Adjustable output mode deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator and application

Abstract

The application discloses a deep-sea isotope thermoelectric power generation device with adjustable output mode and application. The deep-sea isotope thermoelectric power generation device comprises a radiator, a thermoelectric power generation assembly, a sealing cover assembly, a heat conduction block assembly and an output adjustment assembly. The radiator comprises a radiator cylinder and radiator fins. The upper sealing cover and the lower sealing cover of the sealing cover assembly are arranged at the upper and lower ends of the radiator cylinder respectively. The radiator cylinder, the upper sealing cover and the lower sealing cover form a first layer of shell. The second layer of shell is arranged in the first layer of shell. The second layer of shell comprises the heat conduction block assembly. The second layer of shell has a heat source storage chamber. The thermoelectric power generation assembly is arranged between the first layer of shell and the second layer of shell. The output adjustment assembly is connected with the thermoelectric power generation sheet of the thermoelectric power generation assembly and is used for adjusting the power output of the thermoelectric power generation assembly. The application can avoid the insufficient power output of the whole thermoelectric power generation device due to the failure of part of the thermoelectric power generation sheets in the thermoelectric power generation assembly, and guarantee the normal operation of the load.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thermoelectric power generation technology, and in particular to a deep-sea isotope thermoelectric power generation device with adjustable output mode and its application. Background Technology

[0002] Carbon dioxide capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology refers to the capture and purification of carbon dioxide emitted during industrial production processes, followed by its reuse and storage in new production processes. Currently, the demand for CCUS technology is increasing, and carbon sequestration is the final stage in the CCUS technology roadmap, encompassing geological sequestration and marine sequestration, with marine sequestration showing significant potential.

[0003] To ensure the safe implementation of carbon sequestration, it is necessary to use deep-sea carbon monitoring equipment to monitor carbon in the sequestration area. During the process of carbon dioxide sequestration in the ocean, deep-sea carbon monitoring equipment acquires key data in real time and accurately, providing core support for assessing the sequestration effect, warning of environmental risks, and optimizing sequestration schemes. It is an important technical means to ensure the safety and sustainability of marine carbon sequestration.

[0004] However, traditional deep-sea carbon monitoring equipment has the problem of difficulty in maintaining a long-term power supply, which poses a serious challenge to the implementation of marine carbon sequestration projects.

[0005] Currently, traditional batteries are ill-suited for powering deep-sea environments due to the high pressure, corrosiveness, and cold temperatures. Lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells, among other chemical batteries, have limitations such as relatively short lifespans, the need for periodic charging or material replacement, and inability to withstand high pressures. Solar cells are also unsuitable as a long-term energy source for deep-sea applications due to the lack of sunlight. In contrast, radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), with their compact, quiet operation and long lifespan (no moving parts), can meet the system application requirements of deep-sea applications where long-term power supply is needed despite the absence of sunlight, effectively solving the problem of long-term power supply for deep-sea carbon monitoring equipment.

[0006] A radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) is a device that converts the heat generated by the decay of isotopes (as a heat source) into electrical energy through the Seebeck effect. Once a heat source is installed, an RTG can generate electricity continuously. However, the thermoelectric generator components (mainly a portion of the thermoelectric plates) within an RTG are prone to performance degradation and malfunction after prolonged use. This can lead to insufficient power output from the entire thermoelectric generator, causing the load (i.e., the electrical equipment) to malfunction. Furthermore, because RTGs are typically used in extreme environments, repairs after deployment are difficult.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a technology that can solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to address the technical deficiencies of existing technologies by providing a deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator with an adjustable output mode and its application.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention provides a deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator with adjustable output mode, which includes a radiator, a thermoelectric generator component, a sealing cover component, a heat-conducting block component, a heat source, and an output adjustment component.

[0010] A radiator includes a hollow heat sink as the cold end and heat sink fins located around the outer perimeter of the heat sink.

[0011] The heat sink has openings at both the top and bottom.

[0012] A sealing cap assembly, comprising an upper sealing cap and a lower sealing cap;

[0013] The upper and lower sealing caps are respectively installed on the upper and lower ends of the inner side of the radiator's heat dissipation cylinder;

[0014] The heat sink cylinder of the radiator and the sealing cover assembly, including the upper sealing cover and the lower sealing cover, together form the first shell layer;

[0015] A second shell is disposed inside the first shell;

[0016] The second housing includes a heat-conducting block assembly that serves as the hot end;

[0017] The heat-conducting block assembly includes an upper heat-conducting block and a lower heat-conducting block that are fastened together, and the upper heat-conducting block and the lower heat-conducting block together form a second shell layer;

[0018] The second shell contains a heat source storage chamber for accommodating the heat source.

[0019] A thermoelectric generator is installed in the gap between the inner walls of the first shell and the outer walls of the second shell.

[0020] Thermoelectric generator is located in the gap between the heat sink and the heat conduction block assembly of the radiator. It is connected to the load and is used to convert the temperature difference between the heat sink (the cold end) and the heat conduction block assembly (the hot end) into electrical energy and output it to the load.

[0021] An output regulation component is connected to each thermoelectric element S in the thermoelectric generator assembly, and is used to adjust the power output of the thermoelectric generator assembly by changing the connection state of the thermoelectric element S in the thermoelectric generator assembly.

