A thermovoltaic heat storage and power generation characteristics test system simulating the all-weather environment on the lunar surface

Abstract

The present invention discloses a thermovoltaic heat storage and power generation characteristic test system that simulates the all-weather environment of the lunar surface, and relates to the field of thermoelectric power generation technology. The upper shell and the heat insulation plate form an independent space; a cold plate is provided inside the upper shell; the heat sink and the thermoelectric module are respectively arranged in the middle position of the upper and lower parts of the heat insulation plate, and the two are in direct contact; the lower end of the thermoelectric module is in close contact with the end of the heat conducting rod; the heat conducting rod is in direct contact with the heat storage body, and the heat storage body is a split structure; the outside of the heat storage body is wrapped with a lower heat insulation layer; the outside of the lower heat insulation layer is provided with an inner liner, and the outside of the inner liner is provided with a lower shell; the lower shell and the upper shell are fixedly and sealed. The thermovoltaic heat storage and power generation system proposed by the present invention does not require moving parts, has high reliability, and can achieve continuous power generation day and night by utilizing the temperature difference between the heat storage body and the lunar surface environment. The power generation performance of the thermovoltaic heat storage and power generation device in the lunar surface environment can be tested, providing a reliable basis for its actual application in lunar surface missions in the future.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of thermoelectric power generation, and in particular to a thermovoltaic heat storage power generation characteristic testing system that simulates the all-weather environment of the lunar surface. Background Art

[0002] Lunar exploration is the first step in human deep space exploration. Establishing a lunar research station is an important part of lunar exploration. In this process, an efficient and stable energy supply system is the core foundation for the smooth implementation of lunar exploration missions. As the exploration mission deepens, the power demand of lunar surface equipment has gradually increased from hundreds of watts to hundreds of kilowatts, and may even expand to megawatts or even gigawatts in the future. At the same time, the lunar surface power generation system also needs to cope with the vacuum environment of the lunar surface (10 -7 Pa), extreme temperature environment (120℃ during the lunar day and -180℃ at lunar night) and extremely long day and night duration (the lunar night duration is close to 14 Earth days).

[0003] Currently, photovoltaic power generation is the primary power generation technology for lunar exploration. By deploying photovoltaic arrays, it can achieve efficient power generation during the lunar day. However, during the lunar night, due to a lack of solar radiation, photovoltaic technology is unable to provide power. While thermal cycle power generation technologies such as Stirling and Brayton combined with lunar surface heat storage can provide the necessary power during the lunar night, these technologies all involve moving parts, resulting in low reliability and high heat source temperature requirements, limiting their practical application. For example, patents such as "CN114584003A - A Lunar Base Energy Supply System Based on Solar Energy and Lunar In-Situ Resource Utilization," "CN102307030A - A Space Day-Night Temperature Difference Power Generation Device," and "CN212113752U - A Lunar Surface Thermoelectric Conversion Device" all suffer from these issues.

[0004] Therefore, exploring a lunar power generation system that is stable, efficient, and can generate electricity continuously day and night has become a key technical requirement for future lunar exploration missions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention proposes a thermovoltaic heat storage and power generation characteristics testing system that simulates the all-weather environment of the lunar surface to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides a thermovoltaic heat storage and power generation characteristics testing system that simulates the all-weather environment of the lunar surface, comprising:

[0007] The upper shell 1-1 and the heat insulation board 1-2 form an independent space, and the upper shell 1-1 is provided with a vacuum pump pipe 1-7 so that the independent space can be evacuated to a vacuum;

[0008] A cold plate 1-4 is provided inside the upper housing 1-1. The cold plate 1-4 is used to lower the temperature of the independent space to the lowest temperature of an actual moon night when simulating a moon night, and to receive heat from an external radiation heater to raise the temperature of the independent space to the highest temperature of an actual moon day when simulating a moon day.

[0009] The heat sink 2-2 is arranged in the middle position above the thermal insulation board 1-2, and the thermoelectric module 2-1 is arranged in the middle position below the thermal insulation board 1-2. The middle position of the thermal insulation board 1-2 is hollow, so that the heat sink 2-2 is in direct contact with the thermoelectric module 2-1.

[0010] The lower end of the thermoelectric module 2-1 is in close contact with the end of the heat conducting rod 2-3, and heat and cold are transferred to the heat conducting rod 2-4 by heat conduction;

[0011] There are multiple heat conducting rods 2-4, all of which are in direct contact with the heat storage body 3-2. The heat storage body 3-2 is a split structure;

[0012] The exterior of the heat storage body 3-2 is wrapped with a lower heat insulation layer 3-3;

[0013] An inner liner 3-4 is provided outside the lower heat-insulating layer 3-3, and a lower outer shell 3-1 is provided outside the inner liner 3-4;

[0014] The lower shell 3 - 1 and the upper shell 1 - 1 are fixedly and sealedly connected.

