Composite thermoelectric system testing device and testing method

Abstract

This invention discloses a testing device and method for a composite thermoelectric system. The device is divided into upper and lower testing units via a sample stage. The upper testing unit includes a fixed pressure plate, a heat insulation block, a first simulated heat source, a heat spreader, and a support rod. The heat provided by the first simulated heat source is evenly distributed to the hot end surface of the thermoelectric device through the heat spreader, heating the device under test. Simultaneously, a cooling unit provides a low temperature to the other end of the device, forming a stable temperature gradient field, suitable for testing the electrical performance of thermoelectric devices. The lower testing unit includes a sample stage, a filter holder, a filter, a radiator, and a second simulated heat source. The thermal radiation provided by the second simulated heat source is amplified and focused by the radiator to form high-energy radiation, which is then selectively filtered by the filter and projected onto the device under test placed on the sample stage, suitable for testing the performance of thermophotovoltaic devices. Using the second simulated heat source, a temperature gradient is built up in a closed space to realize the testing of thermophotovoltaic-thermoelectric composite thermoelectric systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of thermoelectric conversion technology testing, and in particular to a testing device and method for a composite thermoelectric system. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the increasing severity of the energy crisis and environmental problems, how to efficiently utilize thermal energy resources has become a hot topic in the field of energy research. Among them, thermoelectric devices and thermophotovoltaic devices, due to their ability to directly achieve thermoelectric conversion, have gradually become important directions for the development of new energy technologies.

[0003] Current research and development of thermoelectric and thermophotovoltaic devices face numerous challenges, particularly in device performance testing. Traditional testing equipment is typically designed for single device types, lacking a comprehensive testing platform applicable to multiple energy conversion devices. Furthermore, due to the different operating principles of thermoelectric and thermophotovoltaic devices, their testing requirements differ significantly. For example, thermoelectric devices require precise temperature control, while thermophotovoltaic devices require accurate matching of radiation wavelength and power density. Existing testing methods often employ separate equipment to test the two types of devices, making it difficult to achieve unified testing standards and comprehensive evaluation of multi-level energy utilization. This separate testing approach not only increases testing costs and complexity but also fails to meet the needs of system integration design and performance optimization.

[0004] Furthermore, multi-stage energy conversion for thermal energy utilization has gradually become one of the key technologies in energy research. In practical applications, thermophotovoltaic devices and thermoelectric devices are often used in combination to achieve multi-stage energy recovery from high-temperature radiation to low-temperature thermal energy. However, existing testing devices lack the ability to coordinate and evaluate the multi-stage energy utilization process, making it difficult to comprehensively analyze the energy transfer and conversion efficiency between different devices. This technological gap restricts the optimization and promotion of multi-stage energy utilization systems.

[0005] Therefore, developing a comprehensive testing device that can be applied to both thermoelectric devices and thermophotovoltaic devices, which can meet the needs of independent testing of the two devices and realize joint testing and multi-level energy utilization assessment, has important scientific research value and practical application significance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a testing device and method for thermoelectric systems that can simultaneously test thermoelectric devices and thermophotovoltaic devices.

[0007] The present invention is implemented as follows: a composite thermoelectric system testing device includes an upper testing unit for testing thermoelectric devices and a lower testing unit for testing thermophotovoltaic devices, wherein the upper testing unit and the lower testing unit are disposed together in a sealed housing;

[0008] The sealing housing consists of a detachable sealing top cover, a sealing middle cylinder, and a sealing bottom cover. A gas replacement port is provided on the sealing top cover, and an observation window and an electrical connector are fixed on the sealing middle cylinder.

[0009] The lower test unit includes a sample stage, a filter holder, a filter, a radiator, a second simulated heat source, and a heat source sealing shell. The heat source sealing shell is fixed on the lower sealing cover. The second simulated heat source is placed on the bottom plate inside the heat source sealing shell. The radiator is embedded in the top plate of the heat source sealing shell. The sample stage is mounted above the radiator by a pair of second support rods and fits snugly with the filter holder. The sample stage has a hollow structure and different hole positions are configured according to different sample sizes. The distance between the filter placed on the filter holder and the radiator is adjusted by the second support rods.