[0022] In addition, the present invention also provides an application of the deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator with adjustable output mode as described above, which is applied to the field of monitoring seabed carbon dioxide leakage on carbon sequestration platforms.

[0023] In addition, the present invention also provides an application of the deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator with adjustable output mode as described above, which is applied to the field of automobile exhaust heat recovery.

[0024] As can be seen from the technical solution provided by the present invention above, compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a deep-sea isotope thermoelectric power generation device and its application with adjustable output mode. The design is scientific and can avoid insufficient power output of the entire thermoelectric power generation device due to the failure of some thermoelectric generators in the thermoelectric power generation component by changing the connection state of the thermoelectric generators in the thermoelectric power generation component. This meets the power demand of the load, ensures the normal operation of the load, and has significant practical significance.

[0025] In this invention, a specially designed output adjustment component is used to change the connection state of the thermoelectric generators in the thermoelectric generator assembly, enabling the thermoelectric generator to adjust its output mode. By applying this invention, the insufficient power output of the entire thermoelectric generator due to the failure of some thermoelectric generators in the thermoelectric generator assembly can be reduced, thus avoiding the impact on external electrical devices. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator with adjustable output mode provided by the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 For along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of line AA shown;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of the output adjustment component in a deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator with adjustable output mode provided by the present invention.

[0029] In the diagram, 1-radiator, 11-heat sink, 12-heat sink fins, 2-thermal power generation component;

[0030] 3-Sealing cover assembly, 31-Upper sealing cover, 32-Lower sealing cover;

[0031] 4-Heat-conducting block assembly, 41-Upper heat-conducting block, 42-Lower heat-conducting block;

[0032] 5-Heat source, 6-Output regulation component. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, 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.

[0035] In the description of this patent, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or setting, a detachable connection or setting, or an integral connection or setting. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this patent according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0037] See Figures 1 to 3The present invention provides a deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator with adjustable output mode, including a radiator 1, a thermoelectric generator component 2, a sealing cover component 3, a heat-conducting block component 4, a heat source 5, and an output adjustment component 6.

[0038] The radiator 1 includes a hollow heat dissipation cylinder 11 as the cold end and heat dissipation fins 12 located on the outer periphery of the heat dissipation cylinder 11, for dissipating heat from the inside of the heat dissipation cylinder 11 to the external environment.

[0039] The heat sink 11 has openings at both the top and bottom ends;

[0040] The sealing cover assembly 3 includes an upper sealing cover 31 and a lower sealing cover 32;

[0041] The upper sealing cover 31 and the lower sealing cover 32 are respectively sealed at the upper and lower ends of the inner side of the heat dissipation cylinder 11 of the radiator 1;

[0042] The heat dissipation cylinder 11 of the radiator 1, together with the upper sealing cover 31 and the lower sealing cover 32 of the sealing cover assembly 3, forms the first shell layer;

[0043] It should be noted that the sealing cover assembly 3 is used to seal the heat sink 11 of the radiator 1.

[0044] It should be noted that the radiator 1 mainly dissipates heat to the external environment through convection, forming the cold end of the thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention.

[0045] A second shell is disposed inside the first shell;

[0046] The second housing includes a heat-conducting block assembly 4, which serves as the hot end;

[0047] The heat-conducting block assembly 4 includes an upper heat-conducting block 41 and a lower heat-conducting block 42 that are fastened together, and the upper heat-conducting block 41 and the lower heat-conducting block 42 together form a second shell.

[0048] The second shell has a heat source storage chamber for accommodating the heat source 5 (i.e., the inner cavity of the shell, that is, the cavity formed between the upper heat-conducting block 41 and the lower heat-conducting block 42 for setting the heat source 5);

[0049] A thermoelectric generator 2 is installed in the gap between the inner walls of the first shell and the outer walls of the second shell (specifically, in the gap between the heat sink 11 and the heat conduction block assembly 4 of the radiator 1).

[0050] Thermoelectric generator 2 is located in the gap between the heat dissipation cylinder 11 of the radiator 1 and the heat conduction block assembly 4. It is connected to the load (i.e. electrical equipment, such as deep-sea carbon monitoring equipment) and is used to convert the temperature difference between the heat dissipation cylinder 11 of the radiator 1 (which is the cold end) and the heat conduction block assembly 4 (which is the hot end) into electrical energy and output it to the load (i.e. electrical equipment, such as deep-sea carbon monitoring equipment).

[0051] The output regulating component 6 is connected to each thermoelectric generator S in the thermoelectric generator assembly 2. It is used to adjust the power output of the thermoelectric generator assembly 2 by changing the connection state of the thermoelectric generator S in the thermoelectric generator assembly 2 (that is, the connection state between the thermoelectric generator S and the other two thermoelectric generator S at its two ends, specifically including two states: series state and parallel state, so that the thermoelectric generator S switches to perform series output or parallel output of electrical energy generated by thermoelectric generation), thereby meeting the power demand of the load.