[0015] Optionally, an upper heat-insulating layer 1-3 is provided on the outside of the upper shell 1-1 to reduce the transfer of cold and heat inside the independent space to the outside.

[0016] Optionally, a cold plate flow channel inlet 1-5 is provided on one side of the upper shell 1-1, and a cold plate flow channel outlet 1-6 is provided on the opposite side;

[0017] The cold plate flow channel inlet 1-5 is used to allow the cooling medium to flow into the cold plate 1-4 and flow out through the cold plate flow channel outlet 1-6 during the simulated lunar day, so that the temperature of the independent space is lowered to the lowest temperature of the actual lunar night;

[0018] When simulating lunar day, the cooling medium inside the cold plate 1-4 is drained through the cold plate flow channel outlet 1-6, and the cold plate 1-4 only acts as a heat transfer plate to conduct heat, receiving heat from the external radiation heater, so that the temperature of the independent space is raised to the maximum temperature of the actual lunar day;

[0019] Wherein, the cooling medium includes: high-pressure nitrogen.

[0020] Optionally, a main flow channel 1-9 and a plurality of sub-flow channels 1-10 are provided inside the cold plate 1-4;

[0021] The plurality of sub-channels 1-10 are arranged on both sides of the main channel 1-9;

[0022] When simulating lunar day, the cooling medium flows from the cold plate flow channel inlet 1-5 into the main flow channel 1-9 and the plurality of sub-flow channels 1-10;

[0023] The cooling medium in the plurality of sub-channels 1-10 flows to the cold plate channel outlet 1-6 through the side wall channels 1-11 of the cold plate 1-4, and flows out through the cold plate channel outlet 1-6 together with the cooling medium in the main channel 1-9.

[0024] Optionally, the cold and heat are transferred to the heat sink 2-2 by means of radiation heat exchange, and are then conducted downward from the heat sink 2-2 to the thermoelectric module 2-1;

[0025] The end portion 2-3 of the heat conducting rod is provided with a mounting groove 2-5, and the thermoelectric module 2-1 is fixedly connected to the end portion 2-3 of the heat conducting rod through the mounting groove 2-5.

[0026] Optionally, a circle of fasteners 3-5 is provided on the outer side of the inner liner 3-4;

[0027] A ball thimble 3-6 is installed between the inner liner 3-4 and the lower insulation layer 3-3;

[0028] The ball ejector pin 3-6 passes through the inner liner 3-4, and the end thereof is pushed to the outside of the lower heat insulation layer 3-3, so as to adjust the displacement caused by the thermal expansion of the heat storage body 3-2.

[0029] Optionally, a spring is provided inside the ball ejector 3-6, which is compressed after the heat storage body 3-2 is heated and expanded, and rebounds after heat release and cooling, so that the heat storage body 3-2 is in close contact with the heat conducting rod 2-4.

[0030] Optionally, a heat-conducting material is coated between the heat storage body 3-2 and the heat-conducting rod 2-4;

[0031] The heat storage body 3-2 is made of rock material to simulate the heat storage state of lunar rocks;

[0032] Wherein, the thermal conductive material includes: thermal conductive silicone grease.

[0033] Optionally, the heat storage body 3-2 includes: four fan-shaped sub-heat storage bodies;

[0034] The four sector-column-shaped sub-heat storage bodies are spliced ​​into a cylindrical shape, and a heat conducting rod 2-4 is installed between every two sector-column-shaped sub-heat storage bodies.

[0035] Optionally, the lower shell 3-1 and the upper shell 1-1 are fixedly and sealedly connected via a flange 1-8.

[0036] The present invention proposes a thermovoltaic heat storage and power generation characteristic test system that simulates the all-weather environment of the lunar surface. The upper shell 1-1 and the insulation board 1-2 form an independent space. The upper shell 1-1 is provided with a vacuum pump pipe 1-7 so that the independent space can be evacuated to a vacuum.

[0037] A cold plate 1-4 is provided inside the upper shell 1-1. The cold plate 1-4 is used to lower the temperature of the independent space to the lowest temperature of the actual moon night (for example, -180°C) when simulating the moon night, and to raise the temperature of the independent space to the highest temperature of the actual moon day (for example, 120°C) when simulating the moon day.

[0038] The heat sink 2-2 is arranged in the middle position above the insulation board 1-2, and the thermoelectric module 2-1 is arranged in the middle position below the insulation board 1-2. The middle position of the insulation board 1-2 is hollow, so that the heat sink 2-2 is in direct contact with the thermoelectric module 2-1.