[0010] The upper test unit includes a fixed pressure plate, a heat insulation block, a first simulated heat source, a heat spreader, a first support rod, and a cooling unit. A pair of first support rods are supported on the sample stage. The cooling unit is slidably disposed below the pair of first support rods. The fixed pressure plate is slidably disposed above the pair of first support rods. The heat insulation block, the first simulated heat source, and the heat spreader are fixed in sequence below the fixed pressure plate.

[0011] The sealing top cover, sealing middle cylinder, fixed pressure plate, sample stage, filter fixing frame, heat source sealing shell, sealing bottom cover, and support rod are all made of high-temperature alloy steel.

[0012] The observation window is made of quartz glass.

[0013] The heat insulation block, the first simulated heat source, and the heat spreader are fixed in parallel to each other from top to bottom below the fixed pressure plate.

[0014] The cooling unit is a cooling water jacket with circulating water inlet and outlet pipes, or a phase change thermal storage device with corresponding temperature and volume according to the cold end temperature requirements and heat input.

[0015] The gas replacement interface controls the gas environment inside the device according to the test environment requirements.

[0016] The testing method of the above-mentioned composite thermoelectric system testing device is characterized in that,

[0017] When testing thermoelectric devices, turn on the first simulated heat source and set it to the specified test temperature, turn on the cooling unit and place the sample on it, press the fixing plate down along the first support rod until the heat spreader is in close contact with the sample and fix it with the fastening nut, and the test can begin.

[0018] When testing a thermophotovoltaic device, turn on the second simulated heat source and set it to the specified test temperature. Select an appropriate filter according to the wavelength range of the absorbed light of the thermophotovoltaic device. Place the sample on the sample stage and turn on the cooling unit. Press the cooling unit down along the first support rod until it is in close contact with the sample and fix it with a fastening nut. Then the test can begin.

[0019] The advantages and technical effects of this invention are as follows:

[0020] (1) Through modular design and control by a single high-temperature radiation source, synchronous measurement of thermophotovoltaic-thermoelectric composite devices can be achieved; different simulation sources can also be selected according to actual needs to measure thermophotovoltaic cells or thermoelectric devices respectively, which greatly improves the testing efficiency and the practicality and flexibility of the testing device.

[0021] (2) The device is equipped with two independent simulated heat sources, which are used to heat different devices respectively; a single cooling unit can act on the test sample to achieve a stable temperature gradient field or temperature control. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the thermoelectric system testing device of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "middle", "lower", "inner", "outer", "both sides", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the purpose of simplifying the description of this invention and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0025] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "provided with," "connected," etc., should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it may refer to internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] like Figure 1As shown, the composite thermoelectric system testing device of the present invention includes an upper testing unit for testing thermoelectric devices and a lower testing unit for testing thermophotovoltaic devices, wherein the upper testing unit and the lower testing unit are disposed together in a sealed housing;

[0027] The sealing housing consists of a detachable sealing upper cover 2, a sealing middle cylinder 3, and a sealing lower cover 17. A gas replacement port 1 is provided on the sealing upper cover 2, and an observation window 6 and an electrical connector 13 are fixed on the sealing middle cylinder 3.

[0028] The lower test unit includes a sample stage 10, a filter holder 11, a filter 12, a radiator 14, a second simulated heat source 16, and a heat source sealing shell 15. The heat source sealing shell 15 is fixed on the sealing lower cover 17. The second simulated heat source 16 is placed on the bottom plate inside the heat source sealing shell 15. The radiator 14 is embedded in the top plate of the heat source sealing shell 15. The sample stage 10 is mounted above the radiator 14 by a pair of second support rods 28 and fits snugly with the filter holder 11. The sample stage 10 has a hollow structure and is configured with different hole positions according to different sample sizes. The distance between the filter 12, placed on the filter holder 11, and the radiator is adjusted by the second support rods 28.

[0029] The upper test unit includes a fixed pressure plate 4, a heat insulation block 5, a first simulated heat source 7, a heat spreader 8, a first support rod 18, and a cooling unit 9. A pair of first support rods 18 are supported on the sample stage 10. The cooling unit 9 is slidably disposed below the pair of first support rods 18. The fixed pressure plate 4 is slidably disposed above the pair of first support rods 18. The heat insulation block 5, the first simulated heat source 7, and the heat spreader 8 are fixed in sequence below the fixed pressure plate 4.