[0052] In other words, the output adjustment component 6 can change the connection state of the thermoelectric generator S in the thermoelectric generator component 2, so that the thermoelectric generator component 2 in the thermoelectric generator device of the present invention has the ability to adjust the output mode (allowing each thermoelectric generator S to switch between two output modes: series output and parallel output). It can adjust the overall power output of the thermoelectric generator component 2, thereby reducing the insufficient power output of the entire thermoelectric generator device caused by the failure of some thermoelectric generators in the thermoelectric generator component (at this time, the failed thermoelectric generator cannot supply power normally), and avoiding the impact on external electrical devices.

[0053] In this invention, specifically, the heat source 5 inside the second shell is an isotope heat source;

[0054] It should be noted that the heat source inside the second shell can also be other substances that can provide heat, such as the high-heat exhaust gas emitted by a car.

[0055] The isotope heat source inside the second shell is preferably an encapsulated isotope heat source.

[0056] In this invention, specifically, the heat dissipation cylinder 11 of the radiator 1 and the upper sealing cover 31 and the lower sealing cover 32 of the sealing cover assembly 3 are preferably connected by a detachable sealing connection.

[0057] Furthermore, the heat dissipation cylinder 11 of the radiator 1 and the upper sealing cover 31 and the lower sealing cover 32 of the sealing cover assembly 3 are sealed with O-rings. The specific structural design is as follows: O-rings are provided between the two openings at the upper end of the heat dissipation cylinder 11 and the lower four-sided side wall of the upper end of the upper sealing cover 31 and the upper four-sided side wall of the lower sealing cover 32, respectively.

[0058] It should be noted that, in the present invention, specifically, the heat-conducting block assembly 4 is located inside the heat dissipation cylinder 11 of the heat sink 1, and is used to conduct heat from the heat source 5 (i.e., the isotope heat source), thus constituting the hot end of the isotope thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention.

[0059] In this invention, specifically, the thermoelectric generator assembly 2 includes multiple thermoelectric generator plates S spaced apart (i.e. not directly connected) and a cold-end heat-conducting plate for fixing the thermoelectric generator plates S.

[0060] The cold-end heat-conducting plate and the thermoelectric generator S-phase are in close contact;

[0061] The cold end heat-conducting plate faces the heat dissipation cylinder 11 of the heat sink 1, which serves as the cold end, and is in contact with the inner side wall of the inner cavity of the heat dissipation cylinder 11.

[0062] The thermoelectric generator S faces the heat-conducting block assembly 4, which is the hot end, and is in contact with the outer perimeter of the heat-conducting block assembly 4.

[0063] In a specific implementation, the thermoelectric element S is made of conventional thermoelectric element material, such as bismuth antimonide Bi2Te3 alloy.

[0064] In practice, the thermoelectric generator S is arranged around the heat-conducting block assembly 4 (i.e., the heat spreader), which serves as the hot end, to improve the power generation efficiency of the isotope thermoelectric generator of the present invention.

[0065] In this invention, specifically, the remaining space inside the first shell, excluding the second shell and the thermoelectric generator 2, is filled with a thermal insulation material with a low thermal conductivity.

[0066] In specific implementation, thermally conductive silicone grease is filled between the contact surfaces of any two of the following components: radiator 1, thermoelectric generator 2, sealing cover assembly 3, heat-conducting block assembly 4, and output regulating assembly 6.

[0067] It should be noted that, in one embodiment of the present invention, the remaining space of the first shell is filled with a low thermal conductivity insulating material. Furthermore, thermally conductive silicone grease is filled between the contact surfaces of the components in the device to reduce contact thermal resistance.

[0068] It should be noted that, in this invention, a low thermal conductivity insulation material specifically refers to an insulation material with a thermal conductivity typically below 0.08 W / (m·K). A lower thermal conductivity means that the material has better barrier properties during heat conduction, thus maintaining temperature more effectively.

[0069] In this invention, specifically, the output adjustment component 6 includes an output adjustment component housing and a double-pole double-throw relay unit;

[0070] A double-pole double-throw relay unit is installed inside the hollow sealed output regulating component housing;

[0071] The output adjustment component housing is located on top of the upper sealing cover 31 of the sealing cover assembly 3;

[0072] The double-pole double-throw relay unit is connected to the thermoelectric generator S in the thermoelectric generator assembly 2. It is used to adjust the power output of the thermoelectric generator assembly 2 by controlling the connection state of the thermoelectric generator S (that is, the connection state between the thermoelectric generator S and the other two thermoelectric generator S at its two ends, specifically including two states: series connection state and parallel connection state).

[0073] The positive and negative output terminals of the thermoelectric generator 2 are connected to the positive and negative power consumption terminals of the load (i.e., electrical equipment, such as deep-sea carbon monitoring equipment), respectively.

[0074] It should be noted that, in this invention, the output adjustment component 6 can change the connection state of the thermoelectric generator S in the thermoelectric generator component 2, so that the thermoelectric generator component 2 has the ability to adjust the output mode (allowing each thermoelectric generator S to switch between two output modes: series output and parallel output). This can adjust the overall power output of the thermoelectric generator component 2, thereby reducing the possibility of insufficient power output of the entire thermoelectric generator due to the failure of some thermoelectric generators in the thermoelectric generator component (at which time the failed thermoelectric generator cannot supply power normally), and avoiding the impact on external electrical devices.

[0075] In specific implementation, the double-pole double-throw relay unit includes multiple (e.g., eight, but not limited to eight) double-pole double-throw relays (DPDTs) connected end to end in sequence.