[0039] The lower end of the thermoelectric module 2-1 is in close contact with the end of the heat conducting rod 2-3, and heat and cold are transferred to the heat conducting rod 2-4 by heat conduction. There are multiple heat conducting rods 2-4, all of which are in direct contact with the heat storage body 3-2, which is a split structure.

[0040] The outside of the heat storage body 3-2 is wrapped with a lower insulation layer 3-3; the outside of the lower insulation layer 3-3 is provided with an inner liner 3-4, and the outside of the inner liner 3-4 is provided with a lower outer shell 3-1; the lower outer shell 3-1 is fixedly and sealedly connected to the upper outer shell 1-1.

[0041] The proposed thermovoltaic heat storage power generation characteristics test system is different from any existing lunar surface power generation test system. It creatively simulates the all-weather temperature conditions of the lunar surface environment by switching between radiant heaters and cold plates. At the same time, the design of the thermovoltaic heat storage power generation device can simulate the situation where the heat stored in lunar rocks provides heat for the thermovoltaic power generation device on a lunar night. The thermovoltaic heat storage power generation device does not require moving parts, has high reliability, and can achieve continuous power generation day and night by utilizing the temperature difference between the heat storage body and the lunar surface environment. The proposed thermovoltaic heat storage power generation characteristics test system can test the power generation performance of the thermovoltaic heat storage power generation device in the lunar environment, providing a reliable foundation for its actual application in future lunar missions. It has broad application prospects and high practicality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment below. The accompanying drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not to be considered as limiting the present invention. The same reference symbols are used throughout the drawings to represent the same components. In the drawings:

[0043] Figure 1This is a schematic structural diagram of a thermovoltaic heat storage and power generation characteristics testing system simulating an all-weather lunar surface environment according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the cold plates 1-4 and the flow of the cooling medium in the embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 3 This is an exploded diagram of the heat conducting rod 2-4 and the heat storage body 3-2 in the embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 4 2 is a schematic diagram of a top view of a thermal storage and power generation characteristic test system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred system structure in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of heat transfer in two modes: lunar day and lunar night;

[0049] In the figure: 1-1, upper shell; 1-2, insulation board; 1-3, upper insulation layer; 1-4, cold plate; 1-5, cold plate flow channel inlet; 1-6, cold plate flow channel outlet; 1-7, vacuum pump pipe; 1-8, flange; 1-9, main channel; 1-10, sub-channel; 2-1, thermoelectric module; 2-2, heat sink; 2-3, end of thermal rod; 2-4, thermal rod; 2-5, mounting groove; 3-1, lower shell; 3-2, heat storage body; 3-3, lower insulation layer; 3-4, liner; 3-5, fastener; 3-6, ball ejector; 3-7, thermal conductive material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only intended to explain the present invention, are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0051] The inventors discovered that currently common lunar power generation systems, or thermovoltaic heat storage power generation characteristic testing systems, have many problems. For example, in the patent "CN114584003A - A lunar base energy supply system based on solar energy and lunar in-situ resource utilization", a closed-loop continuous and stable energy supply for the lunar base is achieved through the combined technology of thermoelectric power generation and solar thermal power generation. However, in the technical solution of this patent, the design of thermoelectric power generation utilizes the temperature difference between the heat storage body and the low-temperature lunar soil. The thermal conductivity of the lunar soil is poor, and its temperature is only -20°C, which is still a large gap compared to the lowest temperature of -180°C on the lunar surface. At the same time, this technical solution does not take into account the design of the heat exchange system between the heat storage body and the thermoelectric module. There may be problems such as poor heat exchange between the heat storage body and the thermoelectric module, and it is difficult to transfer heat to the heat storage body in a timely manner.

[0052] Patent: "CN102307030A - A Space Day-Night Temperature Difference Power Generation Device" states that when there is sunlight, the heat storage device simultaneously absorbs and releases heat, while the cold storage device only absorbs heat. When there is no sunlight, the heat storage device only releases heat, while the cold storage device simultaneously absorbs and releases heat. The power generation system operates continuously, achieving continuous and efficient power supply through the alternating storage and release of energy. However, the technical solution of this patent also does not consider the heat transfer design between the thermoelectric module and the heat and cold storage system. At the same time, the cold storage device requires the use of cold storage materials such as liquid oxygen, which needs to be transported from the Earth to the Moon or prepared in situ on the lunar surface, which is more complicated than utilizing the low temperature of the lunar surface environment.

[0053] Patent CN212113752U, "A Thermoelectric Conversion Device for the Lunar Surface," describes a thermoelectric conversion device with a reciprocating heat pipe integrated heat transfer module. The hot and cold ends automatically interchange with the changing lunar surface temperature, enabling continuous power generation both day and night. It requires no energy storage, resulting in a simple, safe, and reliable structure. However, this patented technical solution is merely a potential solution and fails to simulate the lunar surface environment, nor can it test the thermoelectric device's power generation performance under such conditions. The heat transfer effect of the heat pipe itself would also be affected by the low gravity of the moon, resulting in poor heat transfer.