[0030] The sealing upper cover 2, sealing middle cylinder 3, fixing pressure plate 4, sample stage 10, filter fixing frame 11, heat source sealing shell 15, sealing lower cover 17, and support rod 18 are made of high-temperature alloy steel.

[0031] The observation window 6 is made of quartz glass.

[0032] The heat insulation block 5, the first simulated heat source 7, and the heat spreader 8 are fixed in parallel to each other from top to bottom below the fixed pressure plate 4.

[0033] The cooling unit 9 is a cooling water jacket with circulating water inlet and outlet pipes, or a phase change heat storage device with corresponding temperature and volume according to the cold end temperature requirements and heat input.

[0034] The gas replacement interface 1 controls the gas environment inside the device according to the test environment requirements.

[0035] On the base plate of the heat source sealing shell 15, the sample stage 10 is mounted above the radiator 14 and fits snugly with the filter fixing bracket 11. The sample stage 10 has a hollow structure and is configured with different hole positions according to different sample sizes, suitable for a 4cm² area. 2 ~110cm 2 For the battery sample, the distance between the filter 12 placed on the filter holder 11 and the radiator can be adjusted by the support rod 18, with an adjustment range of 5cm to 20cm.

[0036] The fixed pressure plate 4, the cooling unit 9 and the support rod 18, as well as the fixed pressure plate 4 / heat insulation block 5 / first heat source 7 / heat spreader 8 and the support rods 18 and 28 can be moved up and down to adjust and connect their positions, so as to accommodate test samples of different heights and sizes. Alternatively, the test sample and the cooling unit can be integrated and coupled first, and then the test sample can be installed on the sample stage 10.

[0037] The test method for the aforementioned composite thermoelectric system test device includes:

[0038] When testing thermoelectric devices, turn on the first simulated heat source 7 and set it to the specified test temperature, turn on the cooling unit 9 and place the sample on it, press the fixing plate 4 down along the first support rod 18 until the heat spreader 8 is in close contact with the sample and fix it with the fastening nut, and the test can begin.

[0039] When testing a thermophotovoltaic device, turn on the second simulated heat source 16 and set it to the specified test temperature. Select a suitable filter 12 according to the wavelength range of the absorbed light of the thermophotovoltaic device. Place the sample on the sample stage 10 and turn on the cooling unit 9. Press the cooling unit 9 down along the first support rod 18 until it is in close contact with the sample and fix it with a fastening nut. Then the test can begin.

[0040] This device can perform performance testing of a single thermoelectric device by controlling any single analog source individually, or it can perform combined testing of thermoelectric and thermophotovoltaic devices by controlling a second analog source and building a temperature gradient field under sealed conditions.

[0041] The composite thermoelectric system testing device of the present invention can simultaneously test thermoelectric devices and thermophotovoltaic devices. The device includes an upper testing unit and a lower testing unit. The upper testing unit is for thermoelectric devices, and the lower testing unit is for thermophotovoltaic devices. The testing process of the composite thermoelectric system testing device of the present invention is as follows:

[0042] When testing thermoelectric devices, the upper testing unit is used. The first simulated heat source 7 is turned on and set to the specified test temperature. The cooling unit 9 is turned on, and the sample is placed on it. The fixing plate 4 is pressed down along the support rod 18 until the heat spreader 8 is tightly attached to the sample, and then secured with a fastening nut. The gas environment inside the gas replacement interface 1 is controlled according to the requirements of the test environment. The heat provided by the first simulated heat source 7 is evenly distributed to the upper surface of the thermoelectric device through the heat spreader, heating the thermoelectric device under test. At the same time, the cooling unit provides a low temperature to the other end, forming a stable temperature difference field, and the test can then begin.

[0043] When testing thermophotovoltaic devices, the lower testing unit is used. The second simulated heat source 16 is turned on and set to the specified test temperature. According to the wavelength range of the absorbed light of the thermophotovoltaic device, a suitable filter 12 is selected. The sample is placed on the sample stage 10 and the cooling unit 9 is turned on. The cooling unit 9 is pressed down along the support rod 18 until it is in close contact with the sample and then fixed with a fastening nut. The gas environment inside the gas replacement interface 1 is controlled according to the requirements of the test environment. The high-energy radiation formed by the thermal radiation provided by the second simulated heat source 16 after being focused and amplified by the radiator 14 is selectively filtered by the filter 12 and will pass through the filter 12 and be projected onto the thermophotovoltaic device placed on the sample stage 10. Finally, the conversion efficiency of the thermophotovoltaic device is tested.

