A cold end cycle-cooled rod-shaped thermoelectric conversion device

Abstract

A cold end circulation cooling rod-shaped thermoelectric conversion device comprises a cooling water inlet pipe, a cooling water descending section, a lower chamber, a cooling water ascending section, a thermoelectric conversion device support, and a heat conduction sleeve. Cooling water enters the cooling water descending section through the cooling water inlet pipe, cools the outer wall surface of the cooling water descending section, and then flows through the lower chamber, the cooling water ascending section, and finally flows out of the thermoelectric conversion device. The thermoelectric conversion device support is arranged around the outside of the cooling water descending section, the inside of the support is arranged with the thermoelectric conversion device, and the heat conduction sleeve is arranged around the outside of the support. The heat conduction sleeve absorbs heat from the outside, and transfers the heat to the hot side of the thermoelectric conversion device through contact heat conduction. The heat of the cold side of the thermoelectric conversion device is transferred to the outer wall surface of the cooling water descending section through contact heat conduction. The application realizes the continuous cooling of the cold side of the thermoelectric conversion device by designing the cold end circulation cooling structure, and enhances the flexibility of the application of the thermoelectric conversion device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thermoelectric conversion technology, and more specifically to a rod-shaped thermoelectric conversion device with cold-end circulating cooling. Background Technology

[0002] Thermoelectric conversion technology can directly convert heat energy into electrical energy. It can effectively utilize clean energy sources such as geothermal energy, ocean thermal energy, and solar energy, and can also use waste heat from industrial production and daily life to generate electricity, thereby improving energy efficiency and protecting the environment.

[0003] The basic principle of thermoelectric conversion is the Seebeck effect. In a semiconductor, charge carriers are more concentrated on the hot side and diffuse to the cold side. By connecting a pair of P-type and N-type thermocouple arms, a potential difference is created on the cold side, and an external load is connected to generate current. Thermoelectric conversion has advantages such as simple structure, no moving parts, no noise, and long service life. It can convert low-grade heat energy into electrical energy and is also suitable for special applications such as space and deep sea.

[0004] The most common thermoelectric conversion device is a flat plate structure, also known as a thermoelectric generator. A single thermoelectric conversion device can generate relatively small power, but integrating many devices together can produce considerable electrical power. The power generation capacity of thermoelectric conversion devices is greatly affected and limited by environmental conditions. To improve power generation efficiency, a high and stable temperature difference needs to be maintained over a long period. If both the cold and heat sources of the thermoelectric conversion device depend on the surrounding environment, and the temperature difference across the device is very large, it is difficult to maintain a stable temperature difference. Furthermore, appropriate thermal management is crucial for the device's power generation capacity; the arrangement and geometry of the cold and heat sources in the thermoelectric conversion device are directly related. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a rod-shaped thermoelectric conversion device with cold end circulating cooling. The circulating cooling water provides a stable cold source for the thermoelectric conversion device, reducing the dependence of the thermoelectric conversion device on the environment and enhancing the flexibility of the arrangement and application of the thermoelectric conversion device.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A rod-shaped thermoelectric conversion device with cold-end circulating cooling, the thermoelectric conversion device is rod-shaped and includes a cooling water inlet pipe 1, a cooling water descending section 2, a lower chamber 3, a cooling water ascending section 4, a thermoelectric conversion device support 5, and a heat-conducting sleeve 6; the cooling water ascending section 4 is a tubular structure located at the innermost part of the thermoelectric conversion device, and its lower opening is connected to the lower chamber 3; the cooling water descending section 2 is a sleeve fitted over the outside of the cooling water ascending section 4; at the upper opening of the lower chamber 3, the inner circular area is connected to the cooling water ascending section 4, and the outer annular area is connected to the lower opening of the cooling water descending section 2; the top of the cooling water descending section 2 is closed, and near the top... Both sides are connected to the cooling water inlet pipe 1 to form a cooling water circulation; the thermoelectric conversion device support 5 is arranged around the outside of the cooling water descending section 2, the inner surface of the thermoelectric conversion device support 5 is in close contact with the outer surface of the cooling water descending section 2, and the outer surface of the thermoelectric conversion device support 5 is in close contact with the inner surface of the heat-conducting sleeve 6; the heat-conducting sleeve 6 is cylindrical and is arranged around the outside of the thermoelectric conversion device support 5; multiple thermoelectric conversion devices are provided on the thermoelectric conversion device support 5, and the heat absorbed by the heat-conducting sleeve 6 is transferred to the hot side of the thermoelectric conversion device through contact heat conduction, and the thermoelectric conversion device generates electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between the two sides.

[0008] The thermoelectric conversion device support 5 includes an outer support plate 7, an inner support plate 8, and support columns 9; square holes of equal size are evenly arranged on the outer support plate 7 and the inner support plate 8, and thermoelectric conversion devices are placed in the square holes; the support columns 9 are evenly arranged in the gap between the outer support plate 7 and the inner support plate 8.

