Static thermoelectric power generation system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of thermoelectric power generation, and provides a static thermoelectric power generation system which comprises a first shell, a second shell, a heat source container and a plurality of thermoelectric conversion devices. The first shell and the second shell are oppositely arranged, and an accommodating space is formed between the first shell and the second shell. The first shell and the second shell are both used for making contact with a cold source. The heat source container is arranged in the containing space, and a radioactive isotope heat source is contained in the heat source container. Wherein part of the thermoelectric conversion devices are arranged between the first shell and the heat source container, and the other thermoelectric conversion devices are arranged between the second shell and the heat source container. According to the static thermoelectric power generation system, the first shell and the second shell are oppositely arranged, and the heat source container is arranged between the first shell and the second shell, so that the relative area of the hot end and the cold end is increased, more thermoelectric conversion devices are conveniently arranged, and the temperature difference between the hot end and the cold end is fully utilized; the size of the whole system is reduced while the energy conversion efficiency is improved, and the structure is more compact.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The existing temperature difference power generation system has low power generation efficiency due to various reasons such as large heat leakage, making it difficult to effectively convert heat into electrical energy. It is also large in size and occupies a large space. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention provides a static temperature difference power generation system, which is used to solve the defects of low power generation efficiency and large occupied space of the temperature difference power generation system in the prior art.

[0004] The present invention provides a static temperature difference power generation system, comprising: A first shell and a second shell, wherein the first shell and the second shell are arranged opposite to each other, and an accommodation space is formed between the first shell and the second shell; the first shell and the second shell are both used to contact with a cold source; A heat source container is disposed in the accommodating space, wherein a radioactive isotope heat source is contained in the heat source container; A plurality of thermoelectric conversion devices, some of which are arranged between the first shell and the heat source container, and the remaining thermoelectric conversion devices are arranged between the second shell and the heat source container, so as to generate electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between the first shell and the heat source container and the second shell and the heat source container.

[0005] According to the static temperature difference power generation system of the present invention, the heat source container is a cylindrical container with a through hole along the central axis, the first shell cover is arranged on the outer peripheral wall of the heat source container, and the second shell cover is arranged on the inner peripheral wall of the heat source container.

[0006] According to the static temperature difference power generation system of the present invention, the thermoelectric conversion device includes a plurality of groups of first thermoelectric converters and a plurality of groups of second thermoelectric converters; A plurality of groups of the first thermoelectric converters are arranged between the first shell and the heat source container at intervals along the axial direction of the heat source container; a plurality of the first thermoelectric converters in each group are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the heat source container; A plurality of groups of the second thermoelectric converters are arranged between the second shell and the heat source container at intervals along the axial direction of the heat source container; and a plurality of the second thermoelectric converters in each group are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the heat source container.

[0007] According to the static temperature difference power generation system of the present invention, air cavities are provided between the inner walls on both sides of the inner cavity of the heat source container along the axial direction and the radioactive isotope heat source, and the air cavities are used to accommodate the heat source generated during the decay of the radioactive isotope heat source.

[0008] According to the static temperature difference power generation system of the present invention, the container wall of the heat source container includes a coating layer and a shielding layer stacked from the inside to the outside, the coating layer is in contact with the radioactive isotope heat source, and the shielding layer is used to shield the α rays emitted by the radioactive isotope heat source.

[0009] According to the static temperature difference power generation system of the present invention, the radioisotope heat source is 238 PuO2, the coating layer is a stainless steel layer, and the shielding layer is a lead-containing shielding layer.

[0010] According to the static temperature difference power generation system of the present invention, the first shell and the second shell are butted against each other to close the accommodating space.

[0011] According to the static temperature difference power generation system of the present invention, the first shell and / or the second shell is provided with an inflation pipe connected to the accommodating space, an inflation valve is provided in the inflation pipe, and the inflation pipe is used to introduce protective gas into the accommodating space.

[0012] The static temperature difference power generation system according to the present invention further includes an insulating heat conductive layer; The insulating heat-conductive layers are respectively arranged on the outer wall of the heat source container, the first shell and the second shell; the hot ends of multiple thermoelectric conversion devices are in contact with the insulating heat-conductive layer on the outer wall of the heat source container, wherein the cold ends of some of the thermoelectric conversion devices are in contact with the insulating heat-conductive layer on the first shell, and the cold ends of the remaining thermoelectric conversion devices are in contact with the insulating heat-conductive layer on the second shell.