[0076] Between any two adjacent double-pole double-throw relays (DPDT), a thermoelectric generator (S) is also provided.

[0077] For a double-pole double-throw relay unit comprising multiple double-pole double-throw relays (DPDTs), the double-pole double-throw relay DPDT located at the first end (e.g.) Figure 3 The DPDT1 shown) and the double-pole double-throw relay DPDT located at the tail end (e.g.) Figure 3 The DPDT8 shown is also connected to a thermoelectric generator S.

[0078] Furthermore, for each double-pole double-throw relay (DPDT), contact 1 is an empty contact, contact 2 and contact 3 are respectively connected to the thermoelectric generator S set at its head end, contact 4 is connected to the common positive circuit branch A, contact 6 is connected to the thermoelectric generator S at the tail end of the relay, and contact 5 is connected to the common negative circuit branch B.

[0079] The positive circuit branch A is connected to the positive terminal of the load (i.e., the electrical equipment, such as deep-sea carbon monitoring equipment);

[0080] Branch B of the common negative circuit is connected to the negative terminal of the load.

[0081] Furthermore, the double-pole double-throw relay (DPDT) is installed on development board 61 (specifically, the STM32 development board);

[0082] It should be noted that, in specific implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the output regulation component is a control component consisting of a control board (i.e., a development board) and relays. The output regulation component 6 includes a development board 61 (specifically an STM32 development board) and eight double-pole double-throw relays (DPDTs) (specifically DPDT1 to DPDT8);

[0083] exist Figure 3 In the thermoelectric generator assembly 2, the thermoelectric generator S is used as a power source; Figure 3 The circuit shown has two common circuit branches. The double-pole double-throw relay DPDT has two connection states: (1) State 1, that is, the thermoelectric generator S at both ends of the double-pole double-throw relay DPDT is in series connection, specifically: contact 5 is connected to contact 1, and contact 6 is connected to contact 3; (2) State 2, that is, the thermoelectric generator S at both ends of the double-pole double-throw relay DPDT is in parallel connection, specifically: contact 5 is connected to contact 2, and contact 6 is connected to contact 4.

[0084] In each double-pole double-throw relay (DPDT), contact 1 is an empty contact, contacts 2 and 3 are connected to the thermoelectric generator adjacent to the left (i.e., the head direction) of the relay, contact 4 is connected to the common positive circuit branch A, contact 6 is connected to the thermoelectric generator adjacent to the right (i.e., the tail direction) of the relay, and contact 5 is connected to the common negative circuit branch B.

[0085] In the double-pole double-throw relay, the thermoelectric generators at both ends of the relay are connected in series in state 1, and in state 2, the thermoelectric generators at both ends of the relay are connected in parallel.

[0086] It should be noted that for all multiple thermoelectric generators, having some in parallel reduces the overall open-circuit voltage of the thermoelectric generator assembly 2 and increases the short-circuit current, while minimizing the impact of open-circuit faults on the device. Conversely, having some in series increases the open-circuit voltage and reduces the short-circuit current, while minimizing the impact of short-circuit faults on the device. In this invention, the output regulating component 6 can be used to connect multiple thermoelectric generators in both series and parallel configurations (i.e., combining both series and parallel connection methods).

[0087] In the specific implementation of this invention, the double-pole double-throw (DPDT) relay is a conventional electrical component with mature existing technology. For example, a DPDT self-locking bistable relay module produced by Shenzhen Times Huaxin Technology Co., Ltd. can be used to realize circuit switching.

[0088] In a specific implementation of the present invention, according to the preset application scenario requirements of the thermoelectric generator according to the present invention, the open-circuit voltage of each thermoelectric generator S is 2.1V DC voltage and the short-circuit current is 0.22A.

[0089] To better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the following specific embodiments will be used to illustrate the technical solution of the present invention.

[0090] Example 1.

[0091] In a specific implementation, this invention provides a deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator with an adjustable output mode, which is applied in the field of monitoring carbon dioxide leakage on the seabed to provide power for acoustic monitoring equipment on seabed detectors.

[0092] For example, this invention can be applied to the monitoring of seabed carbon sequestration leaks at carbon sequestration platforms such as Enping 15-1 (i.e., the Enping 15-1 oilfield carbon sequestration demonstration project):

[0093] In terms of specific implementation, the following is adopted: 241 AmO2 is used as an isotopic heat source in the heat source storage chamber of the present invention. The heat sink 1 designed in the present invention includes a heat sink cylinder 11 with a pressure-bearing shell and "Y"-shaped heat sink fins 12.

[0094] In practice, 18 rectangular thermoelectric generators with a cross-sectional size of 30mm×30mm and 127 pairs of PN level are used, and they are evenly divided into 9 groups according to the spatial layout, thus serving as 9 power sources.

[0095] In practice, eight double-pole double-throw relays are connected end to end in sequence. The output mode of the thermoelectric generator is controlled by controlling the state of the relays, which can achieve a total of 256 output modes (i.e., 2 to the power of eight).

[0096] In practical implementation, the device of the present invention can be mounted on seabed monitoring equipment to provide power for the acoustic monitoring equipment on the seabed detector. When the thermoelectric generator fails or the power of the thermoelectric generator is affected by changes in the marine environment, the optimal output mode can be found by traversing (i.e., trying to execute one by one) multiple (e.g., 256) thermoelectric generator connection modes to stabilize the output of the device.

