to move in the bulk material and stores or utilizes additional energy. The heat energy is collected from the bulk material by the heat pipe 201 and sent to the thermoelectric conversion group. Part of the heat energy is converted into electrical energy by the thermoelectric conversion group and sent to the energy utilization group 4. The unconverted heat energy is finally dissipated into the environment.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0014] This invention is based on thermoelectric power generation technology. It can generate electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between bulk materials and air, and can maintain a certain moving speed to keep the temperature difference stable. It is a novel device that can harvest the thermal energy of high-temperature bulk materials over a large area. The device is based on a mobile device 1, which can be used in various scenarios while ensuring the application characteristics of the device. The mobile device 1 is directly fixed or detachably connected to the thermal energy extraction device, which ensures the life of the device and reduces the operating cost. After the fixed connection device is deformed or damaged, it can be repaired and replaced by itself according to the fixing method. At the same time, the loosening device 202 is used to reduce the resistance of the heat pipe 201 when running in the bulk materials, thereby improving the efficiency of the device. The thermoelectric conversion element 301 based on the Seebeck effect can avoid the high cost and safety issues of rotating machinery. It is vibration-free, noiseless, simple, stable and safe. The performance maintenance group 302, like the mobile device 1, can maintain the power generation of the thermoelectric conversion group. The energy utilization group 4 not only prioritizes the device's own consumption but also collects and outputs additional thermal energy, which is a concrete manifestation of the device's energy-saving and emission-reduction performance. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a bulk material thermal energy mobile harvesting device based on thermoelectric conversion according to the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is an example diagram of a mobile harvesting device for bulk materials based on thermoelectric conversion operating in sandy soil according to the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the left track of a bulk material thermal energy mobile harvesting device based on thermoelectric conversion according to the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the heat pipes, thermoelectric elements, and copper foam stacked in a bulk material thermal energy mobile harvesting device based on thermoelectric conversion according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of a heat pipe for a mobile harvesting device for bulk materials based on thermoelectric conversion according to the present invention.

[0020] in:

[0021] 1: Moving device. 4: Energy utilization group. 5: Bulk material. 6: Sand. 7: Left track. 8: Right track. 9: Base bridge. 10: Plow blade. 11: Support plate. 12: Pressure tank. 13: Heat pipe. 14: Thermoelectric conversion group. 15: Copper foam. 201: Heat pipe. 202: Loosening device. 301: Thermoelectric conversion element. 302: Performance maintenance group.

[0022] 701a: Roller. 702a: Side plate. 703a: Shock-absorbing wheel assembly. 704a: Belt. 705: Motor. 901a, 901b: Side square aluminum. 902a, 902b: Front square aluminum. 1101: Tightening formula orifice. 1301: Process section. 1302: Evaporation section. 1303: Insulation section. 1304: Condensation section. 1401: Thermoelectric element. 1402: Thermal grease. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a mobile bulk material harvesting device based on thermoelectric conversion according to the present invention. The arrows indicate the direction of energy flow, i.e., the heat extraction device extracts heat energy from the bulk material 5. Part of the heat energy is lost to the environment, and part is converted into electrical energy by the thermoelectric conversion unit and then transported to the energy utilization unit 4. At the same time, the mobile device 1 drives the device to move forward continuously, ensuring continuous and efficient energy harvesting.

[0024] The following will be combined with the appendix Figure 2 , 3 Sections 4 and 5 provide a detailed description of embodiments of the present invention in desert regions. These embodiments are provided by... Figure 1 The schematic diagram shown is derived from the specific environment of a desert region and is only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention. It is merely an example and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the technical or scientific terms used in this application should have the ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0025] like Figure 2The diagram shows a structure of the device operating in sand. The left track 7 is formed by bolts fixing the roller 701a and the shock-absorbing wheel assembly 703a to the side plate 702a, which serves as a support frame. The belt 704a is then tensioned on the roller 701a. The left track 7 and the right track 8 are structurally identical and are respectively connected to the side square aluminum plates 901a and 901b. They are then connected to the front square aluminum plates 902a and 902b to form a whole, which serves as the chassis of the system. The plow blade 10 is fixed on the front square aluminum plate 902a. The tight-fitting formula hole 1101 on the support plate 11 is connected to the heat pipe 13 by an interference fit. The pressure water tank 12 is fixed on the support plate 11. The process section 1301 is the sharp end produced by the sealing process during the heat pipe processing, which helps to break the sand 6 and reduce friction. Process section 1301, evaporation section 1302, insulation section 1303 and condensation section 1304 are all part of the structure of heat pipe 13. One side of thermoelectric element 1401 is attached to condensation section 1304 of heat pipe 13 with thermally conductive silicone grease 1402, and the other side is attached to copper foam 15 with thermally conductive silicone grease 1402. Copper foam 15 is connected to pressure water tank 12.