[0013] According to the static temperature difference power generation system of the present invention, the insulating heat-conducting layer is a ceramic plate.

[0014] In the static temperature difference power generation system of the present invention, the first shell and the second shell are used for contacting and exchanging heat with a cold source so as to serve as the cold end of a thermoelectric conversion device. The heat source container is used to accommodate a radioactive isotope heat source. The radioactive isotope heat source can generate decay heat by decaying so that the heat source container can serve as the hot end of the thermoelectric conversion device. The thermoelectric conversion device is respectively arranged between the two shells and the heat source container so as to generate electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between the hot end and the cold end. At the same time, by arranging the first shell and the second shell relative to each other and arranging the heat source container therebetween so as to increase the relative area between the hot end and the cold end, it is convenient to arrange more thermoelectric conversion devices so as to fully utilize the temperature difference between the hot end and the cold end, thereby improving the energy conversion efficiency and reducing the volume of the entire system, and making the structure more compact. In addition, the first shell and the second shell can also reduce the contact area between the heat source container and the external environment or the cold source as much as possible, reduce the heat leakage of the heat source container, and further improve the energy conversion efficiency of the entire system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present invention or the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0016] Figure 1 It is one of the schematic diagrams of the static temperature difference power generation system provided by the embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is the second schematic diagram of the static temperature difference power generation system provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a heat source container provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of an insulating heat-conducting layer and a thermoelectric conversion device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Reference numerals: 1. Static temperature difference power generation system; 11. first shell; 12. second shell; 111. inflation tube; 13. heat source container; 131. radioisotope heat source; 132. air cavity; 133. coating layer; 134. shielding layer; 14. Thermoelectric conversion device; 141. First thermoelectric converter; 142. Second thermoelectric converter; 15. Insulating thermal conductive layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] Combine the following Figure 1-Figure 4 The static temperature difference power generation system of the present invention is described.

[0023] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the present invention provides a static temperature difference power generation system 1, comprising: a first shell 11, a second shell 12, a heat source container 13 and a plurality of thermoelectric conversion devices 14. The first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are arranged opposite to each other, and a containing space is formed between the first shell 11 and the second shell 12. The first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are both used to contact with a cold source. The heat source container 13 is arranged in the containing space, and a radioactive isotope heat source 131 is arranged in the heat source container 13. Some of the thermoelectric conversion devices 14 are arranged between the first shell 11 and the heat source container 13, and the remaining thermoelectric conversion devices 14 are arranged between the second shell 12 and the heat source container 13, so as to generate electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between the first shell 11 and the heat source container 13, and the second shell 12 and the heat source container 13.

[0024] In this embodiment, a first shell 11 and a second shell 12 are arranged relatively to each other, and a heat source container 13 is arranged in the accommodation space between the two. A thermoelectric conversion device 14 is arranged between the heat source container 13 and the first shell 11 and the second shell 12. The heat source container 13 has an inner cavity for accommodating a radioactive isotope heat source 131. The radioactive isotope heat source 131 can generate decay heat by decay to increase the overall temperature of the heat source container 13. The first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are used to directly contact the external cold source and have a lower temperature, thereby generating a temperature difference between the two shells and the heat source container 13. The temperature difference can drive the thermoelectric conversion device between the two shells and the heat source container 13. 14 generates electricity under the action of the Seebeck effect; at the same time, since the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are arranged relative to each other, and thus are arranged on opposite sides of the heat source container 13 respectively, the heat on both sides of the heat source container 13 can be used at the same time, the relative area of ​​the hot end and the cold end is expanded, and it is convenient to arrange more thermoelectric conversion devices 14, and the volume of the entire system is reduced, making the entire system more compact; in addition, the first shell 11, the second shell 12, the heat source container 13 and the thermoelectric conversion device 14 can fully utilize the heat on both sides of the heat source container 13 to generate electricity, and can also reduce the part of the heat source container 13 exposed to the outside, which is beneficial to reducing the heat leakage of the heat source container 13 and improving the energy conversion efficiency of the entire system.