[0009] The thermoelectric conversion device is a semiconductor thermoelectric generator. The thickness of the semiconductor thermoelectric generator is 0.2-0.3 mm less than the total thickness of the thermoelectric conversion device support 5. Thermal grease is filled in the gap between the semiconductor thermoelectric generator and the cooling water descending section 2 or the thermally conductive sleeve 6.

[0010] The thermoelectric conversion device support 5 is closed at both ends along the axial direction.

[0011] There are two cooling water inlet pipes 1, which are arranged horizontally and symmetrically.

[0012] The lower chamber 3 has an ellipsoidal structure.

[0013] This invention adds circulating cooling water to the cold end of the thermoelectric conversion device. Through convective heat transfer of the cooling water, continuous cooling of the cold side of the thermoelectric conversion device is achieved, thus eliminating the device's dependence on the environment for its cold source. Furthermore, the overall thermoelectric conversion device is designed in a rod shape, allowing it to receive heat from the environment from all directions. This enables flexible arrangement within limited spaces and allows for the use of different types of energy as heat sources, such as solar energy and the internal energy of high-temperature fluids, greatly improving application flexibility. Compared with existing technologies, this invention has the following advantages:

[0014] 1. The thermoelectric conversion device of the present invention uses circulating water for cooling at the cold end, which can provide a stable cold source for the thermoelectric conversion device, reduce the dependence of the thermoelectric conversion device on the ambient temperature conditions during application, and increase the flexibility of the thermoelectric conversion device layout.

[0015] 2. The thermoelectric conversion device of the present invention has a rod-shaped main body and a cylindrical heat-conducting sleeve on the hot side, which can effectively absorb heat from all directions in the environment and improve the applicability of the thermoelectric conversion device.

[0016] 3. The thermoelectric conversion device of the present invention uses a thermoelectric conversion device support to install the thermoelectric generator, which increases the pressure resistance of the thermoelectric conversion device and makes it suitable for situations with large pressure differences between the hot and cold ends.

[0017] 4. The thermoelectric conversion device of the present invention has a large number of thermoelectric generators evenly arranged inside, which effectively improves the power generation capacity of the thermoelectric conversion device. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rod-shaped thermoelectric conversion device with cold-end circulating cooling according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 (a) and (b) are the front view and top view of the thermoelectric conversion device support member of the present invention, respectively.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of a rod-shaped thermoelectric conversion device with cold-end circulating cooling as described in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0022] like Figure 1As shown, this invention discloses a rod-shaped thermoelectric conversion device with cold-end circulating cooling. The thermoelectric conversion device is rod-shaped and includes a cooling water inlet pipe 1, a cooling water descending section 2, a lower chamber 3, a cooling water ascending section 4, a thermoelectric conversion device support 5, and a heat-conducting sleeve 6. The cooling water ascending section 4 is a tubular structure located at the innermost part of the thermoelectric conversion device, with its lower opening connected to the lower chamber 3. The cooling water descending section 2 is a sleeve fitted over the outside of the cooling water ascending section 4. The lower chamber 3 is an ellipsoidal structure, with its upper opening having an inner circular region connected to the cooling water ascending section 4 and an outer annular region. The area is connected to the lower opening of the cooling water downcomer section 2; the top of the cooling water downcomer section 2 is closed, and each side near the top is connected to a cooling water inlet pipe 1; there are two cooling water inlet pipes 1, arranged horizontally and symmetrically; the thermoelectric conversion device support 5 is arranged around the outside of the cooling water downcomer section 2, with the inner surface of the thermoelectric conversion device support 5 in close contact with the outer surface of the cooling water downcomer section 2, and the outer surface of the thermoelectric conversion device support 5 in close contact with the inner surface of the heat-conducting sleeve 6; the heat-conducting sleeve 6 is cylindrical and is arranged around the outside of the thermoelectric conversion device support 5. Heat is transferred between the heat-conducting sleeve 6, the thermoelectric conversion device support 5, and the outer wall of the cooling water downcomer section 2 through contact heat conduction.

[0023] like Figure 2 As shown in (a) and (b), the thermoelectric conversion device support 5 includes an outer support plate 7, an inner support plate 8, and a support column 9; square holes of equal size are evenly arranged on the outer support plate 7 and the inner support plate 8, and thermoelectric conversion devices are placed in the square holes; the support column 9 is evenly arranged in the gap between the outer support plate 7 and the inner support plate 8, and plays the role of structural support.

[0024] The thermoelectric conversion device is a semiconductor thermoelectric generator. The thickness of the semiconductor thermoelectric generator is 0.2-0.3 mm less than the total thickness of the thermoelectric conversion device support 5. When the outer support plate 7 of the thermoelectric conversion device support 5 is in close contact with the heat-conducting sleeve 6 and the inner support plate 8 is in close contact with the cooling water downflow section 2, a gap exists between the semiconductor thermoelectric generator and the cooling water downflow section 2 or the heat-conducting sleeve 6. Thermally conductive silicone grease is filled in this gap to ensure good thermal conductivity and electrical insulation between the semiconductor thermoelectric generator and the outer wall of the cooling water downflow section 2 or the heat-conducting sleeve 6, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency.