[0054] To address the above issues, the inventors creatively proposed a thermovoltaic thermal storage and power generation characteristics testing system that simulates the all-weather environment of the lunar surface. The technical solution proposed in the present invention is explained and illustrated in detail below.

[0055] The present invention proposes a thermovoltaic heat storage and power generation characteristic test system that simulates the all-weather environment of the lunar surface, referring to Figure 1 The structural schematic diagram shown includes: an upper shell 1-1, an insulation board 1-2, a vacuum pump pipe 1-7, a cold plate 1-4, a thermoelectric module 2-1, a heat sink 2-2, a heat conducting rod end 2-3, a heat conducting rod 2-4, a lower shell 3-1, a heat storage body 3-2, a lower insulation layer 3-3, and an inner liner 3-4.

[0056] Structurally, the upper shell 1-1 and the heat insulation board 1-2 form an independent space. The upper shell 1-1 is provided with a vacuum pump pipe 1-7, through which the independent space can be evacuated to a vacuum, accurately simulating the lunar surface environment.

[0057] A cold plate 1-4 is installed inside the upper housing 1-1. When simulating a moonlit night, the cold plate 1-4 keeps the temperature of the isolated space as low as the actual moonlit night's minimum temperature (e.g., -180°C). When simulating a moonlit day, the cold plate 1-4 receives heat from an external radiant heater, raising the temperature of the isolated space to the actual moonlit day's maximum temperature (e.g., 120°C). In other words, the cold plate 1-4 can simulate both moonlit night and moonlit day temperatures.

[0058] The heat sink 2-2 is arranged in the middle position above the insulation board 1-2, and the thermoelectric module 2-1 is arranged in the middle position below the insulation board 1-2. The middle position of the insulation board 1-2 is hollow. This design allows the heat sink 2-2 to directly contact the thermoelectric module 2-1.

[0059] The lower end of the thermoelectric module 2-1 is in close contact with the end 2-3 of the heat conducting rod, and transfers cold and heat to the heat conducting rod 2-4 through heat conduction; there are multiple heat conducting rods 2-4, each of which is in direct contact with the heat storage body 3-2, and the heat storage body 3-2 is a split structure.

[0060] The outside of the heat storage body 3-2 is wrapped with a lower insulation layer 3-3; the outside of the lower insulation layer 3-3 is provided with an inner liner 3-4, and the outside of the inner liner 3-4 is provided with a lower outer shell 3-1; the lower outer shell 3-1 is fixedly and sealedly connected to the upper outer shell 1-1.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, an upper heat-insulating layer 1-3 is preferably provided on the outside of the upper outer shell 1-1, and the upper heat-insulating layer 1-3 is used to reduce the transfer of cold and heat inside the independent space to the outside.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, a cold plate flow channel inlet 1-5 is provided on one side of the upper shell 1-1, and a cold plate flow channel outlet 1-6 is provided on the opposite side; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of cold plate 1-4 and the flow of cooling medium is shown. Cold plate flow inlet 1-5 allows cooling medium to flow into cold plate 1-4 and out through cold plate flow outlet 1-6 during simulated lunar daytime, thereby lowering the temperature of the isolated space to the lowest temperature during an actual lunar night. During simulated lunar daytime, the cooling medium within cold plate 1-4 is exhausted through cold plate flow outlet 1-6. In this case, cold plate 1-4 acts solely as a heat transfer plate, receiving heat from an external radiant heater, thereby raising the temperature of the isolated space to the highest temperature during an actual lunar daytime. The preferred cooling medium includes high-pressure nitrogen; however, any other suitable cooling medium can also be used.

[0063] A main channel 1-9 and multiple sub-channels 1-10 are provided inside the cold plate 1-4; the multiple sub-channels 1-10 are arranged on both sides of the main channel 1-9; when simulating lunar day, the cooling medium flows from the cold plate channel inlet 1-5 into the main channel 1-9 and the multiple sub-channels 1-10; the cooling medium in the multiple sub-channels 1-10 flows to the cold plate channel outlet 1-6 through the side wall channels 1-11 on both sides of the cold plate 1-4, and flows out through the cold plate channel outlet 1-6 together with the cooling medium in the main channel 1-9. Figure 2 The black arrowed lines in the diagram illustrate the flow of the cooling medium. Based on actual needs, a unique parallel design of sub-channels 1-10 was developed. By differentiating the dimensions of each sub-channel 1-10 and adjusting the flow distribution, the overall heat transfer uniformity of cold plates 1-4 is improved. Cold plates 1-4 are multifunctional: their number of flow channels is calculated to serve as both a thermal radiation absorber and a heat transfer medium during lunar daytime conditions. During lunar nighttime conditions, the cooling medium circulates to provide sufficient cooling, ensuring that the inner wall of cold plates 1-4 and the independent space are maintained at a stable -180°C. This innovative "one plate, two purposes" design enables continuous simulation of the lunar surface's daytime and nighttime temperature environments.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, cold and heat are transferred to the heat sink 2-2 by means of radiation heat exchange. Since the heat sink 2-2 is in direct contact with the thermoelectric module 2-1, the heat is then transferred downward from the heat sink 2-2 to the thermoelectric module 2-1.