[0025] In the static temperature difference power generation system 1 of the present invention, the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are used for contacting and exchanging heat with a cold source so as to serve as a cold end of a thermoelectric conversion device 14. The heat source container 13 is used to accommodate a radioactive isotope heat source 131. The radioactive isotope heat source 131 can generate decay heat by decaying so that the heat source container 13 can serve as a hot end of the thermoelectric conversion device 14. The thermoelectric conversion device 14 is respectively arranged between the two shells and the heat source container 13 so as to generate electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between the hot end and the cold end. At the same time, by arranging the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 relative to each other and arranging the heat source container 13 therebetween so as to increase the relative area between the hot end and the cold end, it is convenient to arrange more thermoelectric conversion devices 14 so as to fully utilize the temperature difference between the hot end and the cold end, thereby improving the energy conversion efficiency and reducing the volume of the entire system, and making the structure more compact. In addition, the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 can also reduce the contact area between the heat source container 13 and the external environment or the cold source as much as possible, reduce the heat leakage of the heat source container 13, and further improve the energy conversion efficiency of the entire system.

[0026] It is understandable that the cold source may be any cold source such as cooling water, seawater, etc., and the present application does not limit this. Optionally, the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 may be pressure-resistant shells so as to be used in a high-pressure environment such as the ocean.

[0027] Specifically, the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 may be made of titanium alloy, which has good corrosion resistance.

[0028] Specifically, in some embodiments, Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the heat source container 13 is a cylindrical container with a through hole along the central axis, the first shell 11 is covered on the outer peripheral wall of the heat source container 13, and the second shell 12 is covered on the inner peripheral wall of the heat source container 13.

[0029] In this embodiment, by setting the heat source container 13 as a cylindrical container with a through hole along the central axis, the first shell 11 can be set around the outer peripheral wall of the heat source container 13, and the second shell 12 is located in the through hole in the middle of the cylindrical container so as to be set on the inner peripheral wall of the heat source container 13. By reasonably setting the size of the cylindrical container, such as extending the height of the cylindrical container and reducing the area of ​​the two end faces, the relative area between the heat source container 13 and the two shells is increased, and the energy conversion efficiency is improved while minimizing the volume of the entire system. Furthermore, the cylindrical structure can also increase the heat exchange area between the radioactive isotope heat source 131 in the cylinder and the outer shell of the container, so that the temperature of the outer shell of the container can be quickly increased and maintained within a certain temperature range, so as to serve as the hot end of the thermoelectric conversion device 14.

[0030] In some embodiments, Figure 1and Figure 2 As shown, the thermoelectric conversion device 14 includes a plurality of groups of first thermoelectric converters 141 and a plurality of groups of second thermoelectric converters 142. The plurality of groups of first thermoelectric converters 141 are arranged between the first shell 11 and the heat source container 13 at intervals along the axial direction of the heat source container 13. The plurality of first thermoelectric converters 141 of each group are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the heat source container 13. The plurality of second thermoelectric converters 142 are arranged between the second shell 12 and the heat source container 13 at intervals along the axial direction of the heat source container 13; the plurality of second thermoelectric converters 142 of each group are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the heat source container 13.

[0031] In this embodiment, multiple groups of first thermoelectric converters 141 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the heat source container 13, and multiple first thermoelectric converters 141 of each group are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the heat source container 13, so that multiple first thermoelectric converters 141 can be arranged between the first shell 11 and the heat source container 13 at intervals, and cover the entire relative space between the first shell 11 and the heat source container 13, so as to fully utilize the temperature difference between the first shell 11 and the heat source container 13 to generate electricity and improve the energy conversion efficiency. Similarly, the arrangement of the second thermoelectric converter 142 is similar to that of the first thermoelectric converter 141, except that it is arranged in the through hole of the cylindrical container, so as to fully utilize the temperature difference between the second shell 12 and the heat source container 13 to generate electricity and improve the energy conversion efficiency, which will not be repeated here.

[0032] In some embodiments, multiple groups of first thermoelectric converters 141 are arranged at equal intervals along the axial direction of the heat source container 13, and multiple first thermoelectric converters 141 in each group are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the heat source container 13. Multiple groups of second thermoelectric converters 142 are arranged at equal intervals along the axial direction of the heat source container 13, and multiple second thermoelectric converters 142 in each group are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the heat source container 13.

[0033] Specifically, Figure 4 As shown, the first thermoelectric converter 141 and the second thermoelectric converter 142 both include a high-temperature end electrode, a low-temperature end electrode, an N-type semiconductor and a P-type semiconductor; the high-temperature end electrode is used to contact the hot end (heat source container 13), and the low-temperature end electrode is used to contact the cold end (first shell 11 or second shell 12). The high-temperature end electrode, the N-type semiconductor, the low-temperature end electrode and the P-type semiconductor are connected end to end to form a loop. Driven by the temperature difference between the hot and cold ends, the N-type semiconductor loses electrons and the P-type semiconductor gains electrons. The current flows from the P-type semiconductor to the N-type semiconductor to generate electricity. It can be understood that the first thermoelectric converter 141 and the second thermoelectric converter 142 are both connected to transmission lines to transmit electrical energy to the outside.