[0044] The temperature of the first simulated heat source 7 is adjustable from 1170K to 1770K, the temperature of the second simulated heat source 16 is adjustable from 300K to 980K, and the temperature of the cooling unit is adjustable from 183K to 323K. The wavelength of the filter 12 is adjustable from 300nm to 2000nm. The gas environment inside the device is adjusted by controlling the gas replacement interface 1 according to the requirements of the test environment.

[0045] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A testing device for a composite thermoelectric system, characterized in that, It includes an upper test unit for testing thermoelectric devices and a lower test unit for testing thermophotovoltaic devices, with the upper and lower test units housed together in a sealed housing; The sealed housing consists of a detachable sealing upper cover (2), a sealing middle cylinder (3) and a sealing lower cover (17). A gas replacement port (1) is provided on the sealing upper cover (2), and an observation window (6) and an electrical connector (13) are fixed on the sealing middle cylinder (3). The lower test unit includes a sample stage (10), a filter holder (11), a filter (12), a radiator (14), a second simulated heat source (16), and a heat source sealing shell (15). The heat source sealing shell (15) is fixed on the sealing lower cover (17). The second simulated heat source (16) is placed on the bottom plate inside the heat source sealing shell (15). The radiator (14) is embedded in the top plate of the heat source sealing shell (15). The sample stage (10) is mounted above the radiator (14) by a pair of second support rods (28) and fits snugly with the filter holder (11). The sample stage (10) has a hollow structure and different hole positions are configured according to different sample sizes. The distance between the filter (12) placed on the filter holder (11) and the radiator is adjusted by the second support rods (28). The upper test unit includes a fixed pressure plate (4), a heat insulation block (5), a first simulated heat source (7), a heat spreader (8), a first support rod (18), and a cooling unit (9). A pair of first support rods (18) are supported on the sample stage (10). The cooling unit (9) is slidably disposed below the pair of first support rods (18). The fixed pressure plate (4) is slidably disposed above the pair of first support rods (18). The heat insulation block (5), the first simulated heat source (7), and the heat spreader (8) are fixed below the fixed pressure plate (4) in sequence. When testing a thermoelectric device, turn on the first simulated heat source (7) and set it to the specified test temperature. Turn on the cooling unit (9) and place the sample on it. Press the fixing plate (4) down along the first support rod (18) until the heat spreader (8) is in close contact with the sample and fix it with a fastening nut. Then the test can begin. When testing a thermophotovoltaic device, turn on the second simulated heat source (16) and set it to the specified test temperature. Select a suitable filter (12) according to the wavelength range of the absorbed light of the thermophotovoltaic device. Place the sample on the sample stage (10) and turn on the cooling unit (9). Press the cooling unit (9) down along the first support rod (18) until it is in close contact with the sample and fix it with a fastening nut. Then the test can begin. Using the second simulated source, the thermophotovoltaic-thermoelectric composite thermoelectric test is realized by building a temperature gradient in a closed space.

2. The composite thermoelectric system testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing upper cover (2), sealing middle cylinder (3), fixing pressure plate (4), sample stage (10), filter fixing frame (11), heat source sealing shell (15), sealing lower cover (17), and support rod (18) are made of high-temperature alloy steel.

3. The composite thermoelectric system testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The observation window (6) is made of quartz glass.

4. The composite thermoelectric system testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat insulation block (5), the first simulated heat source (7), and the heat spreader (8) are fixed in parallel to each other from top to bottom below the fixed pressure plate (4).

5. The composite thermoelectric system testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling unit (9) is a cooling water jacket with circulating water inlet and outlet pipes, or a phase change heat storage device with corresponding temperature and volume according to the cold end temperature requirements and heat input.

6. The composite thermoelectric system testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas replacement interface (1) controls the gas environment inside the device according to the test environment requirements.

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