[0065] The end portion 2-3 of the heat conducting rod is provided with a mounting groove 2-5, refer to Figure 3 As shown in the exploded diagram of the heat conducting rod 2-4 and the heat storage body 3-2, the thermoelectric module 2-1 is fixedly connected to the end portion 2-3 of the heat conducting rod through the mounting groove 2-5, which facilitates the fixing of the thermoelectric module 2-1.

[0066] A thermal conductive material 3-7 is coated between the heat storage body 3-2 and the thermal rod 2-4; the heat storage body 3-2 is made of rock material to simulate the heat storage state of lunar rocks; among them, the thermal conductive material 3-7 preferably includes: thermal grease, of course, other thermal conductive materials with good thermal conductivity can also be selected, which will reduce the gap between the heat storage body 3-2 and the thermal rod 2-4 to improve the heat transfer efficiency of the system.

[0067] The heat storage body 3-2 is a split structure. The preferred heat storage body 3-2 includes: four fan-shaped heat storage bodies; Figure 4 The top view of the thermal storage power generation characteristic test system shown in FIG. Figure 3As shown, four fan-shaped sub-storage bodies are spliced ​​together into a cylindrical shape, with a heat conducting rod 2-4 installed between each pair. This structure absorbs the displacement of the heat storage body 3-2 due to thermal expansion and deformation, preventing crushing. Finally, the split design facilitates the processing of the heat storage body 3-2 and improves the fit of the heat conducting rod 2-4 with it.

[0068] The outer side of the heat storage body 3-2 is covered with a lower heat insulation layer 3-3 to ensure the heat storage effect of the heat storage body 3-2. The heat storage body 3-2 and the lower heat insulation layer 3-3 are installed together in the inner liner 3-4. A ball thimble 3-6 is installed on the side wall of the inner liner 3-4, that is, between the inner liner 3-4 and the lower heat insulation layer 3-3. Figure 4 The example in the figure shows four ball thimbles 3-6. The ball thimbles 3-6 pass through the inner liner 3-4, and the ends thereof are pushed to the outside of the lower heat insulation layer 3-3 to adjust the displacement caused by the thermal expansion of the heat storage body 3-2.

[0069] In one embodiment of the present invention, a spring is provided inside the ball ejector 3-6. The spring is compressed after the heat storage body 3-2 is heated and expanded, and rebounds after heat release and cooling, so that the heat storage body 3-2 is in close contact with the heat conducting rod 2-4.

[0070] The innovative design of the heat-conducting rod 2-3 and heat storage element 3-2 in this invention allows for the pre-coating of the inner surface of a single rock with a high-performance thermally conductive material. This reduces the contact gap and significantly improves heat transfer efficiency. Furthermore, it is more convenient than the traditional installation process of drilling holes in intact rock columns. The split design of the heat storage element 3-2 allows for free radial and axial movement of each individual heat storage element, preventing thermal expansion and deformation that would cause crushing and fracture. Compared to the traditional installation process of drilling holes in intact rock columns, the modular assembly approach allows for more precise alignment of the heat storage element 3-2 and heat-conducting rod 2-4, improving assembly efficiency.

[0071] An innovative structure of fasteners 3-5 and ball ejector pins 3-6 is also provided on the outside of the heat storage body 3-2, which can effectively absorb the expansion / contraction deformation displacement of the heat storage body 3-2 during the thermal cycle, ensuring that the heat storage body 3-2 and the heat conducting rod 2-4 always maintain the optimal contact state, significantly improving the long-term operation reliability of the entire system.

[0072] In order to better and more intuitively understand the thermovoltaic heat storage and power generation characteristics test system for simulating the all-weather environment of the lunar surface proposed by the present invention, refer to Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a preferred system structure is shown in FIG. Figure 5 The above preferred structural method is used to show the structure of the entire thermal storage power generation characteristics test system.

[0073] The upper housing 1-1 and thermal insulation board 1-2 form an isolated space. The center of the thermal insulation board 1-2 is hollow, allowing direct contact between the thermoelectric module 2-1 below and the heat sink 2-2 above. An upper thermal insulation layer 1-3 is provided on the exterior of the upper housing 1-1 to reduce the transfer of heat and cold from the isolated space.