[0097] In specific implementation, the thermoelectric power generation device of the present invention also includes a control module and a power acquisition module (power acquisition device);

[0098] The control module is connected to the signal control terminal of each double-pole double-throw relay (DPDT) in the double-pole double-throw relay unit;

[0099] The control module is used to pre-store various control modes of the double-pole double-throw relay units (when there are eight double-pole double-throw relays DPDT, there are 256 working modes).

[0100] The control mode of the double-pole double-throw relay unit is that the control module sends control signals to multiple double-pole double-throw relays in the double-pole double-throw relay unit to control each double-pole double-throw relay to have a corresponding working state (e.g., in the aforementioned state 1 or state 2; for example, one control mode is: send control signals to DPDT1 to DPDT8 to control DPDT1 to DPDT7 to be in state 1 and DPDT8 to be in state 2).

[0101] The power acquisition module (power acquisition unit) is connected to the load (i.e., electrical equipment, such as deep-sea carbon monitoring equipment) (specifically, it is connected to the positive and negative terminals of the load) to acquire the actual power of the load (i.e., the actual power output of the thermoelectric generator 2) and then send it to the control module.

[0102] The control module is also connected to the power acquisition module (power acquisition unit) to execute the first control strategy, the second control strategy, or the third control strategy.

[0103] The first control strategy specifically includes the following operations:

[0104] Step S11, perform open circuit diagnosis operation: the control module sends a control signal to the double-pole double-throw relay unit to control the execution of the series control mode of all thermoelectric generators;

[0105] Among them, the series control mode of all thermoelectric generators refers to the working mode in which the control module controls all multiple double-pole double-throw relays (DPDT) (so that they are all in state 1), so that all multiple thermoelectric generators S are in series.

[0106] Then, in the series control mode of all thermoelectric generators, the actual power of the load is collected by the power acquisition module (power acquisition unit). When the actual power of the load is compared with the preset circuit breaker power judgment threshold, if it is less than the preset circuit breaker power judgment threshold (for example, the actual power of the load is zero and the load is not powered), it is determined that there is a problem of at least one thermoelectric generator S circuit breaker in all thermoelectric generators, and then step S12 is executed.

[0107] The preset circuit breaker power judgment threshold can be any value less than the power output of a thermoelectric generator S (i.e., under normal working conditions, when there is no fault), for example, the power output of the thermoelectric generator S is equal to 0.116W.

[0108] When the actual power of the load collected by the power acquisition module (power acquisition unit) is equal to 0, it is determined that at least one thermoelectric generator S is open-circuited.

[0109] Step S12: For various control modes of the double-pole double-throw relay unit, select and execute the control mode with more parallel connections until the actual power of the load (i.e. the actual power output of the thermoelectric generator 2) collected by the power acquisition module (power acquisition unit) is within the preset range of normal load power.

[0110] Among them, the control mode with more parallel connections refers to the control module controlling all multiple double-pole double-throw relays (DPDTs) to make the double-pole double-throw relay units work in parallel output mode (for example, all 9 thermoelectric generators S are connected in parallel, or, 9 thermoelectric generators S are connected in 3 combinations in parallel to output power, each combination including 3 thermoelectric generators S connected in series).

[0111] The second control strategy specifically includes the following operations:

[0112] Step S21, perform short circuit diagnosis operation: the control module sends a control signal to the double-pole double-throw relay unit to control the parallel control mode of all thermoelectric generators;

[0113] Among them, the parallel control mode of all thermoelectric generators refers to the working mode in which the control module controls all multiple double-pole double-throw relays (DPDT) (so that they are all in state 2), so that all multiple thermoelectric generators S are in parallel.

[0114] Then, in the parallel control mode of all thermoelectric generators, the actual power of the load is collected by the power acquisition module (power acquisition unit). When the actual power of the load is compared with the preset short-circuit power judgment threshold, if it is less than the preset short-circuit power judgment threshold, it is determined that there is a short circuit problem in at least one thermoelectric generator S among all thermoelectric generators, and then step S22 is executed.

[0115] The preset short-circuit power judgment threshold can be any value that is greater than the power output of a single thermoelectric generator S (i.e., under normal working conditions and without fault) and less than the sum of the power output of multiple (e.g., 9) thermoelectric generators S (i.e., under normal working conditions and without fault).

[0116] Among all the thermoelectric generators S, the power output of each thermoelectric generator S is equal under normal operating conditions (when there is no fault).

[0117] Step S22: For various control modes of double-pole double-throw relay units, select and execute the control mode with more series connections until the actual power of the load (i.e. the actual power output of the thermoelectric generator 2) collected by the power acquisition module (power acquisition unit) is within the preset normal operating power range of the load.

[0118] Among them, the control mode of more series refers to: the control module controls all multiple double-pole double-throw relays (DPDTs) so that the double-pole double-throw relay unit is in the series output working mode (for example, all 9 thermoelectric generators are connected in series, or the multiple power supply branches included in the double-pole double-throw relay unit are in the series output working mode, specifically: 4 thermoelectric generators are connected in series to form the first power supply branch, 5 thermoelectric generators are connected in series to form the second power supply branch, and then the first power supply branch and the second power supply branch are connected in parallel to output power).