[0034] Specifically, the N-type semiconductor is the N-type thermoelectric material skutterudite which loses electrons, and the P-type semiconductor is the P-type thermoelectric material bismuth telluride.

[0035] In some embodiments, Figure 3 As shown, air cavities 132 are provided between the inner walls on both sides of the inner cavity of the heat source container 13 along the axial direction and the radioactive isotope heat source 131 , and the air cavity 132 is used to accommodate the heat source generated during the decay of the radioactive isotope heat source 131 .

[0036] In this embodiment, air cavities 132 are reserved at positions of the heat source container 13 corresponding to the two ends of the radioisotope heat source 131 to accommodate the gas generated by the radioisotope heat source 131 during the decay process, thereby avoiding excessive internal pressure after the radioisotope heat source 131 decays, which may cause damage to the heat source container 13. The air cavities 132 located at the two ends of the radioisotope heat source 131 can also play a heat insulating role, reducing the heat leakage of the radioisotope heat source 131 from the heat source container 13, which is beneficial to improving the energy conversion efficiency.

[0037] It is understandable that the air cavity 132 can be evacuated after the radioactive isotope heat source 131 is loaded into the heat source container 13 .

[0038] In some embodiments, Figure 3 As shown, the container wall of the heat source container 13 includes a coating layer 133 and a shielding layer 134 stacked from the inside to the outside. The coating layer 133 is in contact with the radioisotope heat source 131 , and the shielding layer 134 is used to shield the α rays emitted by the radioisotope heat source 131 .

[0039] In this embodiment, the coating layer 133 of the heat source container 13 is used to directly contact the radioactive isotope heat source 131 so as to directly receive the decay heat generated by the decay of the radioactive isotope heat source 131. During the decay process, the radioactive isotope heat source 131 will emit α rays, and the shielding layer 134 can block and shield the α rays, thereby improving the safety of the entire system.

[0040] Specifically, in some embodiments, the radioisotope heat source 131 is 238 PuO2, the coating layer 133 is a stainless steel layer, and the shielding layer 134 is a lead-containing shielding layer. 238 PuO2 can generate decay heat through α decay, has high power density, long half-life, high irradiation stability, and is easy to manufacture. Specifically, the radioisotope heat source 131 can be 238 The fuel pellets are made of sintered PuO2. The coating layer 133 is a stainless steel layer with high strength, long service life, corrosion resistance and good thermal stability. The lead-containing shielding layer can effectively shield 238 Alpha rays emitted by PuO2 during the alpha decay process.

[0041] Specifically, in some embodiments, Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are connected to each other to close the accommodating space.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are docked with each other to form a closed space so that the heat source container 13 can be arranged in the closed space to completely isolate the heat source container 13 from the external environment, so as to further reduce the heat leakage of the heat source container 13 and improve the energy conversion efficiency.

[0043] In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the first shell 11 is provided with an air filling pipe 111 communicating with the accommodating space, and an air filling valve is arranged in the air filling pipe 111. The air filling pipe 111 is used to introduce protective gas into the accommodating space.

[0044] In this embodiment, an inflation tube 111 is provided on the first shell 11 to allow protective gas to be introduced into the accommodating space. The protective gas can fill the pores in the accommodating space, thereby protecting the thermoelectric conversion device 14 in the accommodating space, preventing the thermoelectric conversion device 14 from contacting with oxygen, and preventing the thermoelectric conversion device 14 from being oxidized and performance degradation during long-term operation.

[0045] Specifically, helium can be used as the protective gas.

[0046] Optionally, the second shell 12 may also be provided with the above-mentioned inflation tube 111 .

[0047] In some embodiments, Figure 4 As shown, the static temperature difference power generation system 1 also includes an insulating heat-conducting layer 15. The insulating heat-conducting layer 15 is respectively arranged on the outer wall of the heat source container 13, the first shell 11 and the second shell 12. The hot ends of the plurality of thermoelectric conversion devices 14 are in contact with the insulating heat-conducting layer 15 on the outer wall of the heat source container 13, the cold ends of a part of the thermoelectric conversion devices 14 are in contact with the insulating heat-conducting layer 15 on the first shell 11, and the cold ends of the remaining thermoelectric conversion devices 14 are in contact with the insulating heat-conducting layer 15 on the second shell 12.