[0074] A cold plate 1-4 is provided inside the upper shell 1-1. When simulating a moonlit night, the cooling medium flows into the cold plate 1-4 from the cold plate flow channel inlet 1-5 and flows out from the cold plate flow channel outlet 1-6, so that the temperature inside the cold plate 1-4, that is, the temperature inside the independent space, is as low as -180°C. When simulating a moonlit day, the cooling medium is evacuated from the cold plate 1-4, and it only serves as a heat transfer plate for conducting heat.

[0075] Heat and cold are transferred to the heat sink 2-2 via radiation, and then conducted downward from the heat sink 2-2 to the thermoelectric module 2-1. A vacuum pump pipe 1-7 is located on the rear side of the upper housing 1-1, allowing the internal environment of the isolated space to be evacuated. The upper housing 1-1 and the lower housing 3-1 are fixedly and sealed, preferably achieved through a flange 1-8.

[0076] The lower end of the thermoelectric module 2-1 is in close contact with the end of the heat conducting rod 2-3, transferring heat and cold to the heat conducting rod 2-4 through heat conduction. The heat conducting rod 2-4 is also in direct contact with the heat storage body 3-2, achieving heat exchange through heat conduction. The heat storage body 3-2 is made of rock material to simulate the heat storage state of lunar rock. The heat storage body 3-2 is wrapped with a lower insulation layer 3-3 and placed in the inner liner 3-4.

[0077] Preferably, a ring of fasteners 3-5 can be sleeved on the outside of the inner liner 3-4. At the same time, a ball ejector 3-6 is installed between the inner liner 3-4 and the lower insulation layer 3-3, so as to adjust the displacement of the heat storage body 3-2 caused by thermal expansion.

[0078] Figure 5 Combine Figure 3 The heat conducting rod 2-4 and the heat storage body 3-2 are both assembled separately, with a thermally conductive material 3-7 applied between them. This reduces the gap between them and improves the system's heat transfer efficiency. This also absorbs the deformation of the heat storage body 3-2 due to thermal expansion, preventing it from being squeezed and broken. Finally, the split design facilitates machining of the heat storage body 3-2 and improves the fit between the heat conducting rod 2-4 and it. The end 2-3 of the heat conducting rod is provided with a mounting slot 2-5 for the thermoelectric module 2-1, facilitating its secure attachment.

[0079] Figure 5 Combine Figure 4, four fan-shaped sub-heat storage bodies are spliced ​​into a cylindrical shape, and a heat conducting rod 2-4 is installed between every two fan-shaped sub-heat storage bodies. A heat conducting material 3-7 is coated between the heat conducting rod 2-4 and the heat storage body 3-2. The outer side of the heat storage body 3-2 is covered with a lower heat insulating layer 3-3 to ensure the heat storage effect of the heat storage body. The heat storage body 3-2 and the lower heat insulating layer 3-3 are installed together in the inner tank 3-4, and four ball ejectors 3-6 are installed in the side wall of the inner tank 3-4. The ball ejector 3-6 is equipped with a spring, which can be compressed after the heat storage body 3-2 expands due to heat, and rebound after heat release and cooling, and always ensure close contact between the heat storage body 3-2 and the heat conducting rod 2-4.

[0080] Figure 5 Combine Figure 2 The cooling medium flows from the cold plate channel inlet 1-5 into the cold plate 1-4 and through the main channel 1-9 to the top of the cold plate 1-4. Several sub-channels 1-10 are located on either side of the main channel 1-9. The cooling medium then flows through these sub-channels 1-10 to the side walls of the cold plate 1-4, where it converges. During this process, the cooling medium absorbs a significant amount of heat, maintaining a temperature of approximately -180°C on the inner wall of the cold plate 1-4 and the independent space. Finally, the cooling medium flows through the side wall channels 1-11 on both sides to the cold plate channel outlet 1-6, completing the cycle.

[0081] Reference Figure 6 The heat transfer diagram of the thermovoltaic heat storage and power generation characteristics test system under the two modes of lunar day and lunar night is shown in the figure. Figure 6 The left side of the center shows the radiant heater operating during simulated lunar day, heating the system's upper housing 1-1. Radiative heat exchange occurs between the upper housing 1-1 and the heat sink 2-2. Heat is transferred between the heat sink 2-2, the thermoelectric module 2-1, and the heat conducting rod 2-4 via conduction. This heat then flows downward to the heat conducting rod 2-4 and is then transferred to the heat storage element 3-2, completing the heat transfer process.