[0119] It should be noted that, in practice, the preset short-circuit power judgment threshold is greater than the preset open-circuit power judgment threshold.

[0120] It should be noted that, regarding the first and second control strategies, in this invention, when the thermoelectric generator S malfunctions (e.g., a short circuit or open circuit, which can be considered a fault), the output power is detected through output mode 1 (all thermoelectric generators are connected in series, i.e., all thermoelectric generators are connected in series control mode) to determine whether an open circuit has occurred. In this case, a connection method less affected by the open circuit of the thermoelectric generator is selected, such as using a parallel mode (e.g., a total of 9 thermoelectric generators, 3 in each group connected in series, and then connected in parallel). The output power is detected through output mode 2 (all thermoelectric generators are connected in parallel) to determine whether a short circuit has occurred. In this case, a connection method less affected by the short circuit of the thermoelectric generator is selected, such as using a series mode (e.g., all 9 thermoelectric generators are connected in series; 4 in series, 5 in series, and then connected in parallel).

[0121] The third control strategy specifically includes the following operations:

[0122] Step S31: When the thermoelectric generator 2 is in normal working condition (such as the newly manufactured and qualified state), the control module collects and stores the power output of the thermoelectric generator 2 under various control modes of the double-pole double-throw relay unit in advance through the power acquisition module (power acquisition device), and establishes a one-to-one mapping relationship between the control mode of the double-pole double-throw relay unit and the power output of the thermoelectric generator 2.

[0123] The control module is used to collect the actual power of the load through the power acquisition module (power acquisition device) when the thermoelectric generator 2 is put into practical application (e.g., it has been put into deep sea scenario), and use the actual power of the load as the actual power output of the thermoelectric generator 2.

[0124] Step S32: The control module compares the actual power output of the thermoelectric generator 2 with the preset normal operating power range of the load. When the actual power output of the thermoelectric generator 2 is lower than the minimum value of the normal operating power range of the load, the control module selects to execute the control mode of a double-pole double-throw relay unit with a larger output (at this time, the output mode of the thermoelectric generator corresponding to this control mode is the optimal output mode) until the actual power output of the thermoelectric generator 2 is within the preset normal operating power range of the load.

[0125] When the actual power output of the thermoelectric generator 2 is greater than the maximum value of the normal operating power range of the load, a control mode of a double-pole double-throw relay unit with a smaller output is selected (at this time, the output mode of the thermoelectric generator corresponding to this control mode is the optimal output mode), so that the actual power output of the thermoelectric generator 2 is within the preset normal operating power range of the load.

[0126] The normal operating power of the load is within the range of 70% to the rated power of the load.

[0127] Among them, the control mode of the double-pole double-throw relay unit with greater output refers to any control mode of the double-pole double-throw relay unit in which the power output of the thermoelectric generator 2 is greater than the actual power output of the thermoelectric generator 2 collected by the power acquisition module (power acquisition unit).

[0128] Among them, the control mode of the double-pole double-throw relay unit with smaller output refers to any double-pole double-throw relay unit control mode in which the power output of the thermoelectric generator 2 is less than the actual power output of the thermoelectric generator 2 collected by the power acquisition module (power acquisition unit).

[0129] It should be noted that the power acquisition module (power acquisition unit) is a conventional electrical component and will not be described in detail here. The control module can be an existing industrial control module (industrial control module), programmable logic controller (PLC), central processing unit (CPU), digital signal processor (DSP), or microcontroller (MCU) with signal control and data processing functions.

[0130] In practice, the power acquisition module (power acquisition unit) and the control module are housed within the output regulation component housing.

[0131] In practice, the positive and negative power supply terminals of the power acquisition module (power acquisition unit) and the control module are respectively connected to the positive circuit branch A and the common negative circuit branch B in the output regulation component 6 to meet the power supply requirements.

[0132] Example 2.

[0133] In this invention, specifically, a deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator with adjustable output mode is provided, which is applied to the field of heat energy recovery from automobile exhaust emissions.

[0134] In specific implementation, the heat source storage chamber of the deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator provided by the present invention can have an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is connected to the exhaust pipe of a car through a hollow connecting pipe, and the air outlet is connected to the external environment.

[0135] It should be noted that during vehicle exhaust emissions, a temperature difference exists between the exhaust gas and the surrounding environment. This waste heat can be utilized for thermoelectric power generation: The exhaust heat is transferred to the thermoelectric power generation component 2 via the heat source storage chamber within the heat-conducting block assembly 4. The thermoelectric element (i.e., the thermoelectric power generation element S) has a higher temperature at the end near the heat source and a lower temperature at the end farther from the heat source. Charge carriers diffuse from the hot end to the cold end along the temperature gradient, generating electricity using the potential difference between the two ends. The radiator enhances heat transfer, widening the temperature difference between the two ends of the thermoelectric element and increasing the power generation capacity. The electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation device can then be supplied to loads (electrical equipment) on the vehicle.

[0136] It should be noted that fluctuations in the temperature of vehicle exhaust gases can affect power generation output. By applying this invention, when an abnormal power generation output (e.g., too low) is detected by the output regulation component, the opening and closing of a double-pole double-throw relay is controlled, thereby adjusting the series and parallel circuits. This increases the power generation output of the thermoelectric generator, meeting the power demand of the load.