[0026] During operation, the left track 7 and right track 8 are driven forward by the motor 705. The plow blade 10 continuously cuts grooves in the bulk material, and the heat pipe 13 maintains slow movement under relatively low frictional resistance, transferring the heat energy in the bulk material to the condensation section 1304 of the heat pipe. The temperature difference between the two sides of the thermoelectric element is approximately equal to the temperature difference between the bulk material and the surface temperature of the foamed copper 15 under continuous water evaporation, generating electricity under this temperature difference. At the same time, the pressurized water tank 12 continuously replenishes water to the foamed copper 15. Ultimately, this achieves mobile heat recovery power generation without pump power.

[0027] Except for the heat pipe 13, thermoelectric element 1401, and copper foam 15, which are bonded together using thermal grease 1402, and the heat pipe 13, which is interference-fitted with the support plate 11, all other components are assembled and connected using T-bolts and nuts. Under experimental conditions, with a bulk material temperature of 70 degrees Celsius and an air temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, the temperature difference of the thermoelectric element remained stable at 25 degrees Celsius. The experimental device is 30 cm long and 20 cm wide, containing six heat pipes and twenty-four thermoelectric elements. According to the experimental results, if the device operates for 12 hours a day, it can recover 70 kWh of heat energy per day. Assuming a thermoelectric efficiency of 0.5%, it can generate 0.35 kWh of electricity. This amount of electricity is sufficient to fully charge a mobile phone approximately 19 times. For areas with limited electricity, the cost of a single unit is equivalent to only one week's supply of a lithium battery. Furthermore, the device is expected to have a lifespan of over one year, demonstrating significant economic benefits.

[0028] If the system is applied to a large mobile platform, taking an electric truck chassis (6.8m×2.4m) as an example, the daily power generation of a single unit is 95kWh, which can power a 2-horsepower air conditioner for 63 hours and meet the daily needs of about 10 households.

[0029] like Figure 3 The diagram shows the specific structure of the left track of the equipment. The motor 705 is installed at the rear of the left track 7. When the equipment is running, it drives the roller 701a to rotate, and the belt 704a provides power to the system under the action of friction.

[0030] This method of converting heat into work through simultaneous movement and heat harvesting can effectively increase the total amount of heat energy utilized, thus mitigating the low efficiency of thermoelectric conversion to some extent. The thermoelectric conversion equipment does not utilize rotating machinery, is inexpensive, safe, and stable.

Claims

1. A bulk material heat energy mobile harvesting apparatus based on thermoelectric conversion, characterized by: The application relates to a mobile device (1), a heat energy extraction device (2), a thermoelectric conversion group (3) and an energy utilization group (4); the mobile device (1) is used for driving the movement of the device; the heat energy extraction device (2) is fixedly connected with the mobile device (1); the heat energy extraction device (2) comprises a heat pipe (201) and a loosening device (202) and is used for extracting heat energy from bulk materials and loosening the bulk materials to reduce frictional resistance; the thermoelectric conversion group (3) is connected with the heat energy extraction device (2) and is used for converting heat energy into electric energy; the energy utilization group (4) is based on the electric energy generated by the thermoelectric conversion group (3) and provides energy for the mobile device (1); meanwhile, the energy utilization group (4) also comprises a battery or an electric energy output device and is used for utilizing the additional electric energy generated by the thermoelectric conversion group (3). The heat energy extraction device (2) adopts the heat pipe (201) to transport heat energy in bulk materials to the thermoelectric conversion group (3); the loosening device (202) is arranged on the front side of the movement direction of the heat pipe (201); the heat pipe (201) is a gravity heat pipe or an impulse heat pipe; the loosening device (202) comprises but is not limited to a plough blade; the heat energy extraction device (2) can be telescoped up and down according to requirements; the working depth of the heat energy extraction device (2) in the bulk materials can be adjusted during work; and the heat energy extraction device (2) can be lifted and stored in the device during non-work.

2. A bulk material heat energy mobile harvesting apparatus based on thermoelectric conversion according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mobile device (1) selects a track or a wheel according to different environments of the bulk materials.

3. A bulk material heat energy mobile harvesting apparatus based on thermoelectric conversion according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thermoelectric conversion group (3) adopts a thermoelectric conversion element (301) to convert the collected heat energy into electric energy; the element itself does not comprise a moving part; the conversion principle comprises but is not limited to the Seebeck effect; a performance maintaining group (302) is fixed on the thermoelectric conversion element (301) and maintains a higher temperature difference of the thermoelectric conversion element (301); the maintaining mode comprises but is not limited to cooling and heat dissipation, phase change heat storage.

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