[0082] Figure 6 The center right side shows a simulated moonlit night, where the direction of heat transfer is exactly opposite to that of lunar day. Heat is released by the heat storage element 3-2 and transferred to the heat conducting rod 2-4. This heat is then conducted upward by the heat conducting rod 2-4 to the thermoelectric module 2-1 and the heat sink 2-2. Heat transfer between the heat sink 2-2 and the cold plate 1-4 occurs through radiation heat exchange, ultimately being carried away by the cooling medium within the cold plate 1-4.

[0083] From the above explanations and illustrations, it can be seen that the thermovoltaic heat storage and power generation characteristics test system proposed in the present invention, which simulates the all-weather environment of the lunar surface, can essentially also be directly used as a thermovoltaic heat storage and power generation equipment in the all-weather environment of the lunar surface. It is a semiconductor used to convert light or heat into electrical energy. In actual use, according to actual needs, the shape, size, number, and flow fluid parameters of the flow channel in the cold plate can be changed, the shape, size, number and other parameters of the heat storage body can be changed, and the shape, size and other parameters of the entire system can be changed to obtain the thermovoltaic heat storage and power generation equipment required by actual needs.

[0084] In summary, the proposed thermovoltaic heat storage and power generation performance test system, designed to simulate the all-weather lunar surface environment, creatively switches between radiant heaters and cold plates to continuously simulate the lunar surface's all-weather temperature conditions. This innovative lunar surface environment power generation performance test system continuously simulates the extreme day and night temperature variations on the lunar surface by switching between cold plates and radiant heaters. Its interior can be evacuated to a vacuum, recreating the lunar surface's operating conditions based solely on radiative heat exchange, accurately reflecting the power generation performance characteristics of the thermovoltaic heat storage and power generation system under the actual lunar surface thermal environment.

[0085] The cooling medium flow channels within the cold plate utilize an innovative parallel sub-channel design. By varying the size of each sub-channel and adjusting flow distribution, the flow distribution improves heat transfer uniformity across the cold plate. This optimized cold plate is multifunctional: its calculated number of channels allows it to function as both a thermal radiation absorber and a heat transfer medium during lunar daytime conditions. During lunar nighttime conditions, the cooling medium circulates to provide sufficient cooling capacity, ensuring the isolated space remains stable at the actual minimum lunar night temperature of -180°C. This innovative "one plate, two functions" design enables continuous simulation of the lunar surface's daytime and nighttime temperature environments.

[0086] The innovative design of a separate heat-conducting rod and heat-storing element allows the inner surface of a single rock block to be pre-coated with a high-performance thermally conductive material. This reduces the contact gap and significantly improves heat transfer efficiency. Furthermore, it is more convenient than the traditional installation process of drilling holes in intact rock columns. The split heat-storing element design allows the individual heat-storing elements to move freely in both radial and axial directions, preventing thermal expansion and deformation that could cause crushing and fracture. Compared to the traditional installation process of drilling holes in intact rock columns, the modular assembly approach ensures more precise coordination between the heat-storing element and the heat-conducting rod, improving assembly efficiency.

[0087] An annular fastener is set on the insulation layer outside the heat storage body. Combined with the innovative structure of multiple ball-bearing pins, it can effectively absorb the expansion / contraction deformation displacement of the heat storage body during the thermal cycle, ensuring that the heat storage body and the heat conducting rod always maintain the optimal contact state, significantly improving the long-term operation reliability of the entire system.

[0088] The design of the thermovoltaic heat storage power generation device proposed in this invention can simulate the situation where lunar rock heat storage provides heat to the thermovoltaic power generation device during the lunar night. The thermovoltaic heat storage power generation device requires no moving parts, is highly reliable, and utilizes the temperature difference between the heat storage body and the lunar surface environment to achieve continuous power generation day and night. The proposed thermovoltaic heat storage power generation performance testing system can be used to test the power generation performance of the thermovoltaic heat storage power generation device in the lunar environment, providing a reliable foundation for its practical application in future lunar missions. This device has broad application prospects and high practicality.

[0089] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art may make additional changes and modifications to these embodiments once they become aware of the basic creative concepts. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0090] Finally, it should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or terminal device that includes a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or terminal device. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or terminal device that includes the element.