[0137] In summary, compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator and its application with adjustable output mode. The design is scientific and can avoid insufficient power output of the entire thermoelectric generator due to failure of some thermoelectric generators in the thermoelectric generator component by changing the connection state of the thermoelectric generators in the thermoelectric generator component. This meets the power demand of the load, ensures the normal operation of the load, and has significant practical significance.

[0138] In this invention, a specially designed output adjustment component is used to change the connection state of the thermoelectric generators in the thermoelectric generator assembly, enabling the thermoelectric generator to adjust its output mode. By applying this invention, the insufficient power output of the entire thermoelectric generator due to the failure of some thermoelectric generators in the thermoelectric generator assembly can be reduced, thus avoiding the impact on external electrical devices.

[0139] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator with adjustable output mode, characterized in that, It includes a radiator (1), a thermoelectric generator (2), a sealing cover assembly (3), a heat-conducting block assembly (4), a heat source (5), and an output regulation assembly (6). The radiator (1) includes a hollow heat dissipation cylinder (11) as the cold end and heat dissipation fins (12) located around the outside of the heat dissipation cylinder (11). The heat sink (11) has openings at both the top and bottom; The sealing cap assembly (3) includes an upper sealing cap (31) and a lower sealing cap (32). The upper sealing cover (31) and the lower sealing cover (32) are respectively sealed at the upper and lower ends of the inner side of the heat dissipation cylinder (11) of the radiator (1); The heat sink (1) of the heat sink (1) together with the upper sealing cover (31) and the lower sealing cover (32) of the sealing cover assembly (3) form the first shell layer; A second shell is disposed inside the first shell; The second housing includes a heat-conducting block assembly (4) that serves as the hot end; The heat-conducting block assembly (4) includes an upper heat-conducting block (41) and a lower heat-conducting block (42) that are fastened together, and the upper heat-conducting block (41) and the lower heat-conducting block (42) together form a second shell. The second shell contains a heat source storage chamber for accommodating the heat source (5); A thermoelectric generator (2) is installed in the gap between the inner walls of the first shell and the outer walls of the second shell. Thermoelectric generator (2) is located in the gap between the heat sink cylinder (11) and the heat-conducting block assembly (4) of the radiator (1). It is connected to the load and is used to convert the temperature difference between the heat sink cylinder (11) of the radiator (1) as the cold end and the heat-conducting block assembly (4) as the hot end into electrical energy and output it to the load. The output adjustment component (6) is connected to each thermoelectric element S in the thermoelectric generator assembly (2) and is used to adjust the power output of the thermoelectric generator assembly (2) by changing the connection state of the thermoelectric element S in the thermoelectric generator assembly (2). The output regulating component (6) includes an output regulating component housing and a double-pole double-throw relay unit; A double-pole double-throw relay unit is installed inside the hollow sealed output regulating component housing; The output adjustment component housing is located on top of the upper sealing cover (31) of the sealing cover assembly (3); The double-pole double-throw relay unit is connected to the thermoelectric generator S in the thermoelectric generator assembly (2) and is used to adjust the power output of the thermoelectric generator assembly (2) by controlling the connection state of the thermoelectric generator S. The positive and negative output terminals of the thermoelectric generator (2) are connected to the positive and negative power terminals of the load, respectively. The deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator with adjustable output mode also includes a control module and a power acquisition module. The control module is connected to the signal control terminal of each double-pole double-throw relay (DPDT) in the double-pole double-throw relay unit; The control module is used to pre-store various control modes for different double-pole double-throw relay units; The control mode of the double-pole double-throw relay unit is that the control module sends control signals to the multiple double-pole double-throw relays in the double-pole double-throw relay unit to control each double-pole double-throw relay to have a corresponding working state. The power acquisition module is connected to the load and is used to acquire the actual power of the load and then send it to the control module; The control module is also connected to the power acquisition module and is used to execute the first control strategy, the second control strategy, or the third control strategy. The first control strategy specifically includes the following operations: Step S11, perform open circuit diagnosis operation: the control module sends a control signal to the double-pole double-throw relay unit to control the execution of the series control mode of all thermoelectric generators; Among them, the series control mode of all thermoelectric generators refers to the working mode in which the control module controls all multiple double-pole double-throw relays (DPDT) to make all multiple thermoelectric generators (S) be in series. Then, in the series control mode of all thermoelectric generators, the actual power of the load is collected by the power acquisition module. The actual power of the load is compared with the preset circuit breaker power judgment threshold. When it is less than the preset circuit breaker power judgment threshold, it is determined that there is a problem of at least one thermoelectric generator S circuit breaker in all thermoelectric generators, and then step S12 is executed. Step S12: For various control modes of double-pole double-throw relay units, select and execute the control mode with more parallel connections until the actual power of the load collected by the power acquisition module is within the preset range of normal load power. Among them, the parallel control mode refers to the control module controlling all multiple double-pole double-throw relays (DPDTs) to make the double-pole double-throw relay units operate in parallel output mode. The second control strategy specifically includes the following operations: Step S21, perform short circuit diagnosis operation: the control module sends a control signal to the double-pole double-throw relay unit to control the parallel control mode of all thermoelectric generators; Among them, the parallel control mode of all thermoelectric generators refers to the working mode in which the control module controls all multiple double-pole double-throw relays (DPDT) to make all multiple thermoelectric generators (S) in parallel. Then, in the parallel control mode of all thermoelectric generators, the actual power of the load is collected by the power acquisition module. The actual power of the load is compared with the preset short-circuit power judgment threshold. When it is less than the preset short-circuit power judgment threshold, it is determined that there is a short circuit problem in at least one thermoelectric generator S among all thermoelectric generators, and then step S22 is executed. Step S22: For various control modes of double-pole double-throw relay units, select and execute the control mode with more units connected in series until the actual power of the load collected by the power acquisition module is within the preset range of normal load power. Among them, the control mode of more series means that the control module controls all multiple double-pole double-throw relays (DPDTs) so that the double-pole double-throw relay unit is in the series output working mode. The third control strategy specifically includes the following operations: Step S31: When the thermoelectric generator (2) is in normal working condition, the control module collects and stores the power output of the thermoelectric generator (2) under various control modes of the double-pole double-throw relay unit in advance through the power acquisition module, and establishes a one-to-one mapping relationship between the control mode of the double-pole double-throw relay unit and the power output of the thermoelectric generator (2). The control module is used to collect the actual power of the load through the power acquisition module when the thermoelectric generator (2) is put into practical application, and to use the actual power of the load as the actual power output of the thermoelectric generator (2); Step S32: The control module compares the actual power output of the thermoelectric generator (2) with the preset normal load power range. When the actual power output of the thermoelectric generator (2) is lower than the minimum value of the normal load power range, the control mode of a double-pole double-throw relay unit with a larger output is selected to make the actual power output of the thermoelectric generator (2) fall within the preset normal load power range. When the actual power output of the thermoelectric generator (2) is greater than the maximum value of the normal working power range of the load, the control mode of a double-pole double-throw relay unit with a smaller output is selected to make the actual power output of the thermoelectric generator (2) fall within the preset normal working power range of the load. Among them, the control mode of the double-pole double-throw relay unit with greater output refers to: among the various control modes of the double-pole double-throw relay unit, the control mode of any double-pole double-throw relay unit whose power output of the thermoelectric generator component (2) is greater than the actual power output of the thermoelectric generator component (2) collected by the power acquisition module. Among them, the control mode of the double-pole double-throw relay unit with smaller output refers to the control mode of any double-pole double-throw relay unit in which the power output of the thermoelectric generator component (2) is less than the actual power output of the thermoelectric generator component (2) collected by the power acquisition module.