[0048] In this embodiment, an insulating heat-conducting layer 15 is provided on the outer wall of the heat source container 13, the first shell 11 and the second shell 12. The insulating heat-conducting layer 15 can fully exchange heat with the outer wall of the heat source container 13, the first shell 11 and the second shell 12, so as to evenly transfer heat between the cold source and the heat source, so that the temperature distribution of the insulating heat-conducting layer 15 is uniform. The multiple thermoelectric conversion devices 14 between the first shell 11 and the heat source container 13 are respectively in contact with the insulating heat-conducting layers 15 on both sides, and the hot ends and cold ends of these thermoelectric conversion devices 14 are basically consistent; the multiple thermoelectric conversion devices 14 between the second shell 12 and the heat source container 13 are also respectively in contact with the insulating heat-conducting layers 15 on both sides, and the hot ends and cold ends of these thermoelectric conversion devices 14 are also basically consistent, which is conducive to improving energy conversion efficiency.

[0049] In some embodiments, the insulating heat-conducting layer 15 is a ceramic plate, which has good insulation and heat resistance, long service life and stable structure. Preferably, the ceramic plate can be made of thermally conductive ceramics, which has better thermal conductivity to facilitate heat exchange with a heat source or a cold source.

[0050] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A static temperature difference power generation system, characterized in that: include: A first shell and a second shell, wherein the first shell and the second shell are arranged opposite to each other, and an accommodation space is formed between the first shell and the second shell; The first shell and the second shell are both used to contact with a cold source; A heat source container is disposed in the accommodating space, wherein a radioactive isotope heat source is contained in the heat source container; A plurality of thermoelectric conversion devices, some of which are arranged between the first shell and the heat source container, and the remaining thermoelectric conversion devices are arranged between the second shell and the heat source container, so as to generate electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between the first shell and the heat source container and the second shell and the heat source container.

2. The static temperature difference power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat source container is a cylindrical container with a through hole along the central axis. The first shell cover is arranged on the outer peripheral wall of the heat source container, and the second shell cover is arranged on the inner peripheral wall of the heat source container.

3. The static temperature difference power generation system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The thermoelectric conversion device includes a plurality of groups of first thermoelectric converters and a plurality of groups of second thermoelectric converters; A plurality of groups of the first thermoelectric converters are arranged between the first shell and the heat source container at intervals along the axial direction of the heat source container; a plurality of the first thermoelectric converters in each group are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the heat source container; A plurality of groups of the second thermoelectric converters are arranged between the second shell and the heat source container at intervals along the axial direction of the heat source container; and a plurality of the second thermoelectric converters in each group are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the heat source container.

4. The static temperature difference power generation system according to claim 2, characterized in that: Air cavities are provided between the inner walls on both sides of the inner cavity of the heat source container along the axial direction and the radioactive isotope heat source, and the air cavities are used to accommodate the heat source generated during the decay of the radioactive isotope heat source.

5. The static temperature difference power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The container wall of the heat source container includes a coating layer and a shielding layer stacked from the inside to the outside, the coating layer is in contact with the radioisotope heat source, and the shielding layer is used to shield alpha rays emitted by the radioisotope heat source.

6. The static temperature difference power generation system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The radioisotope heat source is 238 PuO2, the coating layer is a stainless steel layer, and the shielding layer is a lead-containing shielding layer.

7. The static temperature difference power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first shell and the second shell are butted against each other to close the accommodating space.

8. The static temperature difference power generation system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first shell and / or the second shell is provided with an air filling pipe connected with the accommodating space, an air filling valve is provided in the air filling pipe, and the air filling pipe is used to introduce protective gas into the accommodating space.

9. The static temperature difference power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes an insulating thermally conductive layer; The insulating heat-conductive layers are respectively arranged on the outer wall of the heat source container, the first shell and the second shell; the hot ends of multiple thermoelectric conversion devices are in contact with the insulating heat-conductive layer on the outer wall of the heat source container, wherein the cold ends of some of the thermoelectric conversion devices are in contact with the insulating heat-conductive layer on the first shell, and the cold ends of the remaining thermoelectric conversion devices are in contact with the insulating heat-conductive layer on the second shell.

10. The static temperature difference power generation system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The insulating heat-conducting layer is a ceramic plate.

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