[0091] The embodiments of the present invention are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of the present invention, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention and the claims, all of which are protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermovoltaic heat storage and power generation characteristics testing system simulating the all-weather environment of the lunar surface, characterized by: include: The upper shell (1-1) and the heat insulation board (1-2) form an independent space, and the upper shell (1-1) is provided with a vacuum pump pipeline (1-7) so that the independent space can be evacuated to a vacuum; A cold plate (1-4) is provided inside the upper housing (1-1). The cold plate (1-4) is used to lower the temperature of the independent space to the lowest temperature of an actual moon night when simulating a moon night, and is used to receive heat from an external radiation heater to raise the temperature of the independent space to the highest temperature of an actual moon day when simulating a moon day. A heat sink (2-2) is arranged at a middle position above the heat insulation plate (1-2), and a thermoelectric module (2-1) is arranged at a middle position below the heat insulation plate (1-2). The middle position of the heat insulation plate (1-2) is hollow, so that the heat sink (2-2) is in direct contact with the thermoelectric module (2-1). The lower end of the thermoelectric module (2-1) is in close contact with the end of the heat conducting rod (2-3), and heat and cold are transferred to the heat conducting rod (2-4) through heat conduction; There are a plurality of heat-conducting rods (2-4), all of which are in direct contact with the heat storage body (3-2), and the heat storage body (3-2) is a split structure; The exterior of the heat storage body (3-2) is wrapped with a lower heat insulation layer (3-3); An inner liner (3-4) is provided on the outside of the lower heat-insulating layer (3-3), and a lower outer shell (3-1) is provided on the outside of the inner liner (3-4); The lower shell (3-1) and the upper shell (1-1) are fixedly and sealedly connected.

2. The thermovoltaic thermal storage power generation characteristic test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: An upper heat insulating layer (1-3) is provided on the outside of the upper shell (1-1) to reduce the transfer of cold and heat inside the independent space to the outside.

3. The thermovoltaic thermal storage power generation characteristic test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: One side of the upper shell (1-1) is provided with a cold plate flow channel inlet (1-5), and the opposite side is provided with a cold plate flow channel outlet (1-6); The cold plate flow channel inlet (1-5) is used to allow the cooling medium to flow into the cold plate (1-4) and flow out through the cold plate flow channel outlet (1-6) when simulating lunar day, so that the temperature of the independent space is lowered to the lowest temperature of an actual lunar night; When simulating lunar day, the internal cooling medium of the cold plate (1-4) is emptied through the cold plate flow channel outlet (1-6), and the cold plate (1-4) only serves as a heat transfer plate for conducting heat, receiving heat from an external radiation heater, so that the temperature of the independent space is raised to the maximum temperature of the actual lunar day; Wherein, the cooling medium includes: high-pressure nitrogen.

4. The thermovoltaic thermal storage power generation characteristic test system according to claim 3, characterized in that: A main flow channel (1-9) and a plurality of sub-flow channels (1-10) are provided inside the cold plate (1-4); The plurality of sub-flow channels (1-10) are arranged on both sides of the main flow channel (1-9); When simulating lunar day, the cooling medium flows from the cold plate flow channel inlet (1-5) into the main flow channel (1-9) and the plurality of sub-flow channels (1-10); The cooling medium in the plurality of sub-channels (1-10) flows toward the cold plate channel outlet (1-6) through the side wall channels (1-11) of the cold plate (1-4), and flows out through the cold plate channel outlet (1-6) together with the cooling medium in the main channel (1-9).

5. The thermovoltaic thermal storage power generation characteristic test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Cold and hot energy are transferred to the heat sink (2-2) by means of radiation heat exchange, and are conducted downward from the heat sink (2-2) to the thermoelectric module (2-1); The heat conducting rod end (2-3) is provided with a mounting groove (2-5), and the thermoelectric module (2-1) is fixedly connected to the heat conducting rod end (2-3) via the mounting groove (2-5).

6. The thermovoltaic thermal storage power generation characteristic test system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A circle of fasteners (3-5) is provided on the outer side of the inner liner (3-4); A ball thimble (3-6) is installed between the inner liner (3-4) and the lower heat insulation layer (3-3); The ball thimble (3-6) passes through the inner liner (3-4), with its end touching the outside of the lower heat insulation layer (3-3), and is used to adjust the displacement of the heat storage body (3-2) caused by thermal expansion.

7. The thermovoltaic thermal storage power generation characteristic test system according to claim 6, characterized in that: A spring is provided inside the ball thimble (3-6), which is compressed when the heat storage body (3-2) expands due to heat, and rebounds after cooling due to heat release, thereby achieving close contact between the heat storage body (3-2) and the heat conducting rod (2-4).

8. The thermovoltaic thermal storage power generation characteristic testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heat-conducting material is coated between the heat storage body (3-2) and the heat-conducting rod (2-4); The heat storage body (3-2) is made of rock material to simulate the heat storage state of lunar rocks; Wherein, the thermal conductive material includes: thermal conductive silicone grease.

9. The thermovoltaic thermal storage power generation characteristic testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat storage body (3-2) comprises: four fan-shaped sub-heat storage bodies; The four sector-column-shaped sub-heat storage bodies are spliced ​​into a cylindrical shape, and a heat conducting rod (2-4) is installed between every two sector-column-shaped sub-heat storage bodies.

10. The thermovoltaic thermal storage power generation characteristic testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower shell (3-1) and the upper shell (1-1) are fixedly and sealedly connected via a flange (1-8).

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