2. The deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator with adjustable output mode as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heat sink (1) of the radiator (1) is connected to the upper sealing cover (31) and the lower sealing cover (32) of the sealing cover assembly (3) by a detachable sealing connection. The heat sink (1) of the radiator (1) is sealed with an O-ring between the upper sealing cover (31) and the lower sealing cover (32) of the sealing cover assembly (3); O-rings are provided between the upper and lower openings of the heat sink (11) and the lower four-sided side wall of the upper sealing cover (31) and the upper four-sided side wall of the lower sealing cover (32), respectively.

3. The deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator with adjustable output mode as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Thermoelectric generator assembly (2) includes multiple spaced thermoelectric generator plates S and a cold end heat-conducting plate for fixing the thermoelectric generator plates S; The cold-end heat-conducting plate and the thermoelectric generator S-phase are in close contact; The cold end heat-conducting plate faces the heat dissipation cylinder (11) of the heat sink (1) which serves as the cold end, and is in contact with the inner side wall of the inner cavity of the heat dissipation cylinder (11). The thermoelectric generator S faces the heat-conducting block assembly (4) with the hot end and is in contact with the outer walls of the heat-conducting block assembly (4).

4. The deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator with adjustable output mode as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heat source (5) inside the second shell is an isotope heat source; The remaining space inside the first shell, excluding the second shell and the thermoelectric generator (2), is filled with insulation material with low thermal conductivity.

5. The deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator with adjustable output mode as described in claim 4, characterized in that, A double-pole double-throw relay unit includes multiple double-pole double-throw relays (DPDTs) connected end to end in sequence; Between any two adjacent double-pole double-throw relays (DPDT), a thermoelectric generator (S) is also provided. The double-pole double-throw relay unit includes multiple double-pole double-throw relays (DPDTs), with the DPDT at the beginning and the DPDT at the end also connected to a thermoelectric generator S.

6. The deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator with adjustable output mode as described in claim 5, characterized in that, For each double-pole double-throw relay (DPDT), contact 1 is an empty contact, contact 2 and contact 3 are respectively connected to the thermoelectric generator S set at its head, contact 4 is connected to the common positive circuit branch A, contact 6 is connected to the thermoelectric generator S at the tail end of the DPDT, and contact 5 is connected to the common negative circuit branch B. Branch A of the common positive circuit is connected to the positive terminal of the load; Branch B of the common negative circuit is connected to the negative terminal of the load.

7. An application of a deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator with an adjustable output mode as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It is applied to the field of monitoring seabed carbon dioxide leaks on carbon sequestration platforms.

8. An application of a deep-sea isotope thermoelectric generator with an adjustable output mode as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It is applied to the field of heat recovery from automotive exhaust emissions.

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