[0025] The thermoelectric conversion device support 5 is closed at both ends along the axial direction to prevent the medium in the surrounding environment from entering the gap between the outer support plate 7 and the inner support plate 8 and affecting the operation of the thermoelectric conversion device.

[0026] The working principle of the thermoelectric conversion device is as follows: Figure 3As shown. The heat-conducting sleeve 6 is arranged on the outermost side of the thermoelectric conversion device, absorbing heat from the surrounding environment and serving as the hot end of the thermoelectric conversion device. The heat absorbed by the heat-conducting sleeve 6 is transferred to the hot side of the thermoelectric conversion device installed in the thermoelectric conversion device support 5 through contact heat conduction. The thermoelectric conversion device generates electricity using the temperature difference between the two sides. During the power generation process, the temperature of the cold side of the thermoelectric conversion device rises. In order to maintain the temperature difference between the two sides, the cold side of the thermoelectric conversion device needs to be continuously cooled. The cold side of the thermoelectric conversion device has contact heat conduction with the outer wall surface of the cooling water descending section 2. Cooling water flows into the thermoelectric conversion device from the cooling water inlet pipe 1, flows downward in the cooling water descending section 2 and cools the wall surface, carrying away the heat transferred from the cold side of the thermoelectric conversion device. The flow direction of the cooling water changes when it enters the lower chamber 3, flows upward in the cooling water rising section 4 and finally flows out of the thermoelectric conversion device. The cooling water circulates in the cold end of the thermoelectric conversion device to carry away heat, realizing continuous cooling of the thermoelectric conversion device and maintaining a constant temperature on the cold side of the device.

[0027] The above description is a further detailed explanation of the present invention in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments. It should not be construed that the specific embodiments of the present invention are limited to these. For those skilled in the art, any changes and modifications to the above embodiments that are within the essential spirit and scope of the present invention should be considered as being within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rod-shaped thermoelectric conversion device with cold-end circulating cooling, characterized in that: The thermoelectric conversion device is rod-shaped and includes a cooling water inlet pipe (1), a cooling water descending section (2), a lower chamber (3), a cooling water ascending section (4), a thermoelectric conversion device support (5), and a heat-conducting sleeve (6). The cooling water ascending section (4) is a tubular structure located at the innermost part of the thermoelectric conversion device, with its lower opening connected to the lower chamber (3). The cooling water descending section (2) is a sleeve fitted over the outside of the cooling water ascending section (4). At the upper opening of the lower chamber (3), the inner circular area is connected to the cooling water ascending section (4), and the outer annular area is connected to the lower opening of the cooling water descending section (2). The top of the cooling water descending section (2) is closed, and the two sides near the top are respectively connected to the cooling water inlet pipe (1), the cooling water descending section (2 ... The cooling water inlet pipe (1) is connected to form a cooling water circulation; the thermoelectric conversion device support (5) is arranged around the outside of the cooling water descending section (2), the inner surface of the thermoelectric conversion device support (5) is in close contact with the outer surface of the cooling water descending section (2), and the outer surface of the thermoelectric conversion device support (5) is in close contact with the inner surface of the heat-conducting sleeve (6); the heat-conducting sleeve (6) is cylindrical and is arranged around the outside of the thermoelectric conversion device support (5); multiple thermoelectric conversion devices are provided on the thermoelectric conversion device support (5), and the heat absorbed by the heat-conducting sleeve (6) is transferred to the hot side of the thermoelectric conversion device through contact heat conduction, and the thermoelectric conversion device generates electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between the two sides; The thermoelectric conversion device support (5) includes an outer support plate (7), an inner support plate (8), and a support column (9); square holes of equal size are evenly arranged on the outer support plate (7) and the inner support plate (8), and thermoelectric conversion devices are placed in the square holes; the support column (9) is evenly arranged in the gap between the outer support plate (7) and the inner support plate (8).

2. The rod-shaped thermoelectric conversion device with cold-end circulating cooling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thermoelectric conversion device is a semiconductor thermoelectric generator. The thickness of the semiconductor thermoelectric generator is 0.2-0.3 mm less than the total thickness of the thermoelectric conversion device support (5). Thermal grease is filled in the gap between the semiconductor thermoelectric generator and the cooling water descending section (2) or the thermally conductive sleeve (6).

3. The rod-shaped thermoelectric conversion device with cold-end circulating cooling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thermoelectric conversion device support (5) is closed at both ends along the axial direction.

4. The rod-shaped thermoelectric conversion device with cold-end circulating cooling according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are two cooling water inlet pipes (1), which are arranged horizontally and symmetrically.

5. The rod-shaped thermoelectric conversion device with cold-end circulating cooling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower chamber (3) has an ellipsoidal